Understanding the Musty Odor Issue And those organisms release various chemicals and gases as they metabolize organic materials, resulting in a 'musty' odor. So, air purifiers can definitely help, but a better, more effective way to remove that smell is to also remove the excess moisture - with a portable dehumidifier.
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.
Air purifiers are a cost-effective and effortless way to remove moisture, allergens, and mouldy smells from the air in your home. If you have a persistent issue with damp odours, try using an air purifier to eliminate the problem.
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.
Dehumidifiers work by getting rid of excess moisture that's in the air. And that can help to stop mildew and mould from growing, as well as reducing any musty smells. It does this by drawing in air from the room it's in, which is then passed over a cooled coil.
Use fans or exhaust fans to reduce stagnant air and improve overall ventilation. Thoroughly clean and freshen surfaces. Clean surfaces that contribute to the odor by using a mild detergent or specialized cleaner mixed with water. Remove dirt, dust, visible mold, or mildew.
An air purifier and specific filters effectively eliminate harmful gases and unwanted odors from your indoor environment. A standard particle filter is not designed to remove gases and odors. For gas and odor removal, the air purifier should be equipped with a filter that includes activated carbon.
There is one stark difference between a dehumidifier and an air purifier, which comes down to what they remove from the air in your home. Air purifiers remove contaminants such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. Dehumidifiers, on the other hand, remove excess moisture from the air.
Disadvantages of air purifiers include the cost of purchase and filter replacements and the need for regular maintenance. They may also be ineffective against certain pollutants, like larger particles or gases, depending on the filter type.
There's no real concern with doing so, it'll just mean the room will have really good air quality. Many homes with HVACs run simultaneous air purifying and dehumidifying functions anyway, so it's nothing new.
The Blueair Blue Pure Max 411i quickly and impressively tackles odors, making it a great choice for freshening and purifying moldy air. In our testing, it reduced airborne allergens and unpleasant odors in just 30 minutes. We also appreciated the night mode and light-dimming feature, which are great for bedrooms.
While air purifier and dehumidifier combo units might seem convenient, they often fall short in performance compared to using separate, dedicated units. If you have space for only one device and are willing to spend a considerable amount, a high-end combo unit might suffice for a small area.
Problem: Musty or moldy smells typically indicate mold or mildew growth. Who to Call for Solution: Seek a professional mold remediation service. They are experts in identifying, removing, and preventing mold in homes.
Baking soda and vinegar are often regarded as some of the best natural cleaning ingredients given their inherent deodorizing properties. When using these ingredients to remove the smell of must, simply place a bowl of either baking soda or vinegar in the affected room overnight to absorb the musty odors.
Cons of Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers collect water meaning they need to be regularly emptied. They also need to be regularly cleaned otherwise black mould can start to grow on the machine , which can induce a wide range of health problems including allergic reactions, lung problems and irritation.
If you are concerned about the air quality in your home or office, an air purifier may be the better choice. If you live in an area with low humidity levels or suffer from dry skin or other symptoms related to dry air, a humidifier may be a choice to consider.
Ozone-Generating Air Cleaners
One mechanism of damage results from ozone-olefin reactions, and another from ozone reacting with electron donors (such as glutathione). Inhalation of relatively small amounts of ozone can cause coughing, chest pain, throat irritation, and shortness of breath.
If you're dealing with mold, mildew, or dust mite issues, a dehumidifier might be the better choice. However, if you're concerned about airborne particles such as pollen, pet dander, or smoke, an air purifier might be more appropriate.
Medical professionals suggest prioritizing maintaining a clean home and frequently sanitizing frequently used surfaces. Air purifiers should just be an accessory to your cleaning routine, not a priority.
HEPA purifiers are remarkably adept at catching mold spores. A 2009 study found that HEPA purification significantly reduced mold counts and improved symptoms in children with mold allergies. However, if your home already has a mold problem, a HEPA purifier won't remove the growth that's already taken hold.
Because dehumidifiers only help prevent bad smells indirectly, they are not as effective at getting rid of smells as air purifiers, which tackle odours head on. In our air purifier testing process, our reviewers timed how long it took purifiers to get rid of the smell of smoke, deodorant, and bacon.
If the air in your home or a specific room feels damp — and the RH level is above 60%, you may need a dehumidifier. If your your home or space feels hot, stuffy and dry — and the RH level is measuring below 30%, you may need a humidifier to add some moisture to the air.
If you've noticed a musty smell in your home, it could be due to mold growth in hidden areas. Having an air purifier running in places that smell musty can not only remove the smell but can also improve the health of the air in the space.
Depending on these factors, air filters can start to improve the quality of the air in a few minutes, but it could take up to an hour or more to get rid of most of the airborne pollutants.
3M Filtrete Air Purifier
This affordable air purifier excelled when it came to eliminating odors and smoke.