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8 Types of Odors Air Purifiers Can Filter in Your Home

By Elysia
Elysia is a seasoned content enthusiast who has been steering the creative ship at BeforeBuy since 2022.
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Air purifiers are known as an essential device for maintaining clean and fresh indoor air. Not only does it remove small particles, but air purifiers are also presented by manufacturers to be able to handle many odors. However, many people are still skeptical about do air purifiers help eliminate odors or not. So, in this blog post, we will look at how effective air purifiers are in fighting odors.

Do Air Purifiers Help with Smell?

Yes, we notice that air purifiers can address unpleasant smells. This statement has been verified by independent research as well as several surveys of air purifier brands.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study found that consumer-grade air cleaners can reduce indoor levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) pollutants. This is because the air purifier uses chemical oxidation which can be a source of VOCs.

Meanwhile, Air Oasis – a top manufacturer of air purifiers, also provides some insights into how air purifiers can help with bad smells. They offer that running a high-quality air purifier is one of the most effective ways to keep your home smelling fresh.

How Air Purifiers Help with Smell
How Air Purifiers Help with Smell

How Air Purifiers Help with Smell

To fully grasp how these devices help create healthier indoor air and to more definitively answer the question: do air purifiers help with smell, we will go into their operating principles.

Simply, air purifiers eliminate smell thanks to the filtration system. In particular, the activated carbon filter is mainly responsible for removing odors, the other filter (usually HEPA filter) has the effect of treating the agent that causes odors.

Activated carbon filters are optimally effective in adsorbing or binding with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gaseous pollutants that cause many household odors. From pet odors to cooking fumes, carbon filters trap these odor molecules, effectively removing them from the air.

do air purifiers help with smell_How Air Purifiers Help with Smell

As for the HEPA filter, it can trap tiny particles. These particles are the cause of bad odors in our living spaces. Notably, we emphasize that the HEPA filters can only remove odor-causing particles, not deodorize. Therefore, in case your air purifier only has a HEPA filter without an activated carbon filter, do not expect too much from its deodorizing ability.

In addition, some advanced air purifiers also incorporate technologies such as Ultraviolet (UV) light or Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO). UV light can destroy microorganisms that produce unpleasant smells, while PCO uses light to catalyze a reaction that breaks down odorous compounds at the molecular level.

8 Different Types of Odors that Air Purifiers Can Eliminate

Addressing the question, “Do air purifiers help with smell?” allows us to dive deeper into the array of odors that these devices are designed to combat. Let’s explore some of the most common culprits.

  • Smoke: Whether stemming from cigarettes, fireplaces, or wildfires, smoke particles can permeate every corner of a home, leaving a lingering, acrid smell. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters are especially effective at adsorbing smoke particles and related compounds and alleviating the health dangers and the disagreeable odor of smoke.
  • Pet dander: Pet owners often battle the visible pet hairs, less noticeable but equally pervasive pet dander, and associated odors. While HEPA filters capture dander particles, the activated carbon filter takes on the challenge of the odor. They ensure pet-loving households can enjoy their furry friends without the accompanying scent.
  • Cooking odors: From the enticing aroma of fried onions to the less-welcome smell of burnt toast, cooking can introduce a medley of scents into our living spaces. Air purifiers can help neutralize these odors, ensuring that last night’s dinner doesn’t overstay its aromatic welcome.
do air purifiers help with smell_Cooking odors
  • Mold and mildew: Damp environments can foster the growth of mold and mildew, which release musty odors that can be tough to eliminate. These smells are not just unpleasant;they indicate potential health hazards. Advanced air purifiers, especially those with UV light technology, can destroy mold spores, while the activated carbon filter addresses the accompanying odor.
  • VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) smell: VOCs are gases generated by certain solids or liquids, such as paints, cleaning products, and cosmetics. Off-gassing can emit a pungent chemical stench that many people find unpleasant and nauseous. Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters can successfully trap and neutralize VOCs, resulting in a safer and more pleasant home environment.
  • Food smells: The lingering scent of last night’s curry or the pungent aroma of fish can be a challenge to eliminate. Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters can effectively neutralize these food odors, ensuring that your home remains fresh and inviting.
  • Garbage: The odors emanating from a full trash can can quickly permeate the air and create an unpleasant environment. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters can help to eliminate these foul smells, allowing you to maintain a clean and fresh living space.
  • Dirty diapers: Dealing with dirty diapers is a part of parenting, but the accompanying odor can be overwhelming. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters can help mitigate the smell of dirty diapers, ensuring that your home remains pleasant and odor-free.
Types of Odors that Air Purifiers

The Best Air Purifiers Help with Smell

Navigating the air purifier market, we notice it’s brimming with options, each flaunting its own unique features and capabilities. However, among this vast array, certain models stand out from the rest when it comes to odor neutralization. By marrying advanced technologies with innovative designs, these devices can reassure us when we ponder the question: do air purifiers help with smell?

do air purifiers help with smell_The Best Air Purifiers Help with Smell

We’ve outlined below the top air purifiers renowned for their superior deodorizing capabilities:

Blue Pure 211+

First up, we suggest Blue Pure 211+. This air purifier has been extensively tested and proven to effectively reduce smoke particles, pet odors, and other unpleasant odors. It owns a powerful filtration system that keeps stable performance even during prolonged use.

We especially admire Blue Pure 211+ for its ability to deodorize and enhance overall air freshness.

Blue Pure 211+
Blue Pure 211+

Levoit LV-H132

Next is Levoit LV-H132. Offering an attractive combination of affordability and efficiency, the Levoit LV-H132 features a three-stage filtration system. This includes the pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter. Such a combination is capable of expertly capturing and neutralizing a variety of odors, be it attractive cooking odors or persistent cigarette smoke.

Additionally, we appreciate the added convenience of WiFi connectivity it provides, facilitating easy monitoring and scheduling through the mobile app.

Levoit LV-H132
Levoit LV-H132

GermGuardian AC4825

Then there’s the GermGuardian AC4825 noteworthy for its appealing price tag, the GermGuardian AC4825 comes equipped with a True HEPA filter, capturing an impressive 99.97% of airborne nuisances, ranging from odors to allergens and pollutants.

Additionally, we are drawn to its UV-C light feature, amplifying its ability to combat bacteria and viruses, thereby refining the air quality you breathe.

GermGuardian AC4825
GermGuardian AC4825

Rabbit MinusA2 quiet HEPA

The next candidate is the Rabbit MinusA2 super quiet HEPA air purifier. It is tailored specifically for the challenges posed by pet-related odors and allergens. This is evidenced by its six-stage filtration process, including a dedicated pet allergy filter.

Also, we are so impressed when it consistently neutralizes pet odors and dander, promoting a pristine and inviting ambiance.

Rabbit MinusA2 quiet HEPA
Rabbit MinusA2 quiet HEPA

Blueair Classic 605

Next, if you are aiming for a high-end solution, we believe the Blueair Classic 605 could be a great choice. Equipped with HEPASilent filtration technology, it effectively traps and eliminates odors, allergens, and other air intruders. Furthermore, Blueair Classic 605 is highly appreciated for its powerful deodorizing ability and is suitable for larger spaces.

Blueair Classic 605
Blueair Classic 605

CleanBreeze Maximizer

Finally, there’s CleanBreeze Maximizer. Built primarily for large spaces, this unit has an impressive CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate). What attracted our attention to it is its unique Zeolite-infused filters, which make it a formidable contender against mold and mildew odors, ensuring that every inhale is a rejuvenating sensation.

CleanBreeze Maximizer
CleanBreeze Maximizer

Conclusion

In short, if you wonder, “Do air purifiers help eliminate odors?” the answer is yes. Our research highlights that air purifiers, especially those with activated carbon filters, effectively neutralize various odors. And brands like Blue Pure, Levoit, and GermGuardian are leaders in this field. Finally, remember that a quality air purifier is a worthy investment for anyone struggling with persistent odors in their living space.

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