The Best Air Purifiers for Mold Prevention

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We spent 3,000 hours testing air purifiers from brands like Dyson, Clorox & Blueair to find the best for reducing mold spores and improving indoor air quality.

Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post.

In This Article

Health / Dera Burreson

Mold is a fungus that grows in damp environments and can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory issues, fatigue, and headaches. Fixing the underlying moisture issue is the only way to control mold growth adequately. However, a portable air purifier can help reduce mold exposure by capturing airborne contaminants, like mold spores, and filtering the air.

According to Allergist and Immunologist Dr. Kara Wada, the best air purifiers for mold use HEPA filtration to remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles like fungi Aspergillus, which can contribute to mold-related allergies or chronic respiratory conditions. Also, look for features like activated carbon filters to absorb odors, UV-C light technology to kill mold spores, and humidity control to keep moisture levels low.We tested over 70 models from leading brands such as Blueair, Dyson, and Kenmore to identify the best air purifiers for mitigating in any room. Each air purifier was evaluated in our Health Lab and our homes and rated on their effectiveness in reducing airborne particles, common allergens, and mold spores. We also had a board-certified allergist/immunologist on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

Understanding these key features and terms related to air purifiers can assist you in selecting the best option for your household's needs.

With its advanced purification features, filtration performance, and durability, the EnviroKlenz Mobile Air System is the best air purifier for mold exposure. It features a hospital-grade HEPA filter, a proprietary mineral filter that neutralizes VOCs and microscopic pathogens, and UV-C light technology to inhibit mold growth and other microorganisms. The EnviroKlenz Air Systems are tested and proven to effectively remove common mold and fungi at a 99.9% removal rate, including common species Aspergillus niger and Penicillium citrunim.

After using it in a 300-square-foot bedroom, we saw a noticeable reduction in congestion and allergy symptoms overnight. The system is easy to operate, with a single dial offering four fan settings: whisp-air, low, medium, and high. The whisp-air setting is quiet, and even the highest fan setting is mild enough for comfortable sleep. It's designed with wheels and can cover up to 1,000 square feet with 3-5 air exchanges per hour. We also appreciate that it includes 2 years' worth of filter replacements.

Despite the high price tag and lack of features like digital displays or app controls, the EnviroKlenz Mobile Air System is a reliable investment for long-term improvement in indoor air quality and control of mold.

For its affordable price, effectiveness, and quiet operation, the Levoit Core Mini is a great value for anyone looking to manage mold and improve air quality in smaller rooms. It features a three-stage filtration system, including a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter, effectively targeting mold spores, dust, and other airborne particles. In testing, it performed best on high, thoroughly cleaning the air even though it’s a smaller model.

Its 360-degree air intake ensures consistent, fresh airflow throughout the room, making it suitable for reducing airborne mold spores in areas like small offices or bedrooms. It also includes a diffuser pad for essential oils, allowing you to add a pleasant scent to the purified air. As one of the quietest models we tested, the Levoit Core Mini operates quietly on low and remains unnoticeable on high, so it won’t disrupt work or sleep.

It’s easy to set up and operate, with a single-button control for fan speed and a filter change indicator light, making it user-friendly for all ages. Weighing less than 3.5 pounds, this purifier is lightweight and portable, with a minimalist design that blends into any decor.

The Winix 5500-2 Air Cleaner is an excellent choice for managing mold in large spaces like living rooms, thanks to its powerful filtration system and wide coverage area of up to 1,740 square feet per hour. Its True HEPA filter effectively captures mold spores, dust, and allergens, while the PlasmaWave Technology provides an additional layer of defense by breaking down pollutants at a molecular level, including odors and airborne microbes, without producing harmful ozone.

We appreciated that it came fully assembled and was quick to set up, providing immediate air purification benefits. Its remote control allows you to easily adjust settings from across the room, making it convenient to use in larger spaces. With four noise settings, we found the purifier to be impressively quiet; only the highest setting was noticeably audible, but even then, it wasn’t disruptive.

The Bionaire True HEPA 360° Air Purifier combines effective air cleaning with user-friendly features, making it a top choice for bedrooms where clean, mold-free air is essential. It's equipped with a True HEPA filter that effectively captures mold particles, UV light technology that targets bacteria and mold on the filter, an optional ionizer that helps bind smaller particles, and an activated carbon filter layer that helps eliminate smells associated with mold.

In testing, it achieved PM2.5 reductions of 78% and TVOC reductions of 81% on the low setting, with even better results on the high. Its 360-degree air intake ensures even, efficient coverage throughout the room, and its compact design easily fits into small spaces.

This purifier is ideal for nighttime use, as its gentle fan and low light output maintain air quality without interrupting restful sleep. Even on the highest setting, the sound is unobtrusive, more like soothing white noise than a disturbance. With three fan speeds, a timer (4, 8, and 12-hour options), night light, and night mode, this purifier offers quiet operation and thorough air purification, promoting a healthier sleep environment.

The Pure Enrichment PureBaby Bear Air Purifier combines effective air purification with child-friendly features, perfect for protecting children from mold and other airborne contaminants. Its adorable bear-shaped design adds a playful touch to any child’s space, making it both a functional and attractive addition to kid's room's or nurseries.

Equipped with a true HEPA filter, it efficiently captures mold spores, dust, and other allergens, providing cleaner air for children with sensitivities. The UV lamp is a key feature, as it provides extra protection by reducing bacteria and mold spores, which is especially helpful in humid environments. The intuitive touch-button interface allows parents to adjust fan speed, set timers, activate the UV light for added germ control, and engage the child lock for safety.

The night light offers seven gentle colors, allowing parents to choose one that won’t disturb a sleeping baby. Quiet operation across all three fan speeds creates a soothing background noise without disrupting sleep. With filters needing replacement only twice a year, this purifier offers excellent value, combining cost-effective maintenance, high-quality air filtration, and a charming, kid-friendly design that promotes a healthier environment for young children.

Mold releases microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which create the characteristic damp, musty smell associated with mold. The Blueair Blue Pure Max 411i quickly and impressively tackles odors, making it a great choice for freshening and purifying moldy air. In our testing, it reduced airborne allergens and unpleasant odors in just 30 minutes.

We also appreciated the night mode and light-dimming feature, which are great for bedrooms. This model’s wireless connectivity allows for convenient remote adjustments and provides updates on filter usage. With an annual maintenance cost of about $80, this air purifier offers great value for anyone looking to reduce mold odors and small particles.

When humidity is controlled properly, mold can't grow as easily. The Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool purifies the air and adds moisture with a humidifier setting, which can help reduce the risk of mold formation by maintaining optimal humidity levels. This purifier was highly effective at reducing airborne contaminants in our tests, and it removed 99% of airborne pollutants within 10 minutes in the highest setting.

This Dyson purifier features a unique catalytic HEPA filter that captures pollutants, bacteria, and mold spores but also destroys formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant. It has an activated carbon layer that removes gases and odors, and the hygienic humidification function helps maintain optimal indoor humidity levels, crucial in preventing mold growth. With a remote control, you can easily adjust fan speed, direction, oscillation, and mode from anywhere in the room. The device also displays real-time indoor air quality and filter life, and the Dyson app lets you monitor air quality, humidity, temperature, and pollutants directly from your smartphone.

Though it’s a significant investment at over $900, its combined ability to purify the air and maintain humidity levels makes it a valuable all-in-one solution, especially ideal for mold-prone spaces or homes with limited room for multiple appliances.

The Kenmore 1500e Air Purifier with SilentClean HEPA Technology is an excellent option for those seeking a quiet, efficient air purifier to reduce airborne mold. Its impressive "SilentClean" technology truly lives up to its name, making it the quietest air purifier we tested. The combination pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and activated carbon filters were sufficient in controlling odors and smaller particles that can contribute to mold. While the display panel may be subtle at first glance, it’s highly intuitive. It monitors air quality in real-time and adjusts accordingly, even remembering your last settings. This model is easy to set up and features wipeable filters, allowing for multiple uses and easy maintenance.

A key purification feature for air purifiers for mold is UV-C light technology, which uses light to reduce airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. The GermGuardian Airsafe+ Intelligent Air Purifier is equipped with UV-C light technology and a HEPA filtration that captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, including mold spores, dust, and pollen.

We tested the Airsafe+ in a medium-sized living room, and the difference was immediately noticeable. Since setting it up, we’ve seen less pet hair and experienced fewer allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and itching. The purifier is easy to set up and use, with a simple four-setting interface that includes an auto mode and an air quality indicator, which monitors the air 60 times per minute, automatically adjusting the fan speed to maintain optimal performance. Compact yet sturdy, it fits perfectly in medium-sized rooms and can handle high-traffic areas needing mold prevention.

The Levoit Core 400S impressed us with its quick and effective air purification, smart features, and strong performance. Its advanced three-stage HEPA filtration system, including a pre-filter, H13 True HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter, removed 99% of impurities, making it a highly effective air purifier for common allergens and mold spores.

This purifier also features AirSight™ Plus Technology—a smart laser dust sensor that detects airborne particles, provides real-time air quality updates, and automatically adjusts fan speed in Auto Mode based on particle levels. The fan offers five speeds and operates quietly, with noise levels as low as 24dB, making it ideal for nighttime use. The easy-to-use VeSync app allows you to monitor air quality, schedule operation times, and receive filter replacement notifications, all from your smartphone. Plus, it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offering convenient voice control for seamless integration into your smart home.

Health / Henry Wortock

The Rabbit Air A3 Ultra Quiet Air Purifier offers a feature-packed, low-profile, functional design. Its eight customizable filters, including a mold-specific option, allow for tailored protection against mold spores and allergens. With a coverage area of up to 1,070 square feet and optional wall mounting, it can effectively service a large bedroom, living area, and kitchen combined, an open-concept living and dining area, or an entire studio apartment.

The purifier has a robust, six-stage filtration system that includes filters for large particles, activated charcoal, and the BioGS HEPA filter, making it highly effective at capturing mold spores. During testing, this purifier excelled at removing small particles, with PM2.5 and TVOC reductions of around 88% and 81% on the low setting. On the highest (and impressively quiet) setting, it achieved 72% and 83% reductions, making it a powerful choice for mold control.

The A3’s intuitive LCD interface, auto-adjusting light sensors, air-quality sensors, and wireless connectivity enhance user experience, allowing easy monitoring and adjustments. Its quiet five-speed fan and negative ion generator add to its effectiveness while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. If you’re seeking advanced technology, sleek design, and excellent mold-fighting capabilities, the Rabbit Air A3 is a worthwhile investment.

The Dyson Purifier Cool Smart Air Purifier and Fan is an air purifier and fan combo that makes a great option for high-humidity areas like kitchens where mold often thrives. With its 360-degree HEPA and activated carbon filter, this purifier efficiently removes 99% of airborne pollutants—including mold spores—in its highest mode. The unit’s 0-to-350-degree oscillation circulates clean, cool air throughout the room, tackling both mold and odors. During our testing, the Dyson Purifier Cool impressed us with its quick setup, taking less than five minutes to get started. It quickly and completely cleared the room of airborne pollutants, including smoke and pet hair.

This Dyson operates quietly, even on the highest fan setting, which is ideal for a kitchen setting where you might prefer low noise. You can easily manage its functionality with a remote or the Dyson mobile app, both of which are intuitive. Features like night mode, which dims the display and reduces fan speed, and a filter replacement indicator that alerts you every 12 months enhance usability. The LCD screen and app allow you to monitor air quality, humidity, and temperature, making it simple to track your kitchen environment.

Thanks to its powerful filtration and efficient odor control, the Clorox Large Room Air Purifier is an excellent choice for bathrooms and basements where humidity and mold are common issues. Its True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.1 microns—including mold spores—while the two additional filters target larger particles and odors. With a 320 to 1,500 square feet coverage, it can service small shower rooms to big basements.

In our testing, the Clorox purifier significantly improved air quality within 30 minutes, reducing odors and leaving the room noticeably fresher. Its cylindrical three-stage filter effectively draws air from all corners, ensuring thorough purification throughout the space. The air quality indicator provides real-time feedback on cleanliness, which is especially helpful in monitoring mold-prone areas. With four fan speeds, the Clorox purifier offers quiet operation even at the highest speed. The control panel is easy to navigate, with clearly marked buttons for power, fan speed, and Auto mode, along with subtle lighting that won’t disturb the bathroom ambiance. Additionally, filter replacement is straightforward, making maintenance easy.

We have conducted a comprehensive six-month test of over 70 popular air purifier models, evaluating their mold removal performance in both home settings and controlled environments at the Health Lab. In our real-world tests, we used each air purifier at least once a week for six months. We documented our insights every one, three, and six months, detailing its durability, maintenance ease, and air quality effectiveness. For our lab tests, we assessed air purifiers based on their setups, noise levels, and effectiveness at reducing PM2.5 and VOCs. In both tests, each air purifier was rated for the following factors:

Throughout our research and testing process, we sought advice from certified allergists and air quality specialists to identify the most effective air purifiers for reducing mold and improving indoor air quality.

While air filtration can help reduce airborne mold spores, an air purifier will not eliminate indoor mold growing on or beneath surfaces like walls and floors. Dr. Fineman emphasizes that effective indoor mold control requires managing moisture and humidity to prevent conditions that promote mold growth. This in-depth process requires an independent inspection to identify affected areas and assess mold extent, followed by professional mold remediation to remove mold colonies and resolve underlying issues to prevent future mold growth.

To assess how well an air purifier removes allergens like dust, pollen, and smoke, use the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) as a guideline. The higher the CADR rating, the better the air purifier removes contaminants. Dr. Qamar recommends that your air purifier's CADR should be at least two-thirds of the room area in square feet. For example, a CADR of 250 for smoke means that the air purifier can clean the air in a 250-square-foot room of smoke in one hour.

While not a direct feature of all air purifiers, some models offer dehumidification or work well alongside dehumidifiers. Controlling humidity is crucial since mold thrives in moist environments. An indoor humidity between 30% and 50% keeps the air comfortably moist without encouraging mold growth

Choose an air purifier designed for your room's specific dimensions; otherwise, it may not work effectively. Most manufacturers provide recommended room sizes in their product descriptions. Dr. Siegel suggests placing air purifiers where you or the person you want to protect spends the most time or near the source you want to control. Don’t put it near the wall or in the corner.

The cost of replacement filters and the frequency with which they must be replaced varies from one air purifier to the next. Generally, HEPA and carbon filters last between 6 to 12 months, depending on usage. Some devices come with permanent filters that never need to be replaced or washable filters that can be used multiple times.

We also tested the below air purifiers, but they didn't make the cut for our top picks based on our criteria.

As a nurse and public health professional, Lindsay Modglin is an experienced journalist who covers the rapidly evolving health and medical field. Her byline has been featured in global publications like Forbes, Insider, Verywell, and more. She enjoys researching and writing about the latest developments in health, wellness, and medical technology. Her goal is to help readers make actionable and informed decisions about the products and services they use to improve their lives.

Lauren Paige Richeson is the Commerce Editor at Health, where she plays a crucial role in curating and presenting health-related content. With a strong background in health journalism and a passion for wellness, she engages readers by informing them about important health issues and empowering them to make better lifestyle choices. Through meticulous research and a keen editorial eye, Lauren ensures that the information published is both accurate and accessible.

Dubey S, Rohra H, Taneja A. Assessing effectiveness of air purifiers (Hepa) for controlling indoor particulate pollution. Heliyon. 2021;7(9):e07976.