Mold spores are the reproductive units of the molds you find on your wall cracks, under carpet, ceilings, basements and even anywhere there is excessive moisture. Mold spores becomes a subject to worry about due to there ubiquitous nature. Although dehumidifiers will be of great help, but the best air purifiers for mold spores is by far the best option of halting the reproduction of mold.
An air purifier’s primary job description is to clean the air circulating around the home and depending on the specific product model, and it could be achieved through several applications, though it does the primary task of forcing air through several filter layers for cleaning. Since molds do a lot of daily interaction with the air in the area, having the best air cleaner for mold spores is essential to avoid further spreads.
The best mold spore air purifier should possess filters that are good and quality enough to remove contaminants in the atmosphere, which aids the multiplication and spreading of molds in the home. The best air filters for mold spores forces the contaminated air through filters that holds back the pollution, allowing clean air run through, hence making the environment safe to breathe from while removing the smells caused by these contaminants.
We’re pretty sure you are looking to get the most effective unit for this particular needs in the market today, and we can assure you wouldn’t be disappointed. This article does a tidy job in simplifying your search efforts, even as far as bringing the best air purifiers for mold consumer reports, having considered a lot of practical experiences of current users in picking our top recommended products.
Mold spores in the air: causes
Mold spores are really tiny organisms which are produced b molds for the purpose of reproduction; they are seed-like and helps mold spread all round any environment it contaminates.
Due to their lightweight, they are often able to float in the air, hence always present in an environment inhabited by molds, causing severe allergic reactions to sensitive individuals.
What happens when you inhale mold spores?
Mold poisoning may occur if a person inhales too many mycotoxins which are released by molds, over a long period of time. The infection could exhibit itself in a series of ways, from upper respiratory tract infection such as the flu or even cold, and depending on the body system, one might experience other severe symptoms.
Some examples are coughing, wheezing, stuffy nose, red eyes, itchy skin or eyes, runny nose, nosebleeds, etc. it might also worsen already existing symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent cough, and allergic reactions.
Dehumidifier or air purifier for mold
Although dehumidifier and air purifier performs differently, they have a final aim of reducing the presence of contaminations in the atmosphere.
Due to their different modes of functioning, their level of efficiency isn’t exactly the same. A dehumidifier works by removing the moisture content of the air in the atmosphere, hence creating a balanced humidity condition wherein molds can’t survive.
An air purifier, on the other hand, works by forcing air sucked inform the environment through several layers of filters, removing the pollutants present and allowing free clean air back into the atmosphere.
Due to this difference in operation, a dehumidifier can only create a hostile environment for mold spores, not cleaning or killing them directly, but an air purifier. On the other hand, directly removes these spores from the environment, hence making it more firsthand reliable against mould spores.
An air purifier that kills mold: which type of air purifier
Though filters are able to trap mold spores, killing them completely is an entirely different aspect on its own. In doing this, one would also need to look for a unit with good filters (HEPA), but it would have to be especially antimicrobial treated.
The means the filter would be able to hold and also kill spores it captures from the air, hence giving it no way back to escape into the atmosphere.
Top 5 best air purifiers for mold spores
1) AeraMax 200 Air Purifier for Mold
Special features: exceptional high performance, certified asthma and allergy-friendly, dimensions 13 x 20.5 inches, item weight 10.5 pounds, touch control panel.
This is a reasonably large-sized unit that comes with a good design and does an excellent job in cleaning the air in an environment efficiently. It features a fair design, with a wide-body accommodating the fan and filters while sitting upon a stand down below. Arranged vertically at the top right side of the unit are the controls, which are touch-sensitive, hence adopting the cool modern touch, rather than the old button press analog type.
Aeramax 200 air purifier employs a 4 stage filtration system, hence is apt at dealing with molds and spores, as well as allergens, viruses, bacteria and other contaminations. Being certified asthma and allergy free is another high to this product, meaning its design and mode of operation is suitable for people with such problems, and while in working condition, it would in no way aggravate their complication.
The filter stages consist of a true HEPA filter which is able to remove particle contaminant with size as small as 0.3 microns, while a carbon filter is also present for absorbing odour causing molecules in the atmosphere.
This unit special weapon against mold spores is in the presence of a special area safe antimicrobial treatment which is done on the true HEPA filter, hence killing mold spores trapped in the filter, which prevents their growth and gives the filter a longer life while killing bacteria in the home. The life span of the HEPA filter is about eight months depending on usage and environmental conditions, though it is a pretty impressive duration, and would offer lower operational costs in the long run.
Plasma TRUE technology is the last stage of filtering, and it works by creating a field where the air passes through, and in this ionized field, air from pollutants are removed from the air. With the help of the much-coveted auto mode, this air purifier is able to automatically monitor and adjust its performance to match the contamination level in the environment all at the push of a button.
It is able to serve medium to large-sized rooms of up to 400sqft and is really quest during operation though at night the control light might be too bright for sensitive sleepers, and its auto mode makes for really good user convenience.
- 4 stage purification,
- true HEPA filter,
- auto mode,
- suitable for medium to large-sized rooms,
- plasma true technology,
- carbon filter,
- antimicrobial treatment,
- long-lasting filter,
- quiet operation,
- filter replacement indicator light,
- auto mode.
- It is expensive.
2) LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Large Room with True HEPA Filter
Special features: energy star rated, auto-off on cover removal, energy star rated, CARB certified, FCC certified, CE listed, weight; 11.24 pounds.
This air purifier boasts a good number of certification on an impressive CV, which is a guarantee on its performance and design to meet strict requirements. It comes with a good design, possessing the control panel on a ledge which is connected at the top side of the unit.
It does a good job and is suitable for rooms of medium-sized up to 360sqft, being able to deal with dust, odours, molds and smokes efficiently in the home, changing the air up to 4.5 times per hour.
With the presence of a 3 stage filtration system, the unit boasts a good level of cleaning, with the pre-filter which is responsible for taking out the large particles floating in the atmosphere, being on the outskirt. It is then followed by a carbon filter which is able to absorb odour molecules, and lastly, a true HEPA filter whose responsibility is to deal with particles from 0.3 microns and larger in the air. It doesn’t possess an ionizer like the AeraMax type though.
While operating, the noise emitted could be an issue for most air purifiers in the market today, but not this one. It is designed to emit noise lesser than 27dB, meaning you would have to place your ears directly on the unit to pick up a sound, and the unit is being built with a security feature in which it wouldn’t start up unless the body covers are in place. Unlike the Aeramax, the control lights of this unit can be turned off, allowing light sleepers, have a better night.
It boasts of the auto mode too, with a smart sensor for automatically detecting the level of air contamination and running to balance it to a safe level, but it also comes with a bit extra in the presence of a timer feature.
This allows the user to set a period between 1 to 12 hours where the machine is to operate for, then shuts down. The filters should be changed every 6 to 8 months depending on the environmental conditions, though the filter replacement indicator light is always on hand to alert you as at when it is due for changing.
- True HEPA filter,
- quiet operation,
- auto mode,
- 3 stage filtration, pre-filter,
- carbon activated filter,
- suitable for medium-sized rooms,
- timer,
- filter replacement indicator light.
- it is expensive.
3) Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier
This is a good air purifying unit, also coming with good looks though it is quite bulky in size, it is as a result of the filter size and ability to remove contaminants from the atmosphere. The unit is suitable for small to medium-sized rooms, of up to 350sqft, wherein it would be able to filter and circulate the air in the atmosphere for up to 48 times per day.
With a whopping 6 in 1 filter stage, this unit makes use of a technology that employs the application of several designs of individual filters into one. The first embodiment is a cold catalyst filter, which acts as a pre-filter, removing large particles like dust or pet dander, as well as hose, hold chemicals like formaldehyde that are toxic from the environment.
There also exists a cellular activated carbon filter as the next stage for removing smoke, odour and gases that are regular in household activities.
The next level is an antibacterial filter, which has a responsibility of killing micro bacteria that is caught by the filter, hence preventing further growth, and a then a true HEPA filter does the last job of cleaning. Beyond the physical stages of filtration, the UV light and an ionizer are present to further sterilize on a molecular level.
As per the convenience of operation, this product offers a high level of comfort in the presence of remote control, which helps the user dictate their preferences to the machine from a distance, while the air quality sensor works in hand with the auto mode.
They both in hand determine the air quality level in the environment and dictates a befitting fan speed to the unit in order to keep a healthy balanced level while being really quiet in operation still.
- 6 in 1 stage filter,
- auto mode,
- air quality sensor,
- remote control option,
- quiet operation,
- only suitable for small to medium-sized rooms
4) RENPHO Air Purifier for Home Large Room
Special features: cool design, CARB certified, Intertek ETL certified, sleep mode, key lock function, item weight 15.8 pounds.
If air purifiers are to be judged by looks alone, then this unit is most likely going to be one of the very best available in the market today. It’s all-white colour, with a touch of blue is gives it a good appearance, while the curves and overall final touches ensure it brings beauty alongside its good performance to the table. Being CARB (California air resources Board) rated, and Intertek ETL certified assures the user of a certain level of quality to expect from the product.
The unit is made for small to medium-sized rooms, with an ability to serve up to 301sqft seen as the little worrying aspect of its performance, though its 4 stage filtration ensures that it does a good job when placed in a recommended space. As per mobility, the unit is actually weighty, with about 15.8 pounds and we must admit, it wouldn’t be exactly easy to move around, especially with no option of caster wheels too.
The 4 stage filtration consists of the basic filter components/ types that are necessary for properly cleaning the air in a room. Firstly is the pre-filter, which captures initial large particles in the air, preventing them from getting far in the filter stages.
A charcoal filter stands in next for absorbing inanimate articulates and dust, while there is also an activated carbon filter which has a specialty in eliminating and neutralizing common smells in the home such as pet smells. The last filtration stage is in the presence of a true HEPA filter, with a responsibility of removing allergen particles as small as 0.3 microns.
With an auto mode and air quality sensor, the device is able to atomically work to balance contaminations levels in the home, effectively indicating when there is a change in the level of atmospheric contamination at every moment.
For heavy sleepers, the unit has been built to be quiet while in operation and also possesses the special sleep mode which further quietens its sound, hence offering a noiseless disturbance during sleep.
The timer function also exists for further user flexibility and power-saving way, while there is a key lock function against kids in the home toying around with. Filters in the unit also have a good life span, being able to last for up to 6 months, while the unit possesses a separated filter replacement indicator for each filter, lighting up when there is a need for a change.
- 1-year buyer’s assurance and lifetime support,
- 4 stage filtration,
- auto mode,
- long-lasting filters,
- separated filter replacement indicator,
- timer.
- only suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
5) Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1 True HEPA Air Purifier
Special features: touch controls, weight; 6 pounds, dimensions; 10.8 x 6.9 x 12.1 inches.
Another cool looking product on our list according to design is this pure enrichment air purifier. Coming with a cool looking design, and curves around the top where the soft-touch controls are found, this unit is relatively lightweight unlike most air purifiers being only 6 pounds, hence it is easy to carry around the home. The presence of a handle space at the backside as well as 10.8 x 6.9 x 12.1 inches dimensions, also aids easy lifting and carrying.
Purchasing this unit, comes with a 5-year warranty, which is pretty impressive, hence having your back covered from losses for the foreseeable future. It is designed to be quiet while running with the lowest noise level of 30dB, though at higher fan speeds, you should expect it to produce more noise, with the level of about 50dB on the high.
It boasts three filtration stages in the presence of a merged active carbon filter and pre-filter. This single filter does the job of both a pre-filter and a regular carbon filter, removing large particles as well as dealing with odor causing molecules in the home.
A true HEPA filter is also present, which is the standard for removing particles as small as 0.3 microns, and it is supported by a UV-C light at the final level, attacking pollution like bacteria and viruses at a molecular level.
For easy and convenient operation, the auto mode and timer feature have also been incorporated, to both help, the machine maintains the air quality automatically at the touch of a button, as well as setting the working duration of the device. This makes it easy to use in the home, and the only downside being in the area of the room it can cover, just about 200sqft, which is very small.
- true HEPA filter,
- UV sanitizer, timer,
- auto shutoff,
- quiet operation,
- 3 stage filtration,
- five years warranty,
- suitable for small-sized rooms.
Features to consider when selecting the best air purifier for mold spores
- The area of coverage:
Different products are designed to be able to cover different room sizes, as some are apt in the small to medium-sized of up to 300sqft, while others can do more, hence for large-sized rooms. It is important to access your room size and cover in order to get a product suitable for your exact needs.
- Filter stages and types:
For really efficient cleaning, a HEPA filter is a must for such unit. Depending on the peculiarity of the contamination problem being considered which in this case is mold spores, choosing a unit with an activated carbon filter or special micro bacterial treated filter would ensure molds odours are dealt with and killed as soon as they are trapped in the unit.
- Auto mode:
Pertaining to air purifiers, this feature is really important, as it allows the machine to automatically regulate its fan speed, increasing or decreasing it to suit the immediate needs of the environment.
- Noise levels:
The unit should be quiet in order to not constitute a nuisance in the home while on.
How to remove mold spores from the air: step by step approach
- Reduce the humidity level in the home if high to a healthy level, by aerating or making use of a dehumidifier.
- Clean water-damaged areas to prevent more mold growth
- Vent moisture-generating sources
- Repair water leakages in the home.
- Get rid of mold on infected surfaces by a thorough cleaning.
- Do not use carpet or rugs in high moisture areas like the bathroom and basement.
- Make use of an air purifier for removing mold spores already present in the air.
Final Verdict: Best air cleaner for mold spores
A direct line can be drawn between the cleanliness level of the home and the degree of mold spores growing around, and it could be down to several reasons which we have discussed so far while establishing the importance of an air purifier in the mix.
Our top product recommendation for you is the AeraMax 200, being able to serve the largest room size capacity of about 400sqft, and boasts of cool automated features like the auto mode. Its three-layered filtration stages also mean it really does an effective work at its job.
On the other hand is the levoit unit, which boasts a good quality too like the aeramax, just falling short in the amount of room size it is suitable for and only having a three-layer filtration system.
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