While both devices can help with mold, a dehumidifier is the best choice. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air that enables mold to reproduce and grow. An air purifier can only remove the mold spores in the air and not fix the root cause of the problem.
What air purifier is best for mold?
- Filtrete Room Air Purifier. ...
- Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA Air Purifier. ...
- Germ Guardian Air Purifier. ...
- SilverOnyx Air Purifier. ...
- Winix 5300-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter. ...
- Airthereal APH260 Air Purifier. ...
- Pure Enrichment PureZone Elite 4-In-1 Air Purifier.
Do air purifiers help with mold?
While an air purifier cannot remove mold from a surface once it begins to grow, using an air purifier with a true HEPA filter is a crucial part of removing mold spores from the air.
What kills mold spores in the air?
Place air purifiers throughout your home to kill mold in the air. The only way to directly kill mold spores in the air is to use an air purifier. For best results, place purifiers in each room of your house to ensure maximum efficiency in killing the spores.
Does a dehumidifier help with mold?
A dehumidifier is designed to reduce the moisture level in the air by extracting the excess water. By doing so, dehumidifiers can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew and improves the indoor air quality of your space.
What are the disadvantages of a dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers also tend to blow warm air out of the back of the unit . In the winter, this can be an advantage — but not so much in the summer. Position the back of your dehumidifier in a doorway so that it doesn’t heat up the room from which you are removing excess moisture.
How do I know if I have mold spores in my house?
- Coughing.
- Sneezing.
- Sore, itchy throat.
- Congestion and runny nose.
- Sinus headaches.
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
- Itchy, watery eyes.
- Irritated, itchy skin.
How do you know if mold is making you sick?
If they come into contact with mold, they may experience symptoms, such as: a runny or blocked nose . watery, red eyes . a dry cough .
How do you get mold spores out of your lungs?
What is the treatment? It’s almost impossible to avoid all contact with fungal spores, so treatment for mold in your lungs often consists of taking medications . Corticosteroids often help open your airways to make coughing easier. You may need to take them when daily or only when your symptoms flare.
How can you tell if you have mold behind drywall?
Mold can be black, green, gray, white, or brown. Mold can even appear orange, pink or purple when it grows behind vinyl wallpaper. Another sign of visible mold is discoloration of walls, even if it has been painted over.
How does a dehumidifier get rid of mold?
Mold stays “dormant” in the air or on surfaces even when there’s no excess moisture to help it grow. ... So, to answer your question, dehumidifiers do NOT kill mold , but they do prevent it by reducing humidity. If you have a mold problem in your home, don’t wait. Mold spreads as long as it has a water source.
What humidity grows mold?
Sometimes, humidity or dampness (water vapor) in the air can supply enough moisture for mold growth. Indoor relative humidity (RH) should be kept below 60 percent — ideally between 30 percent and 50 percent , if possible.
Is it OK to drink water from a dehumidifier?
The water the dehumidifier collects is actually very clean water ; comparable to distilled water. ... But if the water sits around in the tank, it can provide a hospitable medium for the growth of bacteria and molds making it unfit for drinking.
Should you open windows when using a dehumidifier?
Keep the dehumidifier away from flammable items and heat sources. ... Close the windows and doors in the area where you use the dehumidifier . Moisture coming from outside can stress the machine and may damage it. Regularly clean and vacuum the area where the dehumidifier is running.
Can you leave a dehumidifier on all the time?
Most dehumidifiers can handle overnight running with relative ease far as there is no err on your path (maintenance, air flow, no blockage, leakages), it is very safe to use overnight. It is recommended that the device has the auto defrost feature however, if for any reason it starts to overheat, so it goes off.
Can you live in a house with mold?
The CDC, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warns about the dangers of living with mold in the home: Respiratory tract symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, and swelling of the throat. Those who have asthma and allergy problems are especially at risk.
