One of the best and most common ways to combat mold is utilizing an air purifier for mold. This method can be done without much effort or surveillance and will guarantee the least mold exposure.
Here is a list of Best air purifiers that prevent and combat mold
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Levoit LV-H132
The LEVOIT LV-H132 Air purifier is agreat air purifier for mold. One of the most popular models on the market, the LEVOIT LV-H132 does not use standard methods of air purification such as UV or ions which can create harmful air pollutants; instead it uses a three-stage filtration system that removes 99.97% of dust, allergies, smoke, odors, pollen, pet dander, and most importantly mold spores!
This model comes with a three-speed setting which can handle even the most polluted conditions, creating a clean mold free atmosphere in the home.
This air purifier operates quietly and offers the options of night lights for night use and affordable replacement filters which last between 6 to 8 months depending on the condition of the air in the home.
The LEVOIT LV-H132 air purifier is not only efficient at its job but also cost-efficient, having some of the most affordable replacement filters on the market for long-term use.
Hathaspace Smart True HEPA AirPurifier, 5-in-1
Known as the Destroyer of Pollutants, Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier is capable of eliminating virtually any air pollutant in the home. This air purifier guarantees to remove contaminants in the air such as bacteria, dust mites, allergens, pet dander, viruses, smoke, mold spores, and any other invading microorganisms that could be potentially harmful.
The Hathaspace Smart air purifier even can relieve asthma and allergy symptoms, runny nose, shortness of breath, sneezing, and congestion by removing the contaminating substances that cause them. This system has an automatic air flow system which continually changes the air quality in the home utilizing advanced air quality sensors and monitors which adjust the fan speed according to the quality of the air.
This air purifier is one of the smartest on the market, and also replaces the air in 350 sq. Ft rooms up to 2 times per hour compared to other systems.
Bissell air400
The Bissell air400 Air Purifier uses a 3-stage filtration system which can silently capture 99.7% of microscopic organisms and particles. This machine uses a carbon filter which can detain particles of smoke, pollen, dust, and pet dander.
This model does not specify whether it is capable of collecting pollen but is still one of the best models on the market today. The Bissel air400 is capable of exchanging up to 3 times the air in a 400-sq. Ft room within each hour making it a powerful air purifier. Filter changing of this model is dependent on the condition of the air in the place it is too purify, but the unit comes with one filter which is to be changed every six months.
The Bissell air400 is one of the most cost efficient and productive air filters, easy on your pocket, but hard on air pollution.
Levoit LV-PUR131
LEVOIT Air purifiers are a favorite brand because it uses alternative technology to other brands which use UV or ION technologies which can cause more harm than good when purifying the air of your living spaces.
The Levoit LV-PUR 131 Air purifier eliminates odors and air pollutants using a 3 stage TRUE HEPA filter and activated carbon filters which remove 99.97% of air pollutants such as smoke, odors, pollen, pet dander, and it’s even hard on mold spores!
This filter has the capability of filtering particles smaller than 0.4 microns and larger air pollutants which cause stuffy noses and congestion. The smart technology applied to this air purifier ensures that the system automatically adjusts its fan speeds dependant on the quality of air in the area it’s used in, saving energy.
This system also has a sleep mode which purifies the air as you sleep, on the lowest setting with optional LED display and timer for respiratory system protection while you sleep. Energy-Star certifies this model for meeting their strict requirements and is quality assured, and also energy-saving.
Alen BreatheSmart Classic Large Room Air Purifier
The Alen BreathSmart Classic air purifier is not only effective at cleaning and purifying the air, but also stylish. This air purifier model is one of the only models which offer color options.
The Alen BreathSmart Classic is capable of absorbing even the smallest of particles while coming in multiple stylish colors such as Brushed bronze, Brushed stainless, espresso, gold champaign, Graphite, maple, oak, primer, rosewood, weathered gray and white.
The Alen BreathSmart Classic air purifier uses their patented WhisperMax technology which makes this not only one of the more proficient purifiers but also the quietest on the market. This model is capable of removing allergens, bacteria, light odors, chemicals, and mold.
The filter used in this model is silver based and coated with an antimicrobial compound that keeps bacteria and fungi from growing inside of the machine, which is a common problem with other models on the market.
This wonderful purifier is capable of displaying the air quality of a room in real time with its smart laser sensors which can detect even the tiniest airborne particles.
The Alen BreathSmart Classic patented filters are the best on the market removing the highest amount of particles 99% to be exact; this is one of the best air purifiers on the market.
Not only is it capable of removing mold it can also stop the spreading of mildew and bacteria, providing all-around clean air protection.
GermGuardian AC5350B
The GermGuardian AC5350B Large room air purifier is a 4-in-1 air purifier which provides relief and comfort for those who suffer from allergies or any other kind of illness that may come from particles in the air.
This model uses a HEPA channel filter which captures up to 99.97% of small particles as tiny ass .3 microns in size.
The GermGuardian also comes with a UV-C light which kills germs and charcoal components which captures odors leaving air fresh and clean. This air purifier is lightweight and able to clean the air in rooms up to 167 sq. Feet.
GermGardian has a sleek and stylish design with a digital touch screen display panel which includes control over every aspect of the machine to ensure constant clean air flow throughout your home.
RabbitAir BioGS 2.0 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier (SPA-625A)
RabbitAir has been creating air purifiers since 2004 and knows how to build the perfect machine to provide their customers with high-quality air in their homes.
This air purifier received the red dot award in 2014 for its outstanding ability to create sterile and constant airflow, also deodorizing air as it purifies through its patented four-stage filtration system. Its filtration system includes a pre-filter, brushless direct current motor, activated carbon filter, BioGS HEPA filter, and Negative ion generator with on and off control to provide fresh air.
This machine is capable of removing large particles, dust mites, mold and fungi, pet hair, particles that carry viruses, bacteria, pollen, exhaust fumes, dander, tobacco smoke and so much more; there’s nothing this machine isn’t’ capable of cleaning from the air.
Winix 5500-2
Winix has recreated the air purifier even more efficiently than most brands. The Winix 5500-2 Air purifier is capable of capturing a whopping 99.97% of all particles in the air down to .3 microns in size.
That includes dust, hair, smoke, mold spores, dander, and any other irritating particles that may be floating around your home. This model contains 4 fan speeds with endless operation options, smart sensors, and monitors with LED indicator displays, and an indicator to remind you when the filter should be changed.
Winix has a patented Plasma wave technology which eliminates virtually all airborne particles in the environment. The model is also remote controllable, and guaranteed to provide your home with fresh, clean, odorless air.
Honeywell True HEPA Allergen Remover, 465 sq. Ft
The Honeywell True HEPA allergen remover is trusted and recommended for extra-large rooms up to 465 sq.ft able to capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles as tiny as 0.3 microns.
This is an ideal air purifier for those pesky molds and mildew prone spaces in the home such as basements, attics, and crawlspaces. This massive duty turbo cleaning system reduces allergens and is capable of filtering the air five times an hour, making sure clean air circulates for you to breath easy.
Honeywell air purifiers are known for their heavy-duty ability to clean large rooms efficiently; they are easy to maintain, and filters only need to be changed once a year, making it not only efficient but cost-efficient.
Winix 5300-2
Like the previous Winix model, the Winix 5300-2 air purifier is one of the best air purifiers on the market for mold and mildew. This air purifier model from Winix has the same plasma wave technology which eradicates impurities in the air efficiently but is recommended for medium to large spaces.
Its technology is capable of removing even the smallest particles and captures up to 99.97% of all airborne contamination. Perfect for apartments, dormitories and other small spaces, the Winix 5300-2 is cost-efficient and provides high-quality air for your home.
With so many wonderful air purifiers on the market, these are the best air purifiers for mold. When combating mold and mildew in your home, ensure that you chose the best air purifier for mold, not all air purifiers are capable of capturing mold spores.
When selecting your new air purifier, make sure to keep in mind the size of the area it will be working in, and also which model will best fit your clean air needs.
The center of disease control describes in detail how mold can adversely affect your health and also how common it is that people show symptoms of mold exposure.
Not every person can be adversely affected by mold, and there is a lucky few who can be around the mold and not show any symptoms of irritation. For those who do have a mold sensitivity, here are the common symptoms to look out for when exposed to mold:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Stuffy nose
- Irritated throat
The symptoms of an adverse response to mold exposure are similar to many allergic reactions, but mold can pose a severe health threat to those who are sensitive to the mycotoxins which are the possible cause of many serious illnesses.
For those who do not show symptoms of irritation from mold exposure, just because the symptoms are not present does not mean that the mold spores are not harming your health and wellbeing.
Studies conducted by the Institute of Medicine found that early exposure of mold to children is one of the leading causes of asthma, and for adults, it can cause serious upper respiratory complications that can affect even the healthiest people. Hypersensitivity to mold can be life-saving because many times allergy symptoms are commonly the only ways to detect the presence of mold.
Indoor mold produces Stachybotrys chartarum which create mycotoxins and can be poisonous to those who are exposed to it. These powerful poisons produced by mold spores are not exclusive to affecting the respiratory tract; it also can be absorbed by the intestines, skin, and lungs.
When someone is exposed to these toxins over long periods, it can produce serious health problems such as neurotoxicity, memory loss, cancer, cardiac conditions, and so many other reported cases by the U.S Division of Health. If mold is so dangerous to those who are exposed to it, what exactly is it, and why does it cause such harm to the body when it comes in contact with it?
What exactly is mold?
Mold can come in a variety of colors; there is not just one type of mold. There are various forms of the mold to be aware of. Mold is apart of the fungus family, and it is composed of tiny organisms found virtually all over the planet, indoors and outdoors.
Mold can be one of these colors; purple, green, white, black, and orange. It can also survive indoors, or outdoors, although indoor mold is more lethal and poses more problems than mold found outdoors.
Outdoor mold assumes an essential job in nature; its role is to separate and decompose dead trees, plants, and foliage. In the wild, it has a very productive purpose and is an essential part of natural decomposition, but when mold enters spaces closed off to the outdoors, it becomes a dangerous substance.
The component of mold which is the most dangerous is what happens when mold attempts to reproduce. Mold reproduces by producing microscopic spores which travel throughout the air. The Mold itself blossoms amid dampness and areas filled with moisture like most fungi.
Everyone is exposed to mold daily, outdoor mold; but indoor mold is a controllable substance that can be avoided and remedied. Keeping your home and indoor spaces dry will ensure that mold does not begin to make its home in your dwellings.
When mold lands on areas indoors that are sodden and moist, they start to develop and grow, causing problems for those who are exposed to it.
When the mold becomes fully formed on its newfound moisture paradise, it can begin to spread and release spores which are inhaled by unsuspecting victims.
Common places to find mold
Molds favorite food source is wood and other plant-based materials, it also thrives the best in places that are damp, wet, and warm. The most common areas to find mold would be where it has an ample food source and a comfortable environment to reproduce.
The places in the home that fit this description of desirable mold environments are kitchens, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and especially crawl spaces.
The mold finds the most appealing place in these spaces to begin developing its home and community. Mold loves carpets, unattended to furniture, floors, walls and even appliances.
Any place in the home that provides the sustenance for mold to develop, blossom, spread, and grow, will inevitably become a mold infestation and will soon need attention and remedy to prevent adverse reactions when exposed to it.
Combating mold
As was mentioned earlier, mold survives all over the planet, indoor and outdoor. Therefore mold is impossible to get rid of entirely, even in the home, although it can be controlled, prevented, and partially removed if done correctly.
Prevention:
Preventing mold is a simple thing to do. Ensure that there are no areas in your home that may be hidden and damp. By reducing moisture in the house and being aware of areas that can produce it will help stop the growth and development of present mold; because mold needs moisture to survive and cannot spread without it.
When there are spills or wet materials present in the home, be sure to clean them up immediately after noticing them. Disinfect, and dry surfaces that may be prone to moisture and repair any leaks that may cause further moisture damage to the home.
Make sure when doing laundry or cleaning that all wet items are thoroughly dried and stored in dry areas to keep them from attracting mold spores.
One of the best ways to prevent mold is by having optimum air flow throughout the home and ventilation in places such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
Combating:
In home
In the event that there is already mold developing in the home, it is vital to tidy up the area which the mold has been discovered. The first tactic for remedying a mold problem is to identify and fix the problem which is causing the damp environment for the fungus to grow in. If the cause of the mold is not corrected, it will return every time it is removed from that area.
In hot, humid and moist climates of the house use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to decrease the noticeable dampness in the air; try to keep the humidity in your home below 50% if conceivable. You can gauge humidity with a hygrometer which can be found in hardware stores.
During cold weather, mold tends to seek shelter, looking for spaces indoors where moisture condenses near cold surfaces. Making sure that the household is insulated and warm during cold weather will help keep mold from getting worse during cold seasons.
In Basements, crawl spaces and other isolated areas of the home
In storm cellars, basements, crawl spaces, and other areas of the home that are the least visited by occupants be sure to apply preventative measures for mold, as these are the most common places mold tend to thrive.
Placing plastics and covers over moisture prone places in these spaces can keep mold from adhering to them, and make for easy clean up if mold does begin to grow. If the floors are prone to wetness, large fans and ventilation strategies can be best for keeping mold out.
Ventilation is the key when combating mold; making sure that there is proper airflow in places of the home that are isolated or rarely visited can be an excellent tactic to slow down or prevent mold growth.
Carpet in these areas is a bad idea because they are not maintained as often as the carpet in spaces utilized daily. Water can enter these spaces through the floors, walls, or any other cracks or crevices; have a professional seal up any openings in isolated areas of the home, to keep moisture and spores out.
