There is no specific ” mold air purifier ” but rather different technologies that do different things when it comes to mold. And most air purifiers don’t do much for killing mold, although they claim to help with mold. That’s because HEPA air filters will capture mold spores, but they do absolutely nothing for killing mold, they just help it from spreading faster.
This means that the Austin Air, IQAIR, Honeywell (and other primarily HEPA air purifiers) will not do a good job. It also means there may be a growing problem inside the HEPA filter itself as mold can grow there. To kill mold you have to go out into the room where it exists.
Common molds include Mucor and Stachybotrys which grow in warm and damp areas. The mold does not trigger the allergic reaction but the spores in the air do. Common reaction are coughing and sneezing when the spores are inhaled.
NOTICE: IF YOU HAVE A MOLD PROBLEM INSIDE WALLS, UNDER RUGS, OR SHEETROCK YOU CAN’T SIMPLY STICK AN AIR PURIFIER IN THERE AND EXPECT IT TO GO AWAY. YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE SHEETROCK IN MOST CASES. IT CAN HOWEVER REDUCE THE HEALTH RISK IN THE MEANTIME, AND PREVENT IT FROM SPREADING….
4 Types of Purification For Killing Mold
These are the 4 types of Mold Air Purifier Technologies that will help, in order of effectiveness:
Ozone. By far the most effective at rapid mold and mildew removal Ozone will go out into a room, and onto walls, where it will kill it on contact. The downside is that Ozone in high levels will also irritate lungs. So if you have an ongoing problem you might get an air purifier to “treat” a room. In other words turn the Ozone up and leave the room closed. Turn it off and let it “air out” for several hours. Ozone tends to dissipate very fast.
Negative Ionizers. Negative ions will kill mold on walls and in rooms. Not as fast or effective as Ozone on the other hand it is actually good for lung problems. Negative ions can increase energy and mood according to Russian research.
Ultraviolet Light Somewhat effective at mold it kills the spores as they passes thorough the air purifier. I like the combination of UV and negative ions as one kills the spores while the other goes out into the room where mold is spreading. It also helps keep mold from growing inside the HEPA filter.
Titanium Dioxide (Tio2) This nanotechnology enhances Ultraviolet light up to 1000x according to my scientist friend, and hence helps UV do a much stronger job on Mold and Mildew. It needs UV light to shine on it.
Treating A Room With Mold and Mildew
If you have moldy sheetrock, or you have wet conditions (as in flooding or high moisture) then you’re going to want a Mold Air Purifier for your health, but you’ll need to replace sheetrock if it is moldy (A mold air purifier will not fix moldy sheetrock). You’ll also need chemicals or professional help if it is under floors, behind walls, inside wood, etc. Mold is dangerous for your health, and some houses have to be remodelled or even destroyed if the mold has taken over. Any mold Air Purifier is just a way to protect your immune system while the work is done.
However if the problem is small, or contained pretty well, then the mold air purifier may be all you need. If it’s a wet basement with mildewy smells an air purifier with Neg. Ions, and UV /Tio2 will kill the smell and mildew but you may need a de-humidifier to keep the build up at bay.
If I use an Ozone Generator Air Purifier to kill mold – I’ll crank it up and let it run overnight. Then air it out for several hours before spending time in the room. These units can be expensive (there are a few inexpensive ones around too) so maybe you can borrow one.
If I use a Negative Ion/UV/Tio2 Machine – I’ll crank it up and let it run on high for a few days then reassess how the room is doing.
A suggested Air Purifier for Mold…
Airpodcleaner MT3C – 6 Stage Air Purifier
The affordable, yet powerful Airpodcleaner MT3C is a 6-stage air purifier which includes HEPA, On/Off Ozone, Negative Ion for mold killing plus its very effective against pollen, dust, odor with Carbon and a pre-filter. It also includes UV light for viruses and germs. It will cover 500 square feet.
Conclusion
Get a timed (on/off) Ozone Machine if Mold is your only problem. If you also have allergies, and want to continue cleaning your house after getting rid of mold get a multi-stage air purifier that include negative ions, Ultraviolet light (UV), along with HEPA to capture the spores.