Best Air Scrubber for Drywall Dust [Top 5 Picks, Pros & Cons]

The air is contaminated with impurities that might affect your health if you continue to inhale them. Indoor air may contain more contaminants compared to outdoor air.

Air scrubbers remove these pollutants from the air. It is different from air purifiers because it deep cleans and eliminates harmful substances from the air, including airborne particles like drywall dust, pollen, pet dander, and mites.

It is necessary to improve the air quality in your surroundings, homes, industrial buildings, and workspaces.

Air scrubbers are machines or an HVAC unit that removes mold, pathogens, air contaminants, mites, and foul smells from the air using a multi-stage filtration system.

This portable negative air machine draws air into its compartment and traps the particles, then it passes the air through some filters and sends out clean, fresh air. They are more effective compared to other HVAC systems because their filters can:

• Trap pollutants such as pet hair, dust, and smoke particles
• Eliminate foul smell from the air
• Kill pathogens with Ultraviolet light
• Release charged oxidizers into the air to attract charged contaminants that can pass through the scrubber.

Now, let us take a look at the factors you must consider before buying the best air scrubber for drywall dust.

List Of Top 5 Air Scrubbers For Drywall Dust

Buyer’s Guide To Select The Best Air Scrubber For Drywall Dust

1. Filtration System

You have to consider the filtration system of an air scrubber because the clean and fresh air sent out by the device depends on the quality of filtration.

Most air scrubbers have two filters. The first one, known as the pre-filter, captures large particles like pet dander/fur and pathogens like mites.

The second filter is commonly called the High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. It captures drywall dust particles and other smaller particles. It can eliminate up to 99.97% of small particles down to 0.3 microns and is very common in HVAC units.

Most scrubbers come with a three-stage filtration system to remove the tiniest particles and odor. The activated carbon filter is the third filter, which helps eliminate smoke from the air. It is called an odor control filter.

An air scrubber with a fourth-stage filter is the best bet. It filters gas fumes from the air. So, when selecting an air scrubber for drywall dust, always ensure that it has a high particle holding capacity with a low airflow loss.

2. Airflow Rating

Air scrubbers have an airflow rating between 100 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) to 20,000 CFM. The airflow rating determines the size of the scrubber. You need to consider your requirements for this device before making a purchase.

If you need it for your home, the one with an airflow rating of 500 or 550 CFM can handle it. For commercial and industrial purposes, a rating of 5,000 CFM and above will eliminate dust particles and drywall dust.

Construction workers should go for an air scrubber with a high airflow rating.

3. Air Blower Type

If dirt accumulates on the machine filters, its pressure will reduce. It is necessary to get a quality scrubber with a powerful blower to prevent dirt from building up on the filter.

Blowers functions in different ways. The airfoil blower in air scrubbers can overcome the pressure drop caused by dirty filters and enhance airflow.

The building up of contaminants on the filter may choke up the device and create a static resistance, which may incur maintenance costs in the long run.

It is pertinent to purchase an air scrubber with a more powerful blower for your jobs.

4. Price

The price of an air scrubber depends on the type of work and the location you are using it. It is wise to determine the features and sturdiness of the machine you need.

If you are tackling drywall dust, odors, and mold, then you don’t have to spend a fortune. The contaminant you are trying to get rid of will determine the amount you should spend on purchasing the negative air machine.  

Spending some amount on a 500 CFM air scrubber should be enough to tackle contaminants in your home, garage, and basement to give fresh and clean air.

The ALORAIR CleanShield HEPA 550 has a powerful blower with 3-stage filtration and is cheaper than other units in its category.

5. Durability

Since you will be using the air scrubber to tackle drywall dust commonly found at remodeling or construction sites, you must be sure that the machine has a durable construction that can withstand harsh conditions without breaking or cracking.

Well-tested brands with a history of making high-quality products will function just the way you want it and last longer, but remember that quality comes at a price, which you cannot compromise.

You can get a durable negative air machine at a reasonable price by choosing the one with your specific requirements.  

We have carefully selected the top 5 air scrubbers for drywall dust.

Top 5 Best Air Scrubbers for Drywall Dust

1. XPOWER X-3580 Air Scrubber

Best Filtration System

The XPOWER X-3580 air scrubber is for air purification at construction sites. It has a 4-stage filtration system; the pre-filter, HEPA filter, and 2-nylon mesh pre-filters.

The nylon mesh pre-filters are the first and second stages of the filtration process. They capture up to 90% of medium to large particles and hair. You can reuse the filters after washing.

The third stage of filtration is the carbon filter. It removes odor and smells from the air.

A 1.4-inch HEPA filter is the fourth stage of filtration. It removes up to 99.97% of 0.3micron-sized particles. It also eliminates harmful contaminants such as pet allergens, hair, drywall dust, mold, dander, and bacteria.

Specifications

• Airflow rating: 600 CFM
• Filtration system: 4-stage filtration
• Power cord length: 13 ft
• Filter change indicator: Yes
• Coverage: 1,500 sq ft
• Power rating: 2.8 Amps, 120v, 60 Hz
• Weight: 32.8 lbs

Benefits

• 4 stages of filtration with HEPA filter for impurities
• Activated carbon filter
• 5-speed settings with an airflow rating of 600 CFM
• It is lightweight and portable
• Powerful and efficient
• Durable construction
• Daisy-Chainable
• Easily stackable

Drawbacks

• Noisy

2. B-Air RA-650 Air Scrubber

Best for Construction Sites

Are you trying to manage miscellaneous debris or harmful airborne particles at a construction site? If yes, then B-Air RA-650 is all you need.

The B-Air RA-650 Air Scrubber is a portable negative air machine that eliminates airborne particles, including pollen, mold, drywall dust, pet dander, and dust as small as 0.3 microns to create cleaner air.

This machine works well for commercial purposes and provides fresh and clean air when scrubbing floors and walls in any environment.

The RA-650 comes with 3-stages of filtration to ensure that only clean, healthy, and fresh air is released.

Although the second stage of the filtration process is optional, the pre-filter and HEPA filter captures large particles, while the third filter removes the smallest particles.

It is portable and can be moved easily with one hand. You can take control of this device with the light indicator for a filter change, speed control switch, and built-in hour meter.

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 250 – 500 CFM
• Filtration system: 3-stage filtration
• Daisy chain: Chainable GFCI Port
• Power cord length: 25 ft
• Filter change indicator: Yes
• Coverage: 1,000 sq ft
• Power rating: 2.8A, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 36 lbs

Benefits

• Lightweight and portable
• Durable design
• Has variable speed
• 3-stages of filtration system
• Removes the smallest particles
• GFCI power port for daisy-chaining
• CARB approved

Drawbacks

• No carbon filters
• It is heavy
• It gives a plastic smell

3. OdorStop OS-500 Heavy Duty HEPA Air Scrubber

Best for Commercial Use

The OdorStop OS-500 tackles pollen, pet dander, and drywall dust. It has a good built molded design, meant to withstand prolonged use.

It comes with three filters; pre-filter, HEPA filter, and optional charcoal filter. The pre-filter and HEPA filters eliminate all particles, including airborne debris, pet odors, chemical smells, mold, drywall, and dust. The charcoal filter is specifically for fire damage restoration.

 The OS-500 is portable and heavy, with a roto-molded casing to withstand the years of heavy-duty usage for commercial purposes. It has an extra-long power cord and may link up to 6 machines at construction sites that need a thorough purification.  This unit can eliminate the smallest particles of about 0.3 microns for clean air.

It is a powerful air scrubber suitable for commercial use.

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 250 – 500 CFM
• Filtration system: 3-stage filtration
• Daisy chain: Yes, 6-units may be linked
• Power cord length: 25 ft
• Filter change indicator: Yes
• Coverage: 1,000 sq ft
• Power rating: 3A, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 40 lbs

Benefits

• Lightweight and efficient
• The long-lasting and durable casing
• Specializes in odor removal
• HEPA filter replacement indicator
• Optional housing for carbon filter and pre-filter
• The motor is protected to avoid overheating
• Can link up to 6 units when handling larger projects.
• Extra-long power cord
• Effectively removes drywall, mold, drywall dust, and asbestos
• Removes up to 99.97% of air particles

Drawbacks

• The carbon filter is not included
• No timer options

4. ALORAIR CleanShield HEPA 550 Air Scrubber

Best Price

If you are looking for a professional and effective air scrubber at a moderate price, the AlorAir CleanShield HEPA 550 is the one for you.

It is lightweight, portable, and removes airborne particles of 0.3 microns in size. It eliminates plant spores, drywall dust, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen.

It has 3-stages of filtration to include a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. The pre-filter captures large particles while the HEPA filter targets tiny particles like fungi, drywall, fine dust, and mold spores.

The activated carbon filter eliminates odor and large particles in the air. It also captures volatile organic compounds such as sewer odors, food odors, smoke particles, and fumes.

When handling restoration jobs, the air becomes stuffy or develops odor as the space dries. That is why you need the AlorAir CleanShield HEPA 550 for restoration jobs.

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 270 – 550 CFM
• Filtration system: 3-stage filtration
• Power cord length: 25 ft
• Filter change indicator: Yes
• Coverage: 1,000 sq ft
• Power rating: 2.8 amps, 115V, 60 Hz
• Weight: 44 lbs

Benefits

• Durable with high performance
• Removes all types of odors
• Quiet, high-quality, and stylish
• Very cheap and highly efficient
• Perfect for mold and drywall dust

Drawbacks

• High noise level
• Tough but unreliable

5. Dri-Eaz F284 DefendAir HEPA 500 Air Scrubber

Value for Money

The Dri-Eaz F284 is a durable and top-of-the-line air scrubber that works effectively for sewage, attics, mold infestation, painting, drywall dust, and construction projects.

This negative air machine has a 3 Amps motor that generates an airflow of 500 CFM for drywall dust control, water, and fire damage restoration. It can cover a larger area of 938 sq ft compared to similar scrubbers.  

The Dri-Eaz F284 is efficient in a high-dust environment. It is an industrial air scrubber that removes up to 99.97% of particles in the air.

It has two stages of the filtration system. The first stage tackles large particles, and the HEPA filter, which is the second stage, is for small particles. You can connect other air scrubbers to it for a high airflow rating.

The Dri-Eaz F284 traps particles very quickly while releasing fresh and clean air.

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 250 – 500 CFM
• Filtration system: 2-stage with optional carbon filter
• Daisy chain: Yes, 3-units can be linked
• Power cord length: 25 ft
• Filter indicator light: Pre-filter change
• Coverage: 938 sq ft
• Power rating: 3 Amps, 115V, 60 Hz
• Weight: 44 lbs

Benefits

• It is durable
• Removes bad odor from the air
• Useful for pollen, drywall dust, and other allergies
• Eliminates dust and mold quickly
• Useful in crawlspaces, attics, and small area
• Trap air particles up to 1000 cubic feet in an enclosed space

Drawbacks

• It is loud
• Quite expensive

Comparison Of Above Listed Air Scrubbers For Drywall Dust

Air Scrubber	Air Flow Rating	Filtration System	Coverage	Power Output	Weight
XPOWER X-3580	600 CFM	Four-stages of filtration	1,500 sq ft	322W (2.8 Amps)	44 lbs
B-Air RA-650 Air Scrubber	250 – 500 CFM	3-stages of filtration	1,000 sq ft	322W (2.8 Amps)	36 lbs
OdorStop OS-500 HEPA Air Scrubber	250 – 500 CFM	3-stages of filtration	1,000 sq ft	345W (3 Amps)	40 lbs
AlorAir CleanShield HEPA 550	270 – 550 CFM	3-stages of filtration	1,000 sq ft	322W (2.8 Amps)	44 lbs
Dri-Eaz F284 DefendAir HEPA 500	250 – 500 CFM	2-stages of filtration with optional carbon filter	938 sq ft	345W (3 Amps)	44 lbs

Final Words:

With the air scrubbers mentioned in this review, you can now stay safe at construction sites and your homes and enjoy quality, fresh, and clean air at all times. This guide also gives you easy ways to choose the best air scrubber for drywall dust specifically for your requirements. 

Whether you want additional features in your negative air machine, the lightest model, the best value for money, or the most durable, this review includes quality products. Always change the filters regularly for maximum efficiency.