Up to 50 percent of American households have mold, but that doesn’t mean yours has to be one of them. We’ve rounded up the best air purifiers for mold that not only remove allergens but stinky smells, viruses, and more. You’ll breathe easier — literally! — once you have one.

Mold is one of those unfortunate parts of life. Mildew, aspergillus, and Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) love moisture, and that’s a problem since half of all homes have damp environments, according to WHO (the World Health Organization). Besides being unsightly, mold can trigger allergies and worsen lung problems. And just clearing the bits you’re able to see isn’t enough to get rid of mold. The real issue lies in mold spores, which cause mold to grow and are harder to do away with for good. You can find them everywhere — even indoors.

The easiest way to eradicate them is with an air purifier. What makes these devices so handy is they not only remove mold spores but they get rid of other things like airborne viruses and toxic fumes.

Best Deals on Air Purifiers For Mold For Amazon Prime Day:

  • Best overall air purifier for mold: Dyson Pure Cool Link TP02
  • Best air purifier for viruses: Molekule Air Mini
  • Best air purifier for mold and dust mites: LG PuriCare 360 Air Purifier
  • Best odor-absorbing air purifier FOR MOLD: RabbitAir MinusA2
  • Best air purifier for mold: Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09
  • Best air purifier for mold and fungus: Honeywell HPA300 HEPA Air Purifier
  • Best HEPA air purifier for mold: Dyson Purifier Humidify Cool Formaldehyde
  • Best quietest air purifier FOR MOLD: Blueair Blue Pure 211 Air Purifier
  • Best Air Oasis iadaptair air purifier FOR MOLD : Air Oasis iAdaptAir-M
  • Best air purifier for mold with UV-C light: Germ Guardian 4 in 1 High Air Purifier

What type of air purifier is best for mold and mildew?

When looking for the best air purifier for mold and mildew, you want to focus on the filter being used. Mold spores are small. Like, so small our naked eye can’t detect them. HEPA filters do an excellent job of catching these things, and most quality purifiers will have one.

HEPA is an acronym meaning “high-efficiency particulate air.” These filters are made from a combo of fiberglass and an activated carbon-based material. Some air purifiers, like the Dyson Purifying Cool Formaldehyde, use a HEPA filter, as well as other mechanisms, to clean the air.

To understand the magic that is a HEPA filter, you have to appreciate how tiny mold spores are. They’re between three to 40 microns, thirty microns smaller than human hair. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HEPA filters can grab particles as small as 0.3 microns in size.

Will air purifiers help with mold?

One mechanism that gets rid of mold is UV-C light. It’s great at destroying mildew, other fungi, and germs. Air purifiers, like the Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier, use this technology to attack spores and viruses at a DNA level, frying them to oblivion. I know — gruesome.

Another way that air purifiers remove mold is through PECO technology. It can destroy organic matter as small as .1 nanometre. Unlike filters, which have to be replaced to remain effective, PECO tech uses active atoms to break down pollutants. Molekule’s Air Mini features this purification system. It’s sleek, portable, and can even kill Covid-19.

Can air purifiers help with Covid?

Most of the best air purifiers for mold also trap airborne viruses, like Covid. For example, the UV-C light of the Germ Guardian Air Purifier kills staph, rhinovirus, and influenza. It also has an activated charcoal filter that nixes smells of smoke, pets, and other stinky stuff.

Although air purifiers can’t fully protect you from viruses like Covid, using them, along with getting vaccinated and wearing the right masks, may reduce your risk of getting sick.

What happens if you breathe in mold spores?

Mold is considered an allergen, which can be harmful to breathe in. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you’re sensitive, you could experience sneezing, watering eyes, and an itchy throat. Similarly, if you have a pre-existing condition, like asthma, breathing may become more difficult.

Even if you’re not asthmatic or allergic to mold, you should still cut your risk of exposure. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there’s a connection between exposure to mold and upper respiratory tract symptoms in people who are otherwise healthy. Like many things, it boils down to how much you’re subjected to contaminants, and air purifiers can cut exposure down significantly. The best air purifiers for mold will also absorb dust, pollen, and germs.

How do you get rid of mold spores in the air?

With an air purifier, of course! Unfortunately, it’s the only way — which is why we want to help. Opening your window, while a great way to get fresh air, won’t resolve your mold problem. It can help remove moisture if the air outside is dry, but it can also allow pollutants in.

If you’re concerned that an air purifier will be a clunky eye sore, don’t worry. There are dozens on the market ranging from slim to futuristic looking, and they’re completely non-intrusive. For example, the RabbitAir MinusA2 can be hung on the wall. It has multiple filters, can eradicate smells, and cleans a room as big as 815 square feet. It can also absorb particles as small as .1 microns. Trust me; mold spores will see it and fly out the door.

Does Dyson purifier remove mold?

Dyson is one of the leaders in household technology — they even won an award for it in 2019. So, it’s no surprise that they make one of the best air purifiers for mold! In fact, they make several.

I won’t share all of my picks here. However, I will say the Dyson Purifying Cool Formaldehyde is notable. It’s frequently mentioned as a favorite by consumers since it automatically reads the surrounding air and filters accordingly. It also can remove gases, including formaldehyde.

Looking for even more options? Check out our other recommendations:

  • Best Air Purifiers
  • Best Air Purifiers for Viruses

Best Air Purifiers for Mold

Why we like it:

  • Removes 99.7 percent of pollutants and allergens
  • Absorbs paint fumes and mold and is certified asthma friendly
  • No spinning blades

Whether you’re fighting mold or pollen or want to remove evidence of your family’s last fish fry, this purifier gets the job done. Its HEPA filter catches everything from super small bacteria to dust particles. A second filter removes volatile organic compounds, like fumes and smoke, keeping the air fresh. The purifier is also bladeless, so it’s safe for the kid’s room or near Fido.

Promising review: “I love the simple design, and that it’s jam-packed with all kind of sensors. You can check for air quality, temperature, and even humidity. The bladeless fan is icing on top. This purifier does a fantastic job at eliminating allergens. We have two dogs, as well as two kids. Anyone with kids will understand how much pollution they manage to bring into your home. I am constantly finding dirt, plants, rocks, and all kind of debris in their pockets. With this purifier, the family can breathe a lot easier. It makes the air feel cleaner and less musty.”

Molekule Air Mini

Why we like it:

  • Uses PECO technology to reduce Covid and airborne viruses
  • Air sensors that read air quality
  • Energy efficient

Good things come in small packages, especially when packed with PECO technology. A study with the Molekule Air Mini showed it’s a powerful tool in fighting against germs, including Covid. It pulls in air from all directions, taking out what’s nasty and only leaving the good. It’s compact, quiet, and easy to transport from room to room. Ideal for smaller areas.

Promising review: “I live next to smokers, and it comes through my walls. The Air Mini [removed] the smell! I have a 100-year-old row home, and the basement smells moldy, despite being redone. This air purifier fixed it! I LOVE this product and need one for every room.”