As soon as you see mold spores, it’s time to buy the best Air Purifier for mold in the basement. The issue is your basement is often an area of the home that isn’t as frequently visited and ventilated as other rooms. Because of this, mold spores can spread quickly.
In a hurry? Here’s our best tip:
If you’re seeking value for money, the Germ Guardian AC5250 PT is the right choice. With highly effective filters, it leaves basements free from mold and with a fresh smell.
The Rabbit Air MinusA2 SPA-700A is the best all-rounder. Despite being the most expensive, it comes with a 5-year warranty and is exceptionally well built. With an average use of 12 hours a day, the filters can last up to 2 years.
This makes it extremely cost-effective compared with filters that need changing at least every 6 months.
Table of Contents
- Best Air Purifier for mold in the basement
- What is an Air Purifier for mold?
- Why buy an Air Purifier for mold?
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
- Wrap up
Best Air Purifier for mold in the basement
Some of the key features of the best air purifiers are the clean air delivery rate, the filter, and of course the ease of use and air filter value for money. We will consider all of these, plus more specifications as we look at 8 of the best air purifiers for mold on the market today.
In the table below you’ll find different branding and specifications.
If you want to know the price of the product, just click on the images and find them on Amazon:
| Filter Type | Clean Air Delivery Rate | Room Size | |
|---|---|---|---|
 
| Pre-filter, activated carbon filter, H13 HEPA filter | Smoke 167 CFM, Dust 177 CFM, Pollen 178 CFM | 1252 sq. ft. at 1 clean air cycle per hour |
 
| Ionizer, True HEPA filter, HEPA pre-filter, cellular activated carbon catalyst, cold catalyst | 160 CFM | 700 sq. ft. at 1 clean air cycle per hour |
 
| Washable pre-filter, activated carbon, H13 True HEPA filter | 130 CFM | 500 sq. ft. |
 
| Washable pre-filter, high-efficiency filter with activated carbon, H13 True HEPA filter | 141 CFM | 547 sq. ft. |
 
| Pre-filter, carbon filter, UV light, pet pure filter, True HEPA filter | Smoke 122 CFM, dust 132 CFM, pollen 138 CFM | 915 sq. ft |
 
| Carbon filter, UV light, pet pure filter, True HEPA filter | Smoke 99 CFM, dust 118 CFM, pollen 125 CFM | 743 sq. ft. |
| Pre-filter, True HEPA filter, high efficiency activated carbon filter | 135 CFM | 900 sq. ft. |
 
| Pre-filter, True HEPA filter, high efficiency activated carbon filter | 110 CFM | 129 sq. ft. |
 
| Pre-filter, medium filter, BioGS HEPA filter, customized filter, activated carbon filter, negative ion generator | Smoke 180 CFM, dust 193 CFM, pollen 200 CFM | 815 sq. ft. |
Bissell Air220 2609A
Key features
- 3-stage air filtration
- VOC sensor
- Whisper quiet
- Designed for large rooms
This black air purifier measures 8.3 x 14.75 x 25 inches and weighs 18.25 pounds. While it has feet, there are no wheels. It comes with 3 stages of air filtration. The first is a pre-filter followed by a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter.
The final stage is an activated carbon filter. It captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The filters are easily accessed from the front of the air cleaner and there is handy cord storage at the back. As well as mold spores, it can clean air of dust mites, pet dander, cooking smells, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The clean air delivery rate (CADR) is 167 for smoke, 177 for dust, and 178 for pollen. In a basement of 1252 sq. ft., the air purifier will perform 1 clean air cycle per hour. For a 258 sq. ft. room, it will perform 4.8 clean air cycles per hour. There are 5 fan speeds, controlled by a dial on the top of the purifier.
On the lowest fan speed, the air cleaner is whisper quiet. The automated CirQulate System is a smart sensor that monitors air quality and automatically adjusts the fan. The fan speed can be seen on the digital display. The digital display also warns you when the filters need changing.
You can see the indoor air quality on the color-coded bar. A blue light means good air quality, orange moderate, and red poor. For animal lovers, every purchase supports the Bissell Pet Foundation. There is a 3-year limited warranty with the Bissell air purifier.
Pros:
- It’s good that the clean air is expelled from the top, so you can put it against a wall
- Dramatically reduces spores and dust mites from the air
- Reasonably priced replacement filters
Cons:
- It’s not the easiest air purifier to move around
HATHASPACE HSP-001
Key features
- 5-stage air filtration
- Auto mode and sleep mode
- Real-time air quality feedback
- Remote control
The True HEPA air purifier from HATHASPACE is certainly a more modern-looking air cleaner than those with a grill. It is white with a digital display on the front. It is slightly smaller at 7 x 13.5 x 119.5 inches and weighs 12 pounds. The first of the 5 stages of filtration is an ionizer (that can be turned off) for smoke and gases.
The True HEPA Filter captures the finer particles as small as 99.97% of particles as small as 0.03 microns, such as pet dander and dust mites. The HEPA pre-filter captures larger particles. The activated carbon filter absorbs smoke, odors, gases, and VOCs.
Finally, there is a cold catalyst filter for VOCs and gases. The CDAR is 160. It will rid the indoor air of pollen, dust, lint, smoke, and toxic VOCs. Tests have shown that this True HEPA air purifier can remove over 98% of Staphylococcus Albus, a bacterium that can have similar effects as the black mold.
It will completely clean the indoor air each hour in large rooms up to 700 sq. ft. Other important features include the real-time air quality feedback with lights to indicate how clean the basement air is.
There is an auto mode where sensors adjust the fan speed accordingly. Sleep mode and the light controls make this air purifier a good choice for bedrooms too.
Pros:
- Fast-acting, especially on smells
- It does an excellent job on pet dander and hair as well as helping with allergy suffers
- You can set a timer if you prefer
Cons:
- Depending on the uses, you may need to change the filters more often
Levoit Vital 100
Key features
- 3-stage air filtration
- As quiet as 23dB
- Protects from 99.9% of certain viruses and bacteria
- Energy efficient
The next HEPA air purifier on the list comes in white or grey. It is 6.4 x 12.8 x 16.1 inches and weighs 9.3 pounds. It is completely ozone-free and doesn’t use ultraviolet light. The washable pre-filter captures larger particles while the high-efficiency filter is activated carbon to help with basement smells and toxic fumes.
The H13 True HEPA filter captures at least 99.97 % of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. This is a great air purifier for mold in the basement as it kills 99% of bacteria and viruses such as Staphylococcus aureus, which has similar effects as the black mold. This purifier has a CADR of 130. Levoit has focused on health and air quantity in the basement.
The purifier reduces mold and other airborne particles such as bacteria and H1N1, pollen, smoke from wildfires, and your typical household odors. For those with pets, it will help capture pet dander and odors.
It’s so good on smells because there is ten times more activated carbon in the carbon filters than in other brands. It will clean the air in a 500 sq. ft. room in 30 minutes. The Vital 100 HEPA air purifier is easy to use. It has a timer that you can set for 2, 4, or 8 hours.
When the filters need replacing, there is a light indicator. The filters tend to last for 6 to 8 months, so a little longer than others. As well as being quiet enough for bedrooms, it is energy-efficient, costing approximately $1.66 to run per week.
This air purifier isn’t just going to help with mold spores in your basement. Levoit has teamed up with WeForest intending to help the environment.
Pros:
- An air purifier that is as quiet as it says it is
- It has amazing benefits for those with health problems like asthma and bronchitis
- Great for mold and mildew
Cons:
- It might be worth taking advantage of the extended warranty
Levoit Core 300
Key features
- 3-stage air filtration
- 4 types of replacement filters for different needs
- Award-winning design
- QuietKEAP Technology
We like this house air purifier for its round, compact design. It measures 8.7 x 8.7 x 16.25 inches and weighs 7.5 pounds. You can choose between a black or white purifier for basement air. In many ways, this HEPA air purifier is similar to the Vital 100.
It uses the same 3-stage air filtration with a washable pre-filter, the carbon filter is both activated and high-efficiency. The third stage is an H13 True HEPA filter. The filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The CADR is slightly higher at 141 CFM and the room size is also slightly larger at 547 sq. ft.
It will also capture the same types of particles including mold spores, pollen, smoke, pet dander, dust mites, and VOCs. The customizable replacement air filters make this a great house air purifier for different indoor air problems.
Apart from the original carbon filter, there is a pet allergy filter, a toxin absorber filter, and a smoke remover filter.
It’s the H13 True HEPA air filter that acts on spores. On the top of the air purifier, there are controls for the timer, which can be set for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours. You can also choose one of the three fan speeds and there is a light for the filter replacement.
The QuietKEAP Technology uses noise-reducing shock pads to reduce internal vibrations. The noise level is as low as 24dB. This is another great choice for basements, large rooms, and bedrooms.
Pros:
- Cleaning the pre-filter helps prolong the life of the other filters
- Highly effective on pet dander, pollen, and dust mites for its smaller size
- There is an additional Mold Bacteria filter for airborne mold spores
Cons:
- There are more effective purifiers for odors
Germ Guardian AC5250PT
Key features
- 5-in-1 purifier
- Fast air changes for large rooms and basements
- 4 levels of air filtration
- Exceeds industry standards
This slender purifier is 6.75 x 11 x 27.25 inches and is a nice charcoal gray color. In terms of value, you can save quite a bit if you choose the pack of 2 purifiers and get a second HEPA purifier for almost half the price. These are modern-looking purifiers with a silver control panel and a blue LED light.
The HEPA filter works in the same way as the other HEPA purifiers we have seen. It captures 99.97% of dust mites, pet dander, and allergens. The carbon filter reduces a range of typical odors from indoor air.
There is also ultraviolet light, specifically UV-C light that helps reduce mold spores, bacteria, and viruses. The fourth stage of air filtration is the TI02 treatment that works with UV light to reduce VOCs. The purifier has been tested on spores like Staphylococcus Albus and Escherichia Coli.
The Pet Pure filter has an antimicrobial agent that prevents mold from growing on the surface of the filter. The clean air delivery rates are 122 CFM for smoke, 132 CFM for dust, and 138 CFM for pollen. In a large room of 915 sq. ft. the basement air will be cleaned each hour.
In a 189 sq. ft. room, the air filter performs 4.8 complete cycles. The control panel lets you set the timer and fan speeds. There is also a button to turn the UV light off. It’s nice that there is a carry handle on the back of the house air purifier.
This HEPA purifier is Energy Star certified, CARB compliant, and AHAM verified. What’s more, Germ Guardian offers a 5-year warranty with this purifier.
Pros:
- Just looking at the filters after one month, you can see how effective they are
- Leaves basements free from mold and smell fresh
- It’s one of the best air purifiers for pet owners
Cons:
- The noise level is fine for the basement but maybe a little loud for other rooms
Germ Guardian AC4825E
Key features
- 4-in-1 house air purifier
- For medium to large rooms
- Effectively kills mold spores
- Excellent value pack available
This is the smaller version of the Germ Guardian house air purifier at 6.75 x 10.25 x 21.5 inches. It weighs 8.55 pounds and comes in black or white. Again, you can save a good amount of money by buying a pack of two air purifiers. The design features are the same.
There is a silver control panel on the top and a modern-looking blue LED light. On the back of the purifier, there is a carry handle. The air purifier also has similar air filtration. The True HEPA air filter captures 99.97% of mold spores, dust mites, pollen, and pet dander as small as 0.3 microns.
The pre-filter traps the larger particles, which helps extend the life of the HEPA air filter. The ultraviolet light is UV-C and works to kill harmful spores, bacteria, and viruses. The carbon filter reduces those household and basement smells.
The air purifier also uses TIO2 treatment combined with UV light to reduce VOCs. Thanks to its size, this is one of the best air purifiers for basements and rooms of up to 743 sq. ft for one clean air cycle per hour. In a room of 153 sq. ft. air filters through the purifier 4.8 times an hour.
Air quality is improved with CADRs of 99 for smoke, 118 CFM for dust, and 125 CFM for pollen. You can choose between 3 fan speeds depending on your basement air.
Germ Guardian has again made sure that this true HEPA air purifier is effective as a basement air purifier, combats mold spores, and exceeds industry standards.
It is Energy Star certified, CARB compliant, and AHAM verified. They come with a 3-year warranty.
Pros:
- The purifier produces white noise
- It makes a huge difference in air quality for a small price
- It gets rid of that musty basement smell
Cons:
- There have been a few cases of electrical burning inside
Levoit LV-PUR131S
Key features
- 3-stage air filtration
- App and Alexa compatible
- Advanced infrared smart sensor
- Sleep mode for low sound and no light
Many people are now looking for appliances that can be controlled the smart way. The same applies to basement air purifiers. Be careful not to confuse this model (the Smart LV-PUR131S) with the cheaper LV-PUR131 which is the same version but without the wireless connection.
This white purifier is 7.2 x 14.6 x 18.5 inches and weighs 11.24 pounds. With the 2.4GHz wireless connection, you can download the Levoit app to monitor air quality and adjust the settings. If you have Alexa, you can control this air purifier with your voice too.
And just in case your internet is down, there is a digital display on the top of the air purifier. For clean indoor air, the pre-filter captures large particles like hair and fur. The H13 true HEPA filter works on trapping the smaller pet dander, dust mites, and pollen particles.
The carbon filter is activated and high efficient to absorb smoke, pet odors, and VOCs. Together, they capture more than 99.97% of airborne particles including mold spores.
The H13 air filter is especially effective for people who suffer from allergy symptoms and breathing difficulties. The CADR is 135 CFM. It will clean the air in a 900 sq. ft. room in one hour and twice in a room of 516 sq. ft.
You can adjust the fan speed, set a timer, or use the auto mode feature. The advanced infrared smart sensor automatically adjusts the fan speed to meet the needs of the basement air.
This purifier also uses built-in algorithms that calculate air quality, runtime, and fan speed to check your filter life. Sleep mode makes this a basement air purifier that can also be used in the bedroom.
The LED display can be turned off and sleep mode runs at 27dB. Furthermore, Levoit and WeForest plant a tree for every purchase of this smart air purifier.
Pros:
- Your basement can be free of spores in a short time
- Works well on pet dander and dust
- It’s one of the best air purifiers for ease of use
Cons:
- The durability of this purifier is somewhat questionable
Levoit LV-H123
Key features
- 3-stage air filtration
- 2 night light settings
- Clean air in 15 minutes
- Cost-effective solution for air quality
The final Levoit air purifier is one of the smaller at 7.9 x 7.9 x 12.6 inches and weighs 6.5 pounds. Because the clean air is expelled from all around the sides, you need to keep this away from the basement walls. It looks stylish in black or white and there are some small savings if you buy the pack of 2.
The air filtration is the same 3-stage filtration as many of the Levoit purifiers. There is a pre-filter for larger particles, and H13 true HEPA filter for particles as small as 0.3 microns, and a carbon filter that is high efficiency and activated.
They capture pet dander and hair, mold spores, dust mites, and smoke and household odors. These air filters capture 99.97% of particles. The recommended room size is 129 sq. ft., and it will clean the air in a room this size in 15 minutes.
It’s another quiet purifier with the lowest of the 3 fan settings at 25dB. We like this air purifier because there are 2 different night light settings.
We also like it because running the purifier 24/7 and on the highest fan setting costs less than $3 per month.
Pros:
- This is another true HEPA air purifier that is excellent for improved health
- The best air purifier if the size is important
- It’s great to just leave it running in your basement without needing maintenance
Cons:
- The fan can be a little noisy
Rabbit Air MinusA2 SPA-700A
Key features
- 6-stage air filtration
- Customized filters and panel designs
- 5 fan speeds with the lowest at 20dB
- Long-lasting filters
We finish off our list with Rabbit Air purifier with a price tag that may shock you but is by far one of the best air purifiers for mold and your basement. The air purifier is 20 x 21 x 7 inches and can stand alone or be mounted on the wall.
You can choose a panel design such as a Van Gogh or Snoopy image. The pre-filter and carbon filter (activated) we have seen before. But this purifier has an additional medium filter, BioGS HEPA filter, and a customized filter. Finally, a brushless direct current motor pushes air to the negative ion generator.
The BioGS HEPA filter is more advanced than a true HEPA air purifier because it captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns and over 99% of particles of less than 0.1 microns. The filter not only reduces airborne mold spores but also reduces the growth of bacteria and viruses on the filter.
There’s more. There are 4 options for customized air filters. You can choose from a toxin absorber, odor remover, pet allergy, or germ defense filter. The germ defense filter works to capture more airborne particles, bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
The clean air delivery rates are also impressive. The air purifier has a CADR of 180 CFM for smoke, 193 CFM for dust, and 200 CFM for pollen. And that is with 2 air cleans in one hour.
The control panel lets you adjust the fan speed, auto or pollen mode, sleep mode, and the option to switch off the negative ions. You can also see the filter replacement light and odor sensor. There is a light sensor that automatically switches the purifier to sleep mode when the room starts to get dark.
There is a remote control too. Yes, this air purifier is the most expensive, even as much as 5 times the price of the cheaper air cleaners. Nevertheless, it comes with a 5-year warranty and is exceptionally well built.
With an average use of 12 hours a day, the filters can last up to 2 years. This makes it extremely cost-effective compared with filters that need changing at least every 6 months.
Pros:
- High-quality parts, even those that can’t be seen
- The odor sensor is very sensitive
- Fantastic indoor air quality whether it’s your basement air or kitchen
Cons:
- It might be a little too much as a basement air purifier for some
What is an Air Purifier for mold?
An air purifier for mold will capture harmful mold spores by filtering airborne particles, trapping the spores, and killing them.
Some of the best air purifiers use ultraviolet light or activated carbon filters, or they will be HEPA air purifiers. The best air purifiers will improve indoor air quality and the basement smell.
Why buy an Air Purifier for mold?
Mold occurs when moisture is present. It can be from leaky pipes, condensation, or the HVAC. A basement smell could be a sign of poor air quality, or it could be the first sign of mold. While there are many types of the mold spore, Stachybotrys, or black mold, is one of the most dangerous.
There is no need to risk flu-like symptoms and respiratory problems. For your health, an air purifier for mold in the basement or other large rooms is essential.
Buying Guide
While you might think that it is the air filters that are the most important thing, the first specification you should look at is your room size. You can buy the best air purifier on the market, and it can be completely useless if the recommended room size is 500 sq. ft. and your basement is 800 sq. ft.
The effectiveness of the air purifier will also depend on the location. Read the instructions on the best place to put the air purifier, especially if it is round. Anything less than 3 stages of filtration should probably be ignored.
A pre-filter is helpful, more so if it is washable because it will help the other filters to last longer. Always read and check whether your choice is a HEAP air purifier or a true HEPA air purifier. True HEPA air purifiers are more efficient and will have a greater effect on mold.
Many of the other features will depend on the individual. The size and design depend on the space you have available. The options like Wi-Fi and remote control are helpful but if you are planning to run the purifier on auto mode, these features aren’t as relevant.
We also paid close attention to the noise levels and again, this is often less relevant for a basement air purifier. With regards to price, air purifiers under $100 have one star, from $100-$200, 2 stars, between $200 and $300 have 3 stars and the one 4-star rating is currently over $500.
Understanding your needs will help you select an air purifier with the right price but don’t forget to compare replacement filter costs.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is the difference between a carbon filter and an activated carbon filter?
Carbon filters and activated carbon filters are made of the same material but there are more pores in an activated carbon filter. Because of this, more particles and odors can be trapped in the pores, making them more efficient.
Is a higher clean air delivery rate better?
Yes, a higher clean air delivery rate means the air is cleaned in a room more quickly. Of course, this will always depend on the room size and the recommended room size of the purifier.
Are UV light basement air purifiers dangerous?
This is a debatable question and purifier brands will have different responses. UV-C filters emit varying amounts of ozone, which can harm the environment.
Germ Guardian, however, would tell you that UV-C filters are the most effective on mold spores and that they will also prevent spores from settling in the air conditioner unit.
What is TI02 treatment?
Titanium Dioxide is a treatment used with ultraviolet lights to further improve air quality. Titanium Dioxide is considered to be highly stable and harmless.
Wrap up
It’s almost impossible to choose the best air purifier for mold in the basement as the decision has to be based on your basement size. Levoit has a good range of purifiers, and they are priced well.
But the durability is often questionable. We do like their commitment to the environment. Despite its price tag, the Rabbit Air purifier is certainly one of our favorite air purifiers for any room in the home.
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