Best Air Scrubber for Mold [Comparison of Top 5 Air Scrubbers]

Polluted air can cause health hazards, including headaches, sore throat, chest tightness, nausea, and other respiratory diseases to you and your family.   

Mold can occur in any area, environment, or condition, whether in a warm or cold season. It is a fast-growing and aggressive fungus that can take over a home if not tackled early.

It may lead to poor indoor air quality, damage to the surface, and health issues for the occupants exposed to this unhealthy air. If mold spores contaminate the air around you, there are devices you may use to remove them from your home and environment permanently.

An air scrubber effectively removes mold spores from the air. It also tackles different problems in the home, such as scrubbing the air after a fire incident, water damage, or during and after a house renovation.

An air scrubber cleans, freshens, and purifies the air in your home by capturing and eliminating mold spores, odors, dust, pet dander, mildew, and other contaminants.     

You may ask: Is an air scrubber the best device to filter and clean the air of mold?

Yes, an air scrubber is the best device, effective for mold remediation.

Air scrubbers eliminate pollutants, including asbestos, chemical fumes, dust, pollen, lead, and others resulting from accidents or large-scale projects in the home.

These airborne contaminants pollute the indoor air by settling on carpets, upholstery, and furnishings, which will pollute the environment, thus the need for air cleaning protection.

Top Air Scrubbers for Mold

How Effectively Do Air Scrubbers Remove Mold?

An air scrubber can effectively remove mold spores from the indoor air with its HEPA filter and enough airflow. The HEPA filter traps and captures mold spores produced from the fungi in the indoor environment.  

The air scrubber works by drawing air from the compromised environment and filtering out impurities and pollutants such as mold by passing it through the HEPA filter. It is one of the most efficient methods of eliminating contaminants from the indoor air.

Mold spores are particulate matter with smaller sizes of 0.3 microns and below, which may easily pass through other filtration techniques except for a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter can efficiently trap these irritating small mold contaminants in the air.    

Air filters come with the MERV rating, and a true HEPA filter is MERV 17.

In the offices, using a HEPA air scrubber with germicidal Ultraviolet light prevents mold growth because the UV-C light is an air sanitizer that can prevent stagnant water in the air duct from turning to mold, thus maintaining good quality air.

Now, let us consider the critical factors you must look out for before purchasing the best scrubber for mold.

Top 5 Best Air Scrubbers For Mold [Specifications, Pros & Cons]

1. XPOWER X-2580 Professional Air Scrubber

Best Filtration System

The XPOWER X-2580 is the lightest air scrubber at 23.6 lbs. Very easy to move this air scrubber with the help of a carrying handle. It is also suitable for use as a home air scrubber.

Furthermore, the XPOWER X-2580 boasts a unique 4-stage filtration system. This portable air scrubber has two distinct nylon mesh pre-filters in addition to the HEPA filter and pre-filter.

• The first stage is a nylon mesh filter 1 for larger particles.
• The second stage is Nylon mesh filter 2 for larger particles.
• A Carbon filter is the third filtration stage for odor elimination and absorption induced by mold growth or water damage.
• A 2-inch HEPA filter is the fourth stage of filtration: It eliminates up to 99.97% of minute dust particles, including mold spores.

The air passing through these filtration stages is clear of mold. It also has multiple-speed options, producing up to 550 CFM airflow with the 1/2 HP motor.

Specifications

• Airflow rating: 550 CFM
• Coverage: 1500 sq ft
• Filtration system: 4-stage filters
• Filter Change Indicator: Yes
• Power cord length: 13 ft
• Power rating: 2.8 Amps, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 23.6lbs

Benefits

• It has 4-stages of filtration system consisting of nylon pre-filters activated carbon filter and a HEPA filter.
• It is lightweight and portable.
• It has variable speed settings with a maximum airflow rating of 550 CFM and a 1/2 HP commercial-grade motor.

Drawbacks

• It makes noise during operation.

2. Dri-Eaz F284 HEPA 500 Air Scrubber

Best Blower Type

The Dri-Eaz F284 HEPA 500 Air Scrubber is a dependable workhorse, but its only disadvantage is the high price tag. If it is within your price range, go ahead and get it.

One notable feature is an integrated GFCI protected outlet, which allows additional equipment to the unit. You may attach 3-units to this machine via the GFCI power outlet for a larger project.

The power cord is 25 feet long, and, as the name implies, the F284 accepts a HEPA filter, making it the ideal instrument for dealing with mold, lead paint, VOCs, and other contaminants. You can also use an activated carbon filter to remove smoke and other odors.

The Dri-Eaz F284 includes two filters. It is portable and stackable, with a 500 CFM airflow rating, useful for fire/water restoration, sewage treatment, mold, and odor removal.

The first filter traps the large particles. The second stage is a HEPA filter, which filters 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. It removes fungus, mold, mildew, and VOCs.

This machine uses a power rating of 345 W to cover a 938 sq ft area. Debris cannot accumulate on the filters due to the airfoil-type blower and a stronger motor.

The Dri-Eaz F284 features a durable structure composed of rotomolded polyethylene and is resistant to damage.

Specification 

• Airflow Rating: 250 – 500 CFM
• Coverage: 938 sq ft
• Filtration System: 2-stage filters 
• Filter Change Indicator: Yes
• Power Cord Length: 25 ft
• Power Rating: 3 Amps, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 44lbs

Benefits 

• It is portable and stackable 
• It is durable 
• HEPA filter change indicator is available
• It comes with adjustable airflow control 
• You may use it in attics, crawlspaces, and corners
• It eliminates mildew, mold, and dust
• You can daisy-chain 3-units to it.

Drawbacks 

• It is expensive
• It gives a loud noise while operating.

3. ALORAIR PureAiro HEPA Max 970 Air Scrubber

Best Airflow Rating

The AlorAir PureAiro HEPA Max 970 is one of the latest air scrubber devices on our list. It incorporates a feature not seen in any other device on this list: the UV- C Radiation.

The  UV-C light, on its own, is efficient in breaking down odors such as smoke and moldy, musty odors. It is also quite efficient against mold and other fungi.

AlorAir has combined its mold treatment characteristics with commercial-grade air scrubber filters to create a very effective and efficient air purifier. The resultant air filtration is a three-stage negative air machine with a maximum airflow of 750 CFM.

This multi-purpose air scrubber is for water/flood restoration, fire damage restoration, mold treatment, remodeling, sewage cleanup, renovation, and construction. The manufacturers also claim that it is ideal for a salon or spa.

The initial stage of filtering is a pre-filter that eliminates large particles. This first-line of defense filters extends the life of the more expensive filters, which is the two-in-one HEPA filter with a carbon filter.

It effectively removes mold spores, bacteria, asbestos, and other pollutants. The third stage is UV-C radiation, which improves germ eradication in the air.

Three HEPA Max units may be daisy-chain to a single power outlet.

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 330 CFM to 750 CFM
• Coverage: 1000 sq ft
• Filtration system: 3-stage filters
• Filter Change Indicator: Yes
• Power cord length: 20 ft
• Power rating: 3 Amps, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 39.6lbs.

Benefits

• It is compact, lightweight, and stackable
• The UV-C radiation traps and destroys pollutants
• It is durable.

Drawbacks

• It makes a loud noise during the operation.

4. BlueDri BD-AS-550-BL HEPA Air Scrubber

Best Price

BlueDri is the top choice for professionals and homeowners due to its wide range of applications for mold eradication, restoration, and remodeling, including its growing list of benefits. It combines performance features, a HEPA filtration option, and a low price to provide an exceptional value. 

The tried-and-true BlueDri Air Shield 550 HEPA (AS550) is for harsh industrial and commercial areas where it would operate continuously. It uses a three-stage filtration mechanism to get the job done.

The first filter is a pre-filter for dust, lint, and larger particles. The second stage filter is the carbon filter for odor resulting from mildew and dampness. Then the third stage, which is the HEPA filter, eliminates mold spores, harmful pathogens, and other airborne pollutants. 

With these filters in place, the machine removes 99.97% of particles of varying sizes 0.3 microns and above to purify the air. 

It is suitable for different applications, including house repair and building sites, mold and sewage remediation services, and water and fire damage restoration cleanups. All of these are in a small package weighing about 45 pounds.

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 250 – 500 CFM
• Coverage: 1500 sq ft
• Filtration System: 3-stage filters
• Filter Change Indicator: Yes
• Power Cord Length: 25ft
• Power Rating: 2.5 Amps, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 45lbs

Benefits 

• It comes with HEPA filters
• It has 3-filtration stages 
• The optional carbon filter removes odors
• It is a very durable air scrubber
• It effectively removes mold.

Drawbacks 

• The replacement filters are expensive
• It is noisy while in operation.

5. Abatement Technologies Predator 750 (PRED75) Air Scrubber

Best Value for Money

Abatement Technologies Predator 750 air scrubber is a contractor’s top choice for mobility, power, and heavy use. The no-frills equipment meets all of the requirements for mold eradication and has several capabilities that out-performs its competitors.

You can use the variable speed motor to adjust the CFM rating from 200 to 750 CFM. 

It has three stages of filtration, which comprises two pre-filters, an optional carbon filter, and a true HEPA filter.

• Stage 1 pre-filter is a MERV 4 coarse particulate filter
• Stage 2 pre-filter is a MERV 6 pleated particulate filter
• The optional Vapor-lock carbon filter is a MERV 7 filter for odor removal.
• The final stage filter is a true HEPA filter, which removes up to 99.97% of mold and other particles of sizes down to 0.3 microns.   

Whether it is eliminating mold spores, cleaning particles from the air at a construction site, or any other task, this machine has a high airflow rating to get the job done faster and is highly effective for mold eradication.

The device deviates from the standard design used by most manufacturers. According to Abatement, its design provides a “Zero bypass” cabinet to generate a tighter sealing necessary for producing negative air pressure.

Expect 6 ACH (air changes per hour) for 6,000 to 7,500 cubic feet at its 750 CFM high-end. A single 15-amp circuit can support up to 5 Predator 750s daisy-chained together.

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 200 – 750 CFM
• Coverage: 7500 cubic feet
• Filtration System: 3-stage filters
• Filter Change Indicator: Yes
• Power Cord Length: 25 ft

• Power Rating: 15 Amps, 120V, 60Hz
• Weight: 35lbs

Benefits

• It is lightweight and portable
• It is stackable for easy transportation
• It has a variable speed control
• It comes with a filter change indicator
• You can daisy-chain up to 5 units
• It has 3-stages of filtration.

Drawbacks

• It makes a loud noise when operated at the highest airflow level.

Buyer’s Guide To Select The Best Air Scrubber For Mold

When selecting a scrubber for mold, you must consider the features that will effectively capture the mold spores, stop the growth, and trap the odor caused by such pollutants.

1. Filtration System

The most effective air scrubber for mold must include a pre-filter, true HEPA filter, and carbon filter in the filtration system.

The pre-filter eliminates larger particles of air, leaving the smaller particles. The HEPA filter removes up to 99.97% of particles of sizes down to 0.3 microns. Since mold spores are these sizes, they cannot pass through the HEPA filter.

The HEPA-rated filters use anti-microbial treatment to stop the pollutant from reforming and protect the air. The activated carbon filters remove odor, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and purify the air with chemical adsorption.

Purchasing an air scrubber with these filters will eliminate mold, remove odor and purify the air in your home, and replace it with fresh and clean air.

In this case, the XPOWER X-2580 HEPA Air Scrubber has the most effective filtration system with 4-stage filters to remove mold and odors due to water damage.

2. Airflow Rating

The airflow rating of an air scrubber is in CFM (Cubic feet per minute). With this, you will know how fast the scrubber can suck in contaminated air to release fresh, clean, and purified air.

Most negative air machines have a maximal airflow of 500 – 750 CFM, and you can adjust the airflow with the variable speed control switch.

The minimum airflow rating is 250 CFM, and there are several stages before you adjust it to 500 – 750 CFM. Some industrial air scrubbers come with an airflow rating of 1500 – 2000 CFM, and you may combine up to 3 scrubbers for a more powerful airflow if you are tacking mold in a larger space.

Be sure that you purchase a unit with a CFM rating suitable for tackling mold spores.

3. Power Outputs

Air scrubbers with 1/3 HP and 1/2 HP motors can power 200 and 350 Watts. The higher the wattage, the higher the airflow rating.   

For small jobs, you can use a single unit with 3Amps, but for bigger ones, you have to daisy-chain two or three units for a powerful airflow. That is why air scrubbers come with the GFCI sockets.

You can connect up to 3 units with the GFCI outlet to achieve 9 Amps. When you power ON the first unit, other units that link to it turns ON automatically for more airflow to remove mold from a larger space.

4. Maximum Coverage Area

Air scrubbers have the recommended maximum coverage area based on CADR ratings, ACH (Air Changes per Hour), and airflow rating. Units with a minimal coverage area of 500 sq ft and above are better. Anything below this may be too weak for mold remediation projects or renovation jobs.

5. Blower Type

Using this machine for mold will cause debris to accumulate on the filters, which may affect the speed and efficiency of the unit and lead to static resistance.

Although different blowers are available for air scrubbers, the best blower that overcomes a drop in pressure due to a dirty filter is the air-foil type blower.

With the air-foil type blower, debris cannot accumulate on the filters. Combining this blower with a powerful motor will produce enough airflow to sustain the filter.

The air scrubbers listed in this review come with powerful electric motors and an air-foil blower that removes mold effectively.   

6. Speed

There are two-speed options available on air scrubbers: single-speed and multiple-speed options. Devices with the single-speed option offer a weak air cleaning system since you cannot adjust their speed.

For the multiple-speed machine, you may adjust the speed for all projects. It provides a better cleaning system and circulates air better than the single-speed. Mold removal needs an air scrubber with a powerful blower and adjustable speed control settings.   

7. Durability

The rotomolded polyethylene body of an air scrubber can withstand different weather and handle for a long time without damage. Before making a purchase, ensure that you understand the details of operational faults and failures.

Also, confirm the maintenance of the unit and its warranty period. Always consider a brand with a track record of manufacturing high-quality products, and make sure it is up to the task required from it.

8. Price

We all know that quality comes at a price, but going for a robust high-end air scrubber with an outrageous price does not mean it will handle your project perfectly.

While you cannot choose price over quality, you can get your preferred unit with all the features you need for a particular project, even at a fair price.

Purchasing units with inferior specifications may lead to the inability to perform a specific task. It is best to consider the features you need in the device as this will determine the amount you spend for its purchase without overpaying for irrelevant features.  

Comparison of Top 5 Air Scrubbers for Mold

If you are not able to decide yet, we brought you the comparison summary of all 5 top air scrubbers to get rid of mold. Check the below details and select the air scrubber that suits best for your needs.

Air Scrubber	Airflow Rating	Filtration System	Coverage	Power Rating	Weight
XPOWER X-2580	550 CFM	4-Stage	1500 sq ft	322W (2.8Amps)	23.6lbs
AlorAIR PureAiro	330 – 750 CFM	3-Stage	1000 sq ft	345W (3Amps)	39.6lbs
Dri-Eaz F2284 HEPA	250 – 500 CFM	2-Stage	938 sq ft	345W (3Amps)	44lbs
BlueDri BD-AS-550-BL	250 – 500 CFM	3-Stage	1500 sq ft	287.5W (2.5Amps)	45lbs
Abatement Technologies Predator 750	200 – 750 CFM	3-Stage	7500 cubic feet	1725W (15Amps)	35lbs

Final Words:

Air scrubbers are the best alternative to air purifiers if you are interested in purifying the air.

They may be bulkier and noisier when compared with standard air purifiers, but if you need to clean the air and walls of mold while remodeling your house or working on a construction site, we recommend these air scrubbers.