While air purifiers can’t treat active mould growth that is already present on walls, ceiling and other surfaces, they can help capture and remove mould spores from the air. Each spore captured is a spore that is effectively removed from the ecosystem, preventing it from reproducing and spreading further throughout your property.
However, while air purifier mould prevention works on spores already in the air, other steps need to be taken to treat the root of the issue to prevent it from returning. A combination of professional mould cleaning, improving circulation and airflow, lowering humidity levels and fixing any leaks or water damage is usually needed.
But while an air purifier won’t be able to treat active mould growth, it can help prevent the further spread of it while improving the overall air quality within the home - ideal for those with asthma or other respiratory illnesses. Here’s everything you need to know about air purifier mould prevention and the best steps to take when finding mould in your property.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
When the air in your home contains too much dust, moisture, or other airborne particles such as pollen, pet hair and fungal spores, it can cause a range of problems such as allergies, asthma attacks and other respiratory disturbances. Air purifiers can be an effective way to clean the air in your household and reduce some of these risks.
Designed to filter air by capturing pollutants such as dirt, dust mites, and particles, the mechanism of action is quite simple. Air purifiers are usually graded on the size of air particles they can catch; HEPA air purifiers, for example, work well for removing even the tiniest of particles. As the air passes through a tight filter, it forces out trapped pollutants resulting in cleaner air that’s free from mould spores.
Not only can air purification help to keep your home clean and healthy - but it can also help in preventing mould growth since mould spores are typically captured and removed from circulation. All in all, air purifiers are a great way for keeping your indoor air quality healthy and potentially helping prevent surfaces from becoming damp and dirty - which could lead to further issues with mould growth in the long run.
What Type of Air Purifier Is Best For Mould?
While some Air purifiers are designed to filter out dust and other pollutants for those with allergies or respiratory conditions, others are created specifically to tackle mould and fungal spores. The key difference between the two types of air purifiers lies in the form of filtration they use. For example, mechanical air filters contain HEPA and carbon filters which trap larger particles floating in the air - such as spores from mould - while also absorbing odours like smoke or chemical fumes.
Electrical ions also play an important role in removing mould and organic matter from the air by attracting and trapping airborne particles in a process similar to static electricity. (Similar to how a balloon rubbed and statically charged on a fleece blanket will lift hair, lint and fluff from the surface it is subsequently held above.)
When it comes to choosing an air purifier that will fight mould more effectively than others, it’s important to understand which type of filtration best suits your needs - whether it be a mechanical filter or an ionised machine - so that you can make an informed decision based on your preferences or lifestyle.
What To Do When Finding Mould in Your Home
Mould can be a serious problem in the home, especially if left untreated. The presence of mould not only risks causing significant damage to your property and furnishings, but it can also create an environment that is unhealthy for you and your family. If you believe that there may be a mould issue in your home, you should work through the following steps.
- Identify whether or not the problem is serious enough to require professional attention by looking for signs like black spots on any surface, a musty smell or damp patches on walls and ceilings.
- Try using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in bathrooms and kitchens and extraction fans whenever showering or cooking.
- Cleaning any affected surfaces with detergents that contain fungicides to stop the spread of mould spores through the air - but take care not to spread more spores around the property when doing so.
- Regularly open windows as much as possible and introduce ventilation wherever practicable. If opening windows increases allergies due to pollen, installing air purifiers around the home can make a big difference.
Whenever you spot signs of mould in your house, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. It’s better to nip things in the bud before they turn into bigger problems down the line! If you’re not sure why mould is growing in your home - or whether it’s going to become a big issue - book a free inspection with Mould Cleaning Australia for a no-pressure review of the situation and solutions for ways to fix it.
Air Purifier Mould Prevention Best Practices
When it comes to mould, prevention is definitely always better than cure - so it pays to do what you can to prevent mould from growing in your home in the first place. Start by evaluating air movement and air purity. Mould typically occurs when air is not circulating properly or where the air is excessively humid. Install an air purifier with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter (HEPA) to better move air around and improve the overall air quality.
You should also regularly look for any visible signs of mould growth and take steps to repair any water damage immediately. When cleaning your home, use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels and air-drying items before putting them away in cupboards or drawers. Finally, consider having annual mould inspections performed by a professional mould remediation service if you suspect you may have mould present or an uncontrollable problem with humidity.
Do Try To
- Keep your home clean and dry
- Repair any leaks or water damage right away
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home
- Ventilate your home regularly
- Remove mouldy items and materials immediately
- Seek out professional mould removal services
Try To Avoid
- Ignore any water damage or leaks in your home.
- Let wet surfaces sit for long periods of time without drying them out.
- Place furniture on or near any wet surfaces.
- Touch or disturb the mould growth if it's visible.
- Leave wet items lying around in your home, especially in damp areas.
- Keep windows closed 24 hours a day.
Air Purifier VS. Dehumidifier for Mould Prevention
Knowing whether an air purifier or dehumidifier is best suited for mould prevention can be tricky - especially if you are only choosing one. An air purifier helps to remove air pollutants, such as mould spores and other particulates in the air. On the other hand, a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, which helps to reduce the chances of mould growth in the first place by lowering humidity levels in an enclosed space. Want to learn more about how a dehumidifier can help keep mould in check? Be sure to check this post here. <<[link to dehumidifier blog post 4]
Both air purifiers and dehumidifiers are effective at preventing mould growth - but they won’t be able to remove any mould that is already actively growing. If a significant amount of mould already exists in an environment, Mould Cleaning Australia recommends professional mould removal and a combination of air purifiers and dehumidifiers for future prevention. When used in tandem, these two devices can be highly beneficial in preventing or reducing mould growth indoors.
Since 2010, Mould Cleaning Australia has been providing professional mould cleaning and remediation services to residential and commercial properties across Sydney and the surrounding area. If you have concerns about mould or are looking for some peace of mind, why not book a completely free mould inspection and report, with data-backed treatment plans designed to eliminate mould permanently.
Get in touch, today.
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