The 10 Best Air Purifiers for Mold, Mildew & Other Spores & Viruses
- Last Updated: December 18, 2020
- Matthew Wilson
Mold is a type of fungus that can, unfortunately, invade your home and cause damage to your property as well as your health. If it’s already invaded, then you need to invest in quality air cleaners that kill mold.
This is a problem that won’t disappear on its own. So, we researched countless products to come up with a list of the 10 best purifiers that can handle both mold and mildew issues. Our air purifier for mold reviews should steer you in the right direction to cleaning and protecting the air in your home.
Let’s take a look at how these purifiers work and then get into our reviews.
Contents
Best Overall
Hathaspace Smart True 5-in-1 Air Purifier
- 5-in-1 filtration system
- Air Quality sensor and auto mode
- Remote control operation
- Sleep Mode noise level 20dB
- Room coverage of 350sqft
Best Air Purifier For Small Room
LEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier for Home
- HEPA filter Core 300
- 3-speed operation
- Silent Mode noise 24dB
- On/off display light
- Room coverage up to 219sqft
Budget-Friendly Air Purifier
RENPHO Air Purifier for Home
- 3-stage filtration system
- One-button operation | 3-speed
- Quiet mode option with noise level at 37dB
- LED night light
- Room coverage of 103sqft
Air Purifier For Large Room
Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier
- Pre-Filter and Max2 filter
- Smart auto technology mode
- Max noise level of 43.2dB
- Dual suction
- Room coverage of 1,560sqft
High-Quality Air Purifier
Dyson Pure Cool DP04-HEPA Air Purifier
- Air Multiplier Technology
- LCD screen and 3 air quality sensors
- Oscillation up to 350-degrees
- Sealed HEPA plus activated carbon filter
- Remote control
How Do Air Purifiers Help with Mold?
If mold has come into your home, then it isn’t just a surface issue that you can see on the floors, walls, and other places where there’s moisture. Mold spores can seep into the air and cause more problems. This is where air purifiers come in.
Air purifiers get rid of mold by doing what their name implies: purifying the air. They directly work to kill the mold spores. A black mold air purifier especially should have a quality filter that can remove the majority of microscopic particles in the air so that you know the spores are gone for good.
10 Best Air Purifiers for Mold
Best Overall
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- 5-in-1 filtration system
- Air Quality sensor and auto mode
- Remote control operation
- Sleep Mode noise level 20dB
- Room coverage of 350sqft | 2 air changes per hour
Overview
This 5-in-1 Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier works to eliminate multiple pollutants from your home from mold, to pet dander, and even dust mites. It works as both an air cleaner and an odor eliminator, and it features smart technology to make the adjustments you need concerning the fan speed in real-time as it detects air pollutants.
As a 5-in-1, it has five filters. The first cold catalyst filter removes larger particles. Second is the cellular-activated carbon filter that absorbs and remove odors, and the third is an antibacterial filter that targets bacteria and germs. Fourth is the True HEPA filter that handles 99.9% airborne pollutants like mold, and the final filter is the ionizer that electrically charges odors and air particles to neutralize them.
Many consumers view this as the best air purifier to remove mold as well as odors thanks to the 5-in-1 purification system in place. They also seem to enjoy the smart technology that offers auto-detection of pollutants in the air so it can adjust the speed on its own depending on the current air quality. Users also claim the filters are easy enough to maintain.
Some do feel that remote could be better organized and that it lacks good instructions on how to use all of the functions.
Pros
- Quality 5-step filtration system
- Good low-noise operation
- Detection sensors work well
Cons
- Minimal instructions
Best Air Purifier For Small Room
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- HEPA filter Core 300
- 3-speed operation
- Silent Mode noise 24dB | High operation noise 50dB
- On/off display light
- Room coverage up to 219sqft | 5 air changes per hour
Overview
The Core 300 Air Purifier from LEVOIT, available in black and white designs, filters the air across a large area with its HEPA filtration system. It’s the best purifier to kill mold that doesn’t make too much noise and, thanks to its sleek appearance, won’t stand out in your home.
What’s also nice about this purifier is that you can customize it to suit your home. You can choose from four different replacement filters depending on what you need: original Core 300-RF (multipurpose), pet allergy Core 300-RF-PA, toxin absorber Core 300-RF-TX, and mold and bacteria Core 300-RF-MB.
Consumers praise this air purifier is ideal for small to medium spaces as it has good coverage. They also enjoy the three-speed modes, more specifically, the night mode since it lowers the fan speed for quieter operation that won’t disturb you as you sleep.
There are some complaints though that at the lowest speed level, the filtration doesn’t seem all that powerful. However, at the higher settings, it can make a loud fan noise.
Pros
- Powerful filtration at higher speed levels
- Silent Mode option
- Compact and fits well in small spaces
Cons
- Lower speed doesn't filter that well
Budget-Friendly Air Purifier
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- 3-stage filtration system
- One-button operation | 3-speed
- Quiet mode option with noise level at 37dB
- LED night light and filter replacement indicator
- Room coverage of 103sqft | 3 air changes per hour
Overview
The RENPHO Air Purifier for Home works to kill 99.9% of air pollutants through its H13 HEPA filter. It offers 3-stage filtration: pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter for odor issues. One button is all it takes to handle everything on the unit from turning it on and off, to adjusting the fan speed.
It is a compact device intended for small to medium-sized rooms from bedrooms to home offices. For maintenance, simply check for the filtration replacement light to know when it’s time to change it. This filter system can usually last for about six months.
Consumers view this as a quality affordable air purifier for mold that can help create a healthier environment for your home without breaking the bank. Not only that, but users note that it can clean the air of most particles that various allergens. They also enjoy how straightforward and easy it is to use.
There are some complaints that it can get noisy, especially if used in a bedroom. You may have to keep it on the lowest setting in that case, but it won’t filter the air as strongly as the higher fan settings.
Pros
- Good coverage across smaller or medium room sizes
- Kills a good deal of air pollutants in a short amount of time
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Can get on the noisy side
Air Purifier For Large Room
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- Pre-Filter and Max2 filter (combination of activated carbon and True HEPA)
- Smart auto technology mode and LED air monitoring lights
- Max noise level of 43.2dB
- Dual suction
- Room coverage of 1,560sqft
Overview
The Coway Airmega 400 is intended to cover larger spaces, cleaning the air with a combination of a True HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter. It also contains a washable and permanent pre-filter system to capture those larger particles before they reach the other filters. With its built-in sensor, it communicates with the indoor air to detect changes.
There are five different fan modes to use depending on what you need. The smart function keeps you up-to-date on changes in the air, while the sleep mode function is ideal if you want to run it at night at lower noise levels. There is even a timer you can use so it runs for a set amount of time rather than continuous.
Consumers appreciate how well it functions in a large room. It appears easy enough to operate, and with the dual suction, it draws in air from multiple sides so that it can work faster at high efficiency. Although the pre-filter does get dirty fast, it is quick and easy to wash off.
There were some users that said the unit is rather bulky, so it can take up some space, especially considering you can’t put anything on it as it may obstruct the unit.
Pros
- Works fast across a large amount of space
- Simple to wash the pre-filter
- Runs quietly at the lowest fan setting
Cons
- Bulky in size
High-Quality Air Purifier
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- Air Multiplier Technology (more than 77 gallons of purified air per second)
- LCD screen and 3 air quality sensors
- Oscillation up to 350-degrees
- Sealed HEPA plus activated carbon filter
- Remote control and app compatibility
Overview
An intelligent air cleaner, the Dyson Pure Cool DP04-HEPA Air Purifier and Fan creates a healthier home environment through multiple filters. The 350-degree filtration system uses activated carbon for odors and gases, while the HEPA filter handles the smaller particles like mold. There are three sensors that detect polluted air, and it reports it all via the LCD screen.
You can also set up the oscillation from 0-350-degrees as well as a backward airflow mode so that you can purify without cooling down the room. It comes with a remote to control it, and it also is compatible with a Dyson Link app.
Many consumers say this Dyson Purifier is a good air filter for mold allergies thanks to the high-quality HEPA filter. The oscillation helps push it around the room, and thanks to the sensor, it can track the pollutants in the air as well as humidity levels so you may better manage the mold issue. Filters are easy to put in and take out for changing too.
Some users noted that the remote has a learning curve to understand, so it may take some time before you can use it properly.
Pros
- Sensors have a good amount of sensitivity
- Does well at circulating clean air throughout the room
- High-quality filters that are easy to change
Cons
- Remote can take some time to learn how to use
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- 4-speed fan setting with "pink noise" frequency
- Smart Sensor technology
- HEPA filter with ionizer that you can turn on or off
- Auto mode
- Room coverage of 1,100sqft every 30 minutes
Overview
Available in multiple colors, the Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier handles big rooms with no problems. The True HEPA-Silver filter captures mold spores in addition to airborne viruses and bacteria thanks to the antimicrobial compound inside. Its air quality sensor light helps keep you informed about the current state of the air at all times.
It features multiple speed modes, and at its lowest setting, is designed to produce a whisper-quiet noise that’s best used at night. On its turbo fan setting, it emits a frequency denoted as Pink Noise that’s quieter than the typical white noise sound.
As a room air purifier for mold, consumers appreciate the simplicity of setting it up and using it. It can cover a large room, and thanks to the handle on the back, it’s easy to move it around the home to target different rooms.
Although many have stated it does have low noise on the lowest two settings, on turbo mode or auto mode, it can get too noisy. Also, it may require a turbo run in order to successfully cover a more spacious area.
Pros
- User-friendly design
- Quiet on low-speed settings
- HEPA filter cleans the air fast
Cons
- Might only cover large rooms on the highest speed setting
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- 3-filter system: Pre-filter, charcoal filter, and True HEPA filter
- Optional UV-C light
- 3-speed setting with ultra-quiet low setting mode
- Filter change indicator light
- Room coverage of 167sqft | 4 air changes per hour
Overview
The Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter is a 3-in-1 purifier that can reduce mold spores, pet dander, and more from your home. It also has a UV-C light that aids in killing airborne viruses. There is even a pre-filter for larger particles and a charcoal filter to help absorb odors.
These filters are made to last 6-8 months, while the UV bulb should be changed every 10-12 months. You can customize the operation with its three various fan speed modes. On the lowest speed setting is the ultra-quiet mode. This unit is intended for use in medium-sized to large rooms.
Consumers claim there is a noticeable sign of the unit working after a short amount of time using it. It doesn’t put out too much noise even on the highest fan speed setting, and there’s also an appreciation for the optional UV light that easily turns on and off.
There are users that say the filters might get dirty fast though and require more frequent changing than they expected. Also, many feel as though the warranty should go longer than the stated 90 days.
Pros
- Optional UV-C light sanitizer
- Optimal coverage in a short amount of time
- Generally quiet operation
Cons
- Filters might need replacing more often than usual
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- Optional 12-hour timer
- Easy control with LCD screen
- 4 filter system: Pre-filter, antimicrobial, HEPA, and activated carbon
- Room coverage of 500sqft. every 30 minutes
- 3-speed fan setting
Overview
The Alen BreatheSmart T500 is a portable filter that’s ideal in most room sizes in a standard home or apartment. It is recommended for use to handle allergens, fur, household odors, mold spores, bacteria, and germs. This can even handle the likes of fungi and viruses thanks the compound in the HEPA-Silver filter.
There’s an optional ozone-safe ionizer that works alongside the HEPA filter to further improve the air purification process. It’s a user-friendly unit as well. Changing out the HEPA filter takes little time, as does adjusting the settings with the touch of a single button.
Consumers enjoy this high-quality air filter for mold as many claim to feel a difference within a day of running it. It produces minimal noise, and it has a small footprint so it won’t take up too much space. The display also darkens after you set everything so the light won’t be a bother at night either.
Some users did say that it might have a plastic-like smell when initially used, and there were also some complaints about the lack of support that comes with the product in case something happens to it.
Pros
- Optional ionizer system
- Doesn't produce that much noise
- Filters the air fast
Cons
- Might push out a smell when first using
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- HEPASilent technology with mechanical filtration
- Dual protection filters (sold separately)
- Wi-fi enabled control via app and Alexa
- Air quality sensors
- Room coverage of 434sqft
Overview
The Blueair Classic 480i Air Purifier delivers quality HEPA performance to eliminate small, harmful particles such as mold spores. It reaches medium to large-sized rooms well, and it features air quality sensors that track that tracks in real-time. You can adjust the fan setting or set it in auto mode.
This also features wi-fi enabled controls through the app, and it is even compatible with Amazon Alexa. The dual protection filters manage to purify the air at a faster rate compared to other standard carbon filters.
Consumers note that it runs nearly silently when used on the lowest fan speed mode. They like how well and how fast it filters the air, and just how intuitive it is to use thanks to the app that shows you everything you need to know such as the humidity level. It can cover a decent area in your home too.
Others did also mention that the unit is rather large and heavy, and with the lack of wheels, it can be difficult to move around.
If you were looking for an air purifier for the whole house, this one might be not enough for your home, check out those quality whole-home air purifiers.
Pros
- Intuitive and user-friendly design
- Can cover multiple rooms
- Powerful filtration process
Cons
- Large unit is tough to move around
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- 4-stage purifying system
- Reduces odors as well as air particles
- Customizable fan speed settings
- Compact and lightweight
- Room coverage of 40sqft
Overview
The hOmeLabs 4-in-1 Air Purifier is a compact unit that has a high 99.97% efficiency rate at killing small particles like mold spores. It uses 4-stage filtration: a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, a carbon filter, and an ion booster to release negative ions for fresher air quality.
This is intended for small room use and it features customizable fan speeds as well as a sleep-friendly low mode that’s quieter.
Consumers praise this as the most effective air purifier for mold in small-sized rooms. It can sit well on a bathroom counter if that’s where your mold is, and it even works on a nightstand or desk. This seems to filter fast in spite of its size for a noticeable difference within the same day of turning it on.
There are consumers that don’t appreciate the bright blue light that can’t turn off, however.
Pros
- Fast filtration process
- Wonderful for small space use
- Cuts down on odor as well as air pollutants
Cons
- Constantly emits a bright blue light
What Type of Air Purifier for Mold to Buy?
Air purifiers come in a variety of models. Their types depend on things like their filtration system, what they remove, and whether they’re made for home or commercial use.
Since we’re focusing on air purifiers for mold issues, you can look at a handful of different types. HEPA air filters, as we mentioned before, are good for mold seeing how effective they are at killing small particles. This type does need to be replaced more often, usually monthly.
You can also look for ultraviolet air purifiers if you have a mold issue in a smaller space since these are made compact. UV machines are able to kill around 99.9% of mold spores, but their bulbs should be replaced yearly or sooner if you use it often.
Ionic air purifiers are another we mentioned earlier that can also help with mold problems. The majority of these are large, but there are some home-sized ones you may find. They can handle most air problems except for odors.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Air Purifier for Mold
When you’re shopping for an air purification device, there are many important factors to keep in mind. These will ensure you get the right air purifier for your specific issues.
- Room Coverage
An important feature to look for in any air purifier is the amount of coverage it offers. If you have a mold issue in a large room, then it’s most ideal to get a purifier that has a wide coverage. These can be more expensive, but they ventilate spacious areas better.
There are compact units that are just as capable over a smaller area though, so if your room isn’t big, then consider purchasing these types of units instead.
- Technology
Various technologies are used inside air purifiers to determine what they can filter out and how well they can do it. As you browse these products, you’ve probably seen HEPA mentioned often.
HEPA, an acronym for “high-efficiency particulate air” filter, can remove roughly 99.9% of airborne particles such as mold and bacteria that are around 0.3 microns in size.
Such small particles are dangerous since you can inhale those easier, so if mold’s an issue, you’ll want a powerful filter that can stop them in their tracks before they reach you.
A commercial air purifier tends to have these filters, but you can easily find them in home-based air purifiers as well.
Some have additional technology like silver ion, which can be helpful for mold removal since it contains antimicrobial properties.
- Maintenance
For air cleaners to work properly, their filters have to be good, and that requires proper maintenance. Usually, the most you’ll have to do is change out the filter on a regular basis. Exactly how often depends on the air purifier. Some expensive models can go months to a year without a filter change, while the more affordable ones may need switching out every couple of months.
- Noise Level
Just like with common fans, not all of us want to hear constant loud noises from our air purifiers. It can quickly become an annoyance, but unfortunately, not every product details the noise level. You may find some that highlight how quiet they operate, so consider checking those out first, especially if you plan on being in the home while the purifier is running.
- Warranty
This may not feel like an essential until you need it, but a good warranty can go a long way to ensuring your product remains functional over time. Mold can always come back, so you want a system that’s reliable, but in the event it’s not, it should have a good warranty attached.
Air Purifier for Mold and Mildew – FAQ
Some people might go toward dehumidifiers when it comes to killing mold in the home. Dehumidifiers do work at removing moisture, which can be the issue behind the mold in your home. So, it’s helpful when you want to stop and prevent any more mold from coming in.
However, they don’t handle the mold spores that are already in the air. That’s why a good air purifier is useful in this case as it cleans the air from those harmful particles.
As long as you have the right type of air purifier, then it should do away with any color mold. Always check on the filter that’s used so you know it can remove the airborne mold spores as those particles are remarkably tiny and can pass through other filters with ease.
No, air purifiers on their own do not permanently get rid of mold or mildew. There is a combination of things you need to do to completely eliminate those issues. For one thing, if you see mold on the walls, floors, or furniture, then you need to clean it.
Whatever you can’t successfully clean, then you should throw it out. If the issue is too bad (e.g. in the drywall or ceiling tiles), then you may need to contact a professional.
Making the Decision
If we have to choose the best air purifier for mold and mildew from our list, we feel the Hathaspace Smart 5-in-1 True HEPA Air Purifier is the go-to choice. It has a remarkable five system setup that handles large and small particles as well as odor issues, comes with a 2-year warranty, and is easy to maintain over time.
You can also try out the more affordable LEVOIT Air Purifier for more compact filtration needs as it’s generally quiet and can handle simple mold issues well. Feel free to check them out or any of our products to learn more.
