As the head of the household, it is your responsibility to ensure your family’s health and safety.
Unfortunately, indoor air quality is an important aspect that is often overlooked.
To address this concern, you can start by investing in the best air purifier for mold.
This device not only assists in maintaining clean indoor air but also keeps mold contaminants at bay.
You will find hundreds of this device available on the market, but we took it upon ourselves to narrow down the choices to the top five.
How Do You Tell if There Are Mold Spores in the Air?
Before you decide which of the best air purifier for mold spores to choose, how sure are you that you really need one?
There are three ways to determine the presence of mold spores contaminating your air:
1. It will smell.
Not all mold species release a discernible scent, but those that do have a damp, musky scent.
2. Your body will react.
Even without the scent, mold spores contaminating indoor air will signal your body to produce an allergic reaction.
This is characterized either by sneezing, wheezing, or other related symptoms.
3. Test it.
If you suspect mold contamination even with the absence of odors and physical symptoms, you can simply get a mold kit and test the air yourself.
Comparison Chart
Best Air Purifier for Mold: Brief Reviews
1. Levoit Vital 100 Air Purifier for Home
Levoit is one of the most popular brands of air purifiers today.
If you are looking for an air purifier that removes mold, Levoit’s list of products is a good place to start searching for one.
Based in California, the brand is actually owned by the Arovast Corporation and was founded in 2017.
It specializes in three main product categories: air purifiers, humidifiers, and salt lamps.
All of them are dedicated to making the air in our home cleaner and safer.
Despite this product’s quality, it is surprisingly more affordable than other air purifiers of its caliber.
Not to mention, Levoit promises that the aircleansed09-20nt filters for this unit (Vital 100 RF) will always be made affordable.
Review
The Levoit Vital 100 Air Purifier is available in two color variants: gray and white.
More than its sleek looks, it promises to filter out 99.97% of airborne microscopic contaminants present in the air using the H13 HEPA filter.
Another impressive feature is its enhanced coverage thanks to its three-speed fan setting.
Speed 1 is ideal for bedrooms and helps improve sleep quality.
Speed 2 is for office use, more specifically, for keeping allergens that can affect mental clarity and creativity at bay.
Finally, speed 3 is for larger indoor spaces that a lot of people share at the same time.
It also boasts other features that encourage smarter use, such as a timer and a check filter indicator.
The Vital 100 Air Purifier comes with a timer that makes it more energy-efficient particularly for those who use an air purifier to sleep at night.
The check filter indicator gently reminds you when to change your filters for optimum performance.
As mentioned, you can always get a aircleansed09-20nt filter from Levoit.
It is important to note, however, that the preliminary filter it comes with is washable.
Our favorite feature has got to be its ability to accommodate any room regardless of size.
It will just depend on how long you will run the device.
Small rooms will take 18 minutes, mid-sized rooms will take 30 minutes, and large rooms will take an hour.
The only downside is that it gets less and less efficient as the space gets bigger, even if it is well within the limit of 975 square feet.
Pros:
- Fully certified by CARB, FCC, and ETL
- H13 HEPA Filter included
- Replaceable filters
- Will fit any space
- Affordable
Con:
- Gets less effective as the room gets bigger
2. Guardian Technologies Germ Guardian AC4825E Air Purifier
Another fantastic air purifier you can trust when it comes to removing mold is the Germ Guardian AC4825E.
The company focuses on creating home improvement appliances, primarily those that can improve indoor air quality.
With Guardian Technologies’ wide range of products, you’d be able to create a home that is comfortable for humans and furry companions alike.
The AC4825E belongs to the brand’s Germ Guardian line, a collection of air purifiers for different indoor needs.
Just like the previously reviewed unit, it is marketed to families and comes at an affordable price point.
Review
The AC4825E promises to remove up to 99.97% of air contaminants, including pet dander, smoke, and, of course, mold.
This is possible thanks to the several layers of filters within the machine.
First, you get a pre-filter and charcoal filter, which captures larger particles, pet hair, and odors).
Next is a True HEPA filter, getting rid of smaller particles like dust mites and pet dander.
Finally, there’s the UV-C light that seeks to kill germs and viruses.
This air purifier can handle various room sizes, from small spaces to large rooms of up to 153 square feet.
Filters are replaceable, and buying them directly from Guardian Technologies will allow you to enjoy free shipping.
This product comes with free support and a three-year warranty service, too.
Be careful of buying from a non-reputable online seller, as there are reports of faulty circuitry from some users.
Pros:
- Fully certified and verified by CARB, AHAM, and Energy Star
- True HEPA filter included
- Replaceable filters with free shipping
- Affordable
- Includes a three-year warranty
Con:
- Risk of getting a faulty product
3. Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
Coway is probably the oldest company in this lineup.
Having been founded in 1989, this Korean brand focuses on home wellness appliances.
It has ranked the 1st in Korea Consumer Electronics Market Share and Brand Awareness.
The company offers three main product categories: water purifiers, air purifiers, and bidets.
What sets Coway’s air purifiers apart is that it is categorized according to a home’s needs.
For instance, the AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier is meant for mid-sized rooms (around 45.8 square meters or 493 square feet).
As for the price, it is a bit more expensive than the previous units.
Review
The AP-1512HH Might Air Purifier comes in two color variants: black and white.
It has a more powerful filtration system that promises up to 99.99% removal of airborne contaminants and allergens.
You can thank Coway’s Green HEPA technology for that. This technology consists of four filtration stages.
First is the pre-filtering stage, which catches hair strands and large particles.
You also get a deodorization filter that takes care of odd smells and fumes.
The Green True HEPA filter catches finer particles and mold.
And, finally, the vital ionizing filter. This breaks down and reduces air contaminants further with a bipolar ionizer.
Aside from those already mentioned, you will appreciate that there’s a built-in air quality indicator.
It doesn’t just tell you how well your device is performing but also serves as a reminder on when to change its filters.
Its Auto mode is smart and intuitive, a helpful feature for customers using an air purifier for the first time.
This unit also comes with an airflow control system that ensures better ventilation and overall increased indoor air quality.
Then again, like any air purifier, this unit is not perfect.
You will notice that the fan blades are not made of durable material, so be careful when running it on the high-speed setting.
Pros:
- Well-known brand
- Brand-exclusive features
- More powerful filtration technology
- Filters in four stages
Cons:
- Designed only for mid-sized rooms
- Fans are not very durable
4. Toppin HEPA Comfy Air C1
Toppin specializes in four main product categories: air purifiers, humidifiers, soap dispensers, and house cleaning equipment.
The company’s main objective is to provide families with ways to achieve a cleaner, healthier home.
Toppin offers two air purifier models, the HEPA Comfy Air C2 (for large rooms) and the HEPA Comfy Air C1.
Both are significantly cheaper compared to all of the units we’ve looked at so far.
However, it is important to note that they are also smaller in size.
In fact, the Toppin HEPA Comfy Air C1 can even be considered a tabletop appliance, unlike the others that will occupy floor space.
That being said, it’s a good option for both homeowners and students alike.
Review
Despite its size, a couple of features set the Toppin HEPA Comfy Air C1 apart from others.
First, it is equipped with a UV light.
Not only does it make the purifying aspect more efficient, but it also doubles as a soft night light.
Second, this product comes with a fragrance sponge.
All you need to do is press the device’s fragrance cap gently to remove it and put a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
With this simple addition, your air purifier is now an oil diffuser, as well.
As for the filtration system, the Toppin HEPA Comfy Air C1 comes with four layers of filters.
First is the nano-silver coating, which seeks to reduce and prevent mold and bacterial growth.
Next is the pre-filter in charge of catching large particles.
The third is the HEPA-type filter, responsible for catching smaller particles.
Finally, it is also equipped with a carbon filter that seeks to eliminate smoke and odors.
These layers make up a cylindrical filter you can replace through Toppin and its online distributors.
For the best results, remember to replace them every six months.
Toppin recommends starting with a high-speed setting for 30 minutes and lowering it down later on if you want to keep your device running longer.
Our main complaint, though, is that this product doesn’t come with a timer, which would have been a nice addition.
Pros:
- HEPA filter included
- Has replaceable filters
- Small and portable
- Diffuser included
- Doubles as a night light
Con:
- Limited features
5. Intelabe HEPA Air Purifier
Intelabe’s HEPA Air Purifier is one of the most affordable units we’ve found. In fact, it is even cheaper than the Toppin HEPA Comfy Air C1.
For comparison, Coway’s AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier is four times the price of this one.
Just like Toppin’s, this is also a tabletop device.
It is great for those who need an air purifier that removes mold and can sit nicely on their bedside table, office desk, or dorm room.
It is small and portable at a height that is less than 10 inches.
Review
The Intelabe HEPA Air Purifier promises to remove 99.97% of air contaminants with its three-stage purification system.
This includes a fine pre-filter that catches airborne particles and an antibacterial cloth that seeks to cleanse the air.
Finally, there’s the HEPA filter, which filters out any contaminant that might have escaped the previous ones.
Intelabe understands how energy-consuming it is to run an air purifier for an extended period.
That’s why it has equipped the HEPA Air Purifier with energy-saving capabilities supported by a wind-speed adjustment and smart filter detection.
After all, both the wind speed and filtration capacity can force the unit to work harder and consume more energy.
Lastly, it also comes with a diffuser that helps in dealing with weird odors.
Unfortunately, due to the small size of the machine, you can expect its capacity to be limited.
Pros:
- HEPA filter included
- Replaceable filters
- Small and portable
- Diffuser included
- Operates quietly
Con:
- Smaller capacity compared to others
Do Air Purifiers Help With Mold?
The answer is both yes and no. Air purifiers can filter out mold spores contaminating the air.
UV filters can also kill biological contaminants like mold, bacteria, and viruses, depending on the wattage and the duration of the exposure.
On the other hand, an air purifier won’t be able to stop mold development.
To do this, it has to be equipped with a humidifier or dehumidifier that can influence moisture, the primary requirement for mold growth.
Can Air Purifier Kill Mold?
In this light, no, an air purifier can’t kill mold from its source.
It can only kill the spores present in the air and possibly prevent it from further spreading.
However, this doesn’t mean that it would be enough to rid of it completely.
What Kills Mold Spores in the Air?
An air purifier can kill a mold spore only if it captures it through its filters, especially one equipped with a UV light feature.
There are other techniques you can explore, as well.
Vinegar, for instance, is an effective and organic solution. Disinfecting sprays will also work.
What’s Better for Mold Air Purifier or Dehumidifier?
As mentioned, air purifiers and dehumidifiers have different functions.
Hence, we believe that the best option to get rid of a mold infestation is to use these two together.
You can get rid of the mold contaminants in the air with the air purifier and stop mold development with a dehumidifier.
For More Serious Infestations
Please note that there are levels of mold infestation that can be difficult to deal with, even with these two devices on hand.
If that happens, here are two steps you can try:
1. Take the DIY route.
There are plenty of references online on how to kill mold growth on your own.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Ensure safety.
Wear proper personal protective equipment. An N-95 mask is a must.
You might want to isolate the problem areas to prevent mold from infecting other parts of your home.
- Do your research.
There are cleaning ingredients that must never be mixed.
Mixing bleach and vinegar, for instance, can create deadly fumes.
Make sure to perform your research before doing anything.
- Be smart about it.
If you are dealing with a mold issue following a fire or water damage, it would be wise to inform your insurance agent first before doing anything.
Remember to document the entire process with photos or video footage.
2. Seek professional help.
A professional mold remediation team has the proper training and gear to solve even the most severe cases.
Their services can be costly, sure, but the convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind they provide are invaluable.
What Is the Best Air Purifier for Mold and Mildew?
The best air purifier for mold spores will all boil down to your specific needs.
Those who just want to improve their home’s indoor air quality, in general, will benefit from a big unit like Levoit’s Vital 100 Air Purifier for Home.
Simply position it in a room your family frequently uses or shares, like the living room or entertainment center.
You can also place it in a room where your pet loves hanging out to minimize allergies coming from their hair and dander.
Meanwhile, those who need something more focused can instead opt for a smaller unit like the Toppin’s HEPA Comfy Air C1.
It’s great for office and dorm use. Students will also find the price more acceptable.
Don’t be afraid to buy as many air purifiers as you need, especially if you live with someone who suffers from a respiratory ailment or has a weakened immune system.
Get a bigger unit to place in common rooms, and a smaller one for the bedroom. You can also opt for a portable air purifier you can easily haul around.