Guide | January 17, 2025
Do Air Purifiers Help with Mould?
Mould is a common and unfortunate problem in a lot of Australian homes. Left unchecked, mould can impact your health, triggering allergies, nasal congestion and other respiratory symptoms. It can also cause wood to rot, which may compromise certain structures in your home. The good news is that using an air purifier for mould can keep mould from returning.
Dyson’s cutting-edge air purifier technology is designed to improve the quality of the air you breathe and mitigate the side effects of mould spore inhalation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover how air purifiers help with mould and practical tips to prevent it from growing in your home.
What are the causes of mould?
Mould is a type of fungus that grows on organic matter, but its reproductive spores can also become airborne throughout the home. Mould thrives on surfaces and indoor areas with enough moisture, which can be caused by a variety of factors:
Mould grows in damp and poorly ventilated areas including:
Some mould is visible, like in bathroom grouting or ceiling corners, and is typically black, white or green. But in most cases, you’re more likely to smell mould before you see it thanks to its distinct earthy odour.
Can purifiers help with mould?
Once mould starts growing in the home, it can be difficult to remove without the assistance of a professional. Using an air purifier won’t get rid of existing mould, but air purifiers do help with mould prevention. So, how do air purifiers work to combat mould growth? Let’s break it down:
Which type of air purifier is best for mould?
The best air purifier for mould should include a High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filter. So, what is a HEPA filter? When a filter’s performance is labelled as HEPA, this means it can capture up to 99.95% of airborne particles in the home – including mould spores. Dyson’s leading air purifiers are engineered to meet HEPA H13 (medical grade) standards.1 In many ways, air purifiers with HEPA filtration are one of your home’s best defences against the mould growth.
How to prevent mould in the home
The most effective way to eliminate mould in the home is to ensure that it cannot grow and spread in the first place. There are several precautions you can take to prevent mould inside:
Read on as we delve deeper into the do’s and don’ts of mould prevention.
Do: Use an air purifier
Mould from damp buildings becomes insidious as it reproduces spores, which get released into the air. Without an air purifier, mould spores can remain airborne for up to 30 minutes. When these spores are repeatedly inhaled over time, it triggers a host of health problems. This is why using an air purifier for mould spores is so crucial in the prevention of mould growth indoors and mould-exposure symptoms.
We know that HEPA filtration is paramount for air purifiers and mould, but there are other features to consider when choosing a Dyson air purifier. Make sure you factor in room size, remote control, and if you want heating and cooling capabilities. For a high-performing, multi-faceted machine, opt for the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ Formaldehyde, which includes heating and cooling technology, fully sealed HEPA filtration, and control via the MyDyson™ App.
Don’t: Forget to ventilate your home
Even the best air purifier for mould will need the support of good ventilation. Ensure that you are always using the extractor fan in the bathroom when showering, as well as the extractor fan in the kitchen to minimise humidity and steam when cooking. We also recommend opening your windows every now and then to let fresh air circulate throughout the home. If you are concerned about letting in outside allergens, remember that you can use your air purifier to reduce allergens at home and filter indoor air (only use when all windows are shut).
Do: Quickly dry wet areas
Moisture buildup is unavoidable in certain areas or surfaces in the home – like the shower, basin, or even bedroom windows. However, regular cleaning and these damp surfaces can help inhibit mould growth. As an extra precaution, you can also keep these areas as dry as possible after use:
Windows with condensation (you might use an air purifier for mould that also has cooling capabilities like the Dyson Purifier Cool™).
Don’t: Air-dry clothes inside
Drying wet clothes inside in poorly ventilated rooms – particularly in winter – can exacerbate mould concerns. This is because wet clothes can increase condensation levels inside, creating a breeding ground for mould. Use a dryer for your load or, if the weather permits, hang your clothes outside to dry. Make sure your clothes are completely dry before putting your clothes in your wardrobe or dresser.
Do: Clean carpets regularly
In addition to using a Dyson air purifier for mould, you can also look to a HEPA-certified vacuum cleaner to capture allergens. Wet surfaces aren’t the only problem areas for mould in the home – carpets, mattresses and pet beds can be home to dust mites, hair, dirt and other fungus can live in these surfaces.
In these cases, we recommend the Gen5detect™ Complete vacuum, our most powerful cordless vacuum cleaner to date. Engineered with HEPA filtration and advanced dust detection, the Gen5detect™ Complete removes microscopic particles like mould spores.
Using an air purifier for mould can produce a number of positive health benefits. Up next, discover how air quality affects sleep and what you can do to improve comfort at home.
1Gas capture rates may vary.