Specific Treatments for Odor and PollutantsMost air purifiers work in order to restore a healthy balance of particles in the air and destroy those which can harm us, but other air cleaners work specifically to neutralize odors in the space in which we live. No matter why you’d like to have an air purifier, each one has different specifications which are responsible for permanent or temporary solutions regarding odors or pollutants. Not every cleaner has the ability to tackle each pollutant in the same manner, so I decided to address the issue. Let’s see what the best options for each situation are. Not all odors are the same and not all techniques are the best for removing them. I’ve classified the most common nasty smells, and which air cleaners do a fantastic job of removing them. The smoke that comes from cigarettes is made out of fine smoke particles which are chemically based and cause unpleasant odors. Ozone generators are known for their superb performance in removing unpleasant odors, which can be anything from cigarette smoke to old and musty furniture.

Another great alternative is to use an air cleaner that contains an activated carbon filter because the fibers of the filter react chemically thereby attaching to the particles of smoke. The third alternative for removing cigarette smoke is a photocatalytic filter which actually breaks down the odor producing chemicals found in smoke. Certain chemical compounds produce VOC, and the most common producers are mold, smoke, bacteria and formaldehyde. The three most effective units used for this type of contaminant are ozone generators/sanitizers, air purifiers which contain an activated carbon filter, and finally photocatalytic filters that successfully destroy any kind of vapors and gasses. Household Chemicals and Pet Odors Household chemicals we use to sanitize our homes can actually work against our health. Although they are meant to sanitize every surface from counter-tops to floors, they release toxic fumes and odors which are sometimes unpleasant and dangerous. In this case, the best solution is to use an air cleaner with an activated carbon filter because the fibers react with the fumes, and the bond they create ensures the household is free of any smells or toxic fumes.

You can also go for oxidation filters as mentioned earlier. The same options go for pet dander and pet related smells. Although we love our fury companions, sometimes the smells they leave behind can stay for a long time and be unpleasant. magic clean air purifierLuckily, an activated carbon filter will take care of the most common pet related smells, leaving you with clean and fresh air.home air purifiers mold Now that we’ve dealt with the most common odors, let’s look into the different type of pollutants in the air around us.do hvac air purifiers work Pet dander can be a powerful allergen that triggers severe reactions in people suffering from allergies. The most common treatment would be to have an air purifier that contains a type of HEPA filter.

True HEPA filters are certified and best known for removing allergens of all kinds, especially pet dander. Dust, Dust Mites and Pollen If you want to remove more solid particles floating around in the air like pollen or dust mites, a HEPA filter is all you need. The Department of Homeland Security has recommended the use of HEPA filters in homes in order to create a safe, allergen-free environment. Another option that’s especially good for dust is an ionizer. Ionizers are very similar to air purifiers, only their technology utilizes negative ions which attach in the air to the positively charged particles of dust. This makes the dust drop in front of the ionizer. It might mean more maintenance but at least the air you’re breathing is clean! There is also the option of an air purifier that has a HEPA type filter with an inbuilt ionizer that gives double the results. The most effective purifying method for viruses and germs, recommended by the U.S. Centers of Disease Control is a germicidal UV lamp.

They are able to destroy microorganisms because the UVC wavelength radiates UV rays that are lethal to the DNA in bacteria. This way, the smallest of germs can’t live and spread diseases in the air. Another efficient treatment would be to use a Photocatalytic Oxidation filter that breaks down the DNA of bacteria and destroys them for good. Most households have experienced some kind of mold or mildew problems which occur in humid environments. Fungi such as mold, gather together when building materials and moisture collide. Once mold has spread, it produces airborne spores that can be dangerous to your health. The best treatment out there is an air purifier with a certified HEPA filter, and if it comes with an inbuilt ionizer even better! HEPA filters are great at removing solid particles out of the air, while Ionizers produce negative ions that attach to the spores and neutralize them. There are other alternatives such as activated carbon filters, along with germicidal UV lamps that successfully destroy microorganisms like mycotoxin which is produced by mold.

The Choice is Yours Different treatments can win the battle against different pollutants, and the good news is ever since air purifier technology showed up manufacturers have been working on creating units that are even more efficient. Whether you’re looking for something to give asthma or allergy relief, or even neutralize unpleasant odors there are several available options to look into.There’s nothing less inviting than walking into a home with a bad smell. There are many things that can contribute to a home’s less than rosy scent. Pets, smoke, mold and mildew, and cooking can create odors that permeate the air and linger around. These odors will eventually penetrate into the walls, carpeting and furniture. I will share some simple steps to help prevent and remove these potentially offensive odors.Bedroom, family and living rooms are fairly simple and straightforward to keep clean and tidy, and therefore odor-free. Regular vacuuming and dusting should be sufficient. If you are a smoker, someone in your home is a smoker or have entertained a smoker, making sure that the room has plenty of ventilation is key.

Open windows when necessary and consider purchasing an air purifier.Fresh flowers always help to eliminate odors and candles can temporarily mask smells too. Bed linens and upholstery should be washed and laundered on a regular basis. Curtains should be cleaned as well. If an odor persists in your rugs or carpeting, it may be time to replace them. Walls, if painted in a semi or high gloss, or covered with wallpaper, should be wiped down with a lightly soapy, damp sponge from time to time.Kitchens, with all their traffic and uses, are rooms where odors accumulate and trap. Cooking leaves a film of light grease in the air that clings to walls, light fixtures, floors, countertops… well, everything really. If you have an exhaust fan, use it. Use it regularly when cooking and keep it on for a while after cooking. Keep your countertops clean and wipe them down with a homemade or store bought cleaner at the end of every day. Floors should be vacuumed daily as well, especially in the homes with (messy!) children and pets.

Crumbs and pet hair and dander are not only unsightly but will be tracked through the rest of the house.Wipe down the stove-top after use as well as anything that might be on or near it. It’s inevitable to avoid cooking splatters. At the end of the day wipe down sinks. Natural, or products made with bleach will kill all harmful bacteria. If your dishwasher has an odor place a cupful of vinegar on the top rack and run a cycle. Do keep a container of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odors, and change replace every couple of months. Wipe down doors and shelves on a regular basis as well.Due to the heavy moisture content in these often small rooms, mold and mildew have a tendency to grow here. Keep bathrooms ventilated when using the shower or bath. Ventilation, in this room, is perhaps the single most important thing one can do to keep this space odor-free. If you don’t have a fan, then do be sure to keep the windows open. Wipe down the sink and bathtub on a regular basis, using bleach to keep the mildew at bay.

Wipe down walls with a damp sponge, mop the floors and keep the toilets clean. If you have a bathroom that doesn’t get much use, say in a guest room, do go in and run the water, flush the toilet and open the window from time to time. Avoid using those plug in room fresheners, they tend to be overwhelming and often are worse than the odors they are trying to mask.Some people keep their kitty litters in the bathroom. Kitty litters have a strong odor, even when clean they emit a strong odor and can permeate the air and affect the rest of the home. If you have a pet, especially at cat, an air purifying system is a must. Room sprays and deodorizers last only a short while. Reeds infused in essential oils are available all over the place in mild and pleasant fragrances. These scents last longer, until the oils are absorbed by the thin reeds.Dirty socks, sweaty gym clothes and smelly sports equipment can leave these spaces smelling, well, less than rosy! Basements, even finished ones, tend to smell musky.

They’re cool and damp and often humid. A dehumidifier will get rid of excess moisture which will help keep the mold and mildew and musky smell at bay. Since dehumidifiers must be emptied place them near the bulkhead doors, sump pump or sink. Washing machines often harbor unpleasant odors. To rid the unpleasant smell place a cup of vinegar or a cup of bleach in the machine and run it one full cycle. Because washing machines tend to be airtight, mildew can form. To prevent this simply leave the machine door open between uses. Lastly, this may seem so basic, but keep on top of your laundry and don’t let those smelly items accumulate for too long. Never toss wet towels into hampers. Let them air dry first before doing so.If your mudroom and laundry rooms are on the main level, they’re likely highly trafficked areas. Mud and dirt from sneakers, cleats and boots are often tracked in. To prevent the dirt from being tracked through the rest of the house, keep a broom or a small portable vacuum cleaner nearby.