Dust can be really annoying when you’re trying to keep your home pristine clean. We all want to breathe clean, filtered air, both at home and at work. Aside from the unpleasant appearance, dust and dirt might harbor dust mites, pests, and bacteria, which can trigger allergies and other health conditions. If you or anyone in your home have allergies or asthma, air purifiers are a great help to keep allergens out. However, not all air purifiers and filters are built the same.
Most importantly, you need to look for a True HEPA air purifier to ensure that the filters catch dust particles and clean the air you breathe. To select the best air purifier for dust removal, the key specifications you need to look at include the CADR, airflow, and filter types. To make the search easier for you, we’ve gathered below everything you need to know about the best air purifiers for removing dust. We also provide a guide to help you understand the features you should look for.
Top 6 Air Purifiers to Remove Dust (CADR 200 to 400)
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Editor’s Pick |
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Runner-Up |
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Runner-Up |
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Reviews of the Best Air Purifiers for Dust Removal
Medify MA-112
Medify Air takes the first spot on our list for overall filter performance and extra features. For complete protection against dust and other allergens, the Medify MA-112 covers extra large areas up to 2,500 square feet at 2 ACH (or 1,000 square feet at 5 ACH). With its powerful airflow, the MA-112 has a Dust CADR of 400 CFM (simply indicated 950 CMH in product descriptions).
The MA-112 consists of three filtration stages: pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and substantial carbon filter. The pre-filter catches large particles like dust and hair to prolong the life of the main filter. Then, the medical-grade H13 HEPA filter captures up to 99.99% of particles as small as 0.1 microns, even finer than the 0.3 micron capacity of HEPA H11 in standard HEPA air purifiers. Lastly, the activated carbon filter eliminates strong odors and harmful gases. Additionally, this model offers options for UV light or ionizer.
Another advantage to the MA-112 is the affordable price point for such a large and efficient air purifier. Similar performing models would be about twice the price of this unit. Medify Air also offers a Filter Club subscription, so they’ll automatically send your replacement filters on time with discounts and free shipping.
Although it’s a good choice for most, Medify MA-112 may not be perfect for those looking for a quiet air purifier as it is pretty loud at 70 decibels on the highest setting. Also, it runs on 95 Watts, costing about $0.3 per 24 hours of operation. Overall, its superior filtration is a worthy investment if you want to remove dust and allergens and significantly improve your indoor air quality.
Pros
• Large coverage area (2,500 sq ft at 2 ACH and 1,000 sq ft at 5 ACH)
• Uses medical-grade HEPA H13 filter for better efficiency
• High capacity dust removal with 400 CADR
• Reliable brand of air purifiers and filters
• Has a budget-friendly price for a large unit
• Filter Club subscription
Cons
• Above average noise levels
• High power consumption
Honeywell HPA300
For those on a budget, the Honeywell HPA300 is just as good—if not better—than most big-name air purifiers. This home appliance company provides quality products for everyday household use at a good value. This particular air purifier unit features a simple design and functions. With a 320 CADR for dust, you can rest allergy-free in rooms up to 465 square feet at 4.8 ACH (or around 1116 square feet at 2 ACH). In comparison to our top pick, the Honeywell HPA300 isn’t anything special.
The CADR is more than good enough, given it’s the second highest on our list, but this can be attributed to its fan power instead of the filtration system. The HPA300 has an ordinary pre-filter that reduces large particles before the air passes through the standard HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, including smoke, dust, and pollen. It’s also certified by Energy Star to ensure more savings.
Perhaps this Honeywell unit’s best advantage is its ease of use. It has an intuitive control panel with simple touch buttons for the most basic functions. It features four fan speed settings: Low, Medium, High, and Turbo. You can set the timer for two, four, or eight hours, and dim the lights or turn them off completely at night. Lastly, the control panel also includes filter check reminders. The unit comes with a five-year warranty like Honeywell dehumidifiers. Considering its usability and budget-friendly price, the Honeywell HPA300 air purifier is not particularly exceptional but still a perfectly functional air purifier against dust and allergies.
Pros
• Good CADR and airflow
• Very low price below $300
• Easy to operate, simple controls
• Five-year warranty
Cons
• Uses ordinary True HEPA filters
• Very basic design
Levoit LV-H134
Levoit is another up-and-coming brand in the air purifier industry. Under the Vesync company of home appliances and electronics, Levoit offers a wide range of portable air purifiers and humidifiers for different needs. While Levoit constantly develops better products to meet customer needs, the best Levoit air purifier today in terms of CADR is the LV-H134 model. The CADR of 312 CFM is smaller than even the Honeywell unit, but it is still a considerable improvement from previous Levoit air purifiers. The LV-H134 covers up to 1170 square feet at 2 ACH or 468 square feet at 5 ACH.
Like other Levoit air purifiers, the LV-H134 uses a three-stage filtration system composed of a pre-filter, the main HEPA filter, and a carbon filter. The air first passes through the nylon pre-filter to catch large air contaminants. Then, it goes through the HEPA H13 filter which removes 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, mites, pollen, and pet dander. Lastly, the activated carbon filter reduces odor, smoke, fumes, and VOCs. This model features a laser dust sensor to measure the air and automatically adjust the fan speed depending on the air quality in your room. The control panel has an LED ring that changes color to indicate the air quality. You can also find a filter life indicator, a 12-hour timer, and view the PM2.5 value.
This Levoit air purifier is not only effective in removing most air pollutants, but it is also highly energy efficient. Running on 45 Watts, it is certified by Energy Star to reduce energy use and save your money. Its design is also another advantage to this unit. The 360-degree airflow ensures quicker and more efficient air filtration for the entire room. For portability, it features built-in wheels in case you need the air purifier in a different room. At a low 24 decibels noise output on Sleep mode, you can even use it in your master bedroom.
Finally, this Levoit air purifier is well worth the price. If you need an air purifier to combat dust, dust mite allergies, and other air quality issues, the LV-H134 is powerful enough for most rooms. However, one thing we would have liked more is if this model came with the option for smart controls present in many Levoit air purifiers such as the Core 400S. The unit comes with a two-year warranty, not the shortest coverage but still less than what most other brands offer.
Pros
• Large room coverage
• Good CADR rating
• Low energy consumption
• Well-designed features
• Very quiet operation
• Budget-friendly price
Cons
• Below average CADR for its size
• Two-year warranty
Sharp FPA80UW
We have another mid-range option in Sharp FPA80UW, coming from an established electronics corporation based in Japan. While not as popular as our previous picks, the Sharp FPA80UW has a good CADR rating of 303 CFM for dust and it’s deal for spaces up to 454 square feet.
Sharp utilizes the standard three-stage air purification with a True HEPA filter, and deodorizing carbon filter. This system captures 99.97% of air contaminants as small as 0.3 microns, smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander, and neutralizes odors.
Furthermore, it is designed with a unique Plasmacluster Ion Technology that eliminates microscopic pollutants by producing positive and negative ions similar to those found in nature. These ions are surrounded by water molecules and are released into the air. Unlike other ionizers, this technology is completely safe for asthmatic individuals.
The Sharp FP-A80UW is highly effective against dust and dust mites. You can choose from three speed settings or Auto mode which adjusts the airflow depending on the air quality detected. The unit is equipped with a dust sensor which monitors dust pollution and informs you through the CLEAN SIGN colored indicator light. Also, if you need to clean the air quickly after arriving at home, the Quick Clean function will run on high speed for 15 minutes then return to previous operation. This unit operates quietly, from 23 to 55 decibels on the three speed settings, making it a perfect choice for large bedrooms.
Sharp air purifiers also provide long filter life. The pre-filter lasts up to six months, while the HEPA filter can last up to two years before it needs a replacement. Always check your unit’s filters to be sure. Sharp FP-A80UW is a good mid-range air purifier for dust. It’s also available with a humidifier if you have extremely dry air in the winter. Overall, one problem we have with this model is the one-year warranty. Most other brands offer at least two years of warranty for air purifiers.
Pros
• High CADR for Dust: 303 CFM
• Innovative Plasmacluster Ion Technology
• With dust sensor
• Long HEPA filter life
• Quiet operation
Cons
• Only 1-year warranty
Coway AP-1512HH
Coway air purifiers are a great choice for a range of room sizes. If you need help to keep small to medium rooms dust-free, the Coway AP-1512HH air purifier is a good option for dust removal. Compact as it is, this unit provides intense air purification with a four-stage air filter system. It features a sleek and stylish design (available in black/silver or white), but this small air purifier is also incredibly powerful, with a high CADR rating for dust at 246 CFM. It’s recommended for spaces up to 361 square feet, such as bedrooms and living rooms.
The air filtration process of Coway AP-1512HH consists of a pre-filter, a deodorization filter, a True HEPA filter, and an ionizer. It can reduce 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns including dust and dust mites, as well as smoke and odors from pets. This Coway unit can be compared to the Honeywell HPA300 in terms of filter performance, but the former even includes more features in a more compact structure. However, with greater fan power, the Honeywell unit can cover more ground quickly.
On a positive note, the Coway AP-1512HH features an air quality sensor with a colored indicator light for easy monitoring. Although, there is no option to turn off this light, so it can be annoying when you sleep at night. In addition to the three manual fan speed settings, it has Auto mode that adjusts the fan speed depending on the air quality detected, as well as Eco mode that turns off the fan when not needed to save energy. Coway also has a timer for one, four, or eight hours. Additionally, the ionizer helps reduce ultra fine particles that the filters may not catch, such as viruses and bacteria.
The filters last from six months to a year and the filter light will remind you when you need replacements. However, some users have noted that replacement filters for this unit are hard to come by.
Pros
• Effective filtration with True HEPA filter and Ionizer
• Good CADR for its size
• With smart features like air quality sensor and Eco mode
• Low power consumption
• 3-year warranty
Cons
• LED lights can’t be turned off
• Filter replacements are hard to find
Rabbit Air MinusA2
For superior filtration of all kinds of airborne allergens, nothing will top the six-stage filter system of the RabbitAir MinusA2 air purifier. While it has a low CADR rating (only 193 CFM for dust), its powerful performance gives you great value for its price. Its maximum coverage is 700 square feet at 2 ACH, but it’s recommended for 350 square feet at 4 ACH for those who need effective filtration of common allergens. The unit appears like a screen monitor with the buttons on the side, the air intake around the front panel, and the air outlet upwards from the back. It can stand alone or be mounted on a wall to save space. The panel also comes in different colors, including the classic black or white, and other designs to fit your style.
Have we mentioned that RabbitAir MinusA2 has six stages of filtration? While most air purifiers have a simple three-stage process, the RabbitAir MinusA2 includes two stages of pre-filtration to trap large particles. Then, the BioGS HEPA filter reduces 99.97% of air pollutants down to 0.3 microns. RabbitAir’s BioGS filter also reduces the growth of bacteria and viruses to ensure efficiency and prolong filter life. For maximum purification, RabbitAir gives you four options for the next filtration stage: Germ Defense, Pet Allergy, Odor Remover, or Toxin Absorber. Then, you have a granular activated carbon filter that reduces common odors and chemicals in the air. Finally, the negative ion generator produces ions to trap airborne particles more easily.
You get a lot of buttons and indicator lights on the side, including the usual three fan speeds, Auto and Sleep modes, along with an air quality indicator. Since it has six stages, two of which are permanent, the replacement filter kits are quite pricey. Although, you only need to change filters at least after two years. The unit comes with a warranty of five years. You also have the option for Wi-Fi controls or voice commands with this model.
With all its high-quality features and innovations, RabbitAir is definitely a high-end air purifier with high-end pricing. This unit costs around the same as the powerful Medify MA-112. However, it’s not the fan power you’re paying for but the efficiency of the filters.
Pros
• Unmatched performance with extremely thorough air filtration process
• Well-built with high-quality materials
• Impressive design and structure for flexible use
• Efficient, long-lasting filters
• With smart features
• Five-year warranty
Cons
• Low fan power with 193 CFM dust CADR
• Very high price
About Dust and Dust Mites
Dust naturally occurs all around you. It floats in the air then settles on surfaces in your home. You can try to get rid of it when cleaning your house, but it will always come back. Household dust often comes from the outdoors in the form of dirt or soil tracked in your feet or airborne particles like pollen. Indoors it is also a mix of dead skin cells, hair, fabric fibers, pet dander, parts of dead bugs, and other microscopic wastes.
On the other hand, dust mites are microscopic insects that thrive in warm, humid weather. They feed on human and animal dead skin cells they usually multiply on moist surfaces like your mattress and beddings, and on carpets and furniture where dust accumulates. If you have allergies, then it’s likely the dust mite waste products that trigger your allergy symptoms.
If you suspect dust mites, you can’t rely solely on an air purifier. You’ll need to take a few steps to clean your home to rid it of dust mites first.
What Does an Air Purifier Do?
The main purpose of an air purifier is to reduce pollutants in the air, including dust, smoke, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even tinier particles. This maintains indoor air quality and reduces the risks of allergies, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems. If you or anyone in your home has an allergy to any of these air contaminants, then you need a good air purifier. Although an air purifier cannot remove dust particles or dust mites completely, regular use can provide a significant reduction in house dust.
An air purifier usually consists of a filter, or multiple filters, and a fan that draws and circulates the air into the device. The air passes through the filter system, where pollutants and particles are captured, then clean, purified air is exhausted back into the room. The cycle repeats to improve and maintain air quality.
Air purifiers use filters typically made of paper, fiber, or mesh. These filters have pores that are small enough to block contaminants but let the air pass through. To maintain efficiency, you need to replace the filters after a few months up to a year or two, depending on the type, the air quality, and frequency of usage.
Different brands and air purifier models utilize many different technologies for filtration. A standard True HEPA filter can remove up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns in diameter. These filters are also recommended against airborne viruses and bacteria. Many air purifiers also come with an activated carbon filter to neutralize odors and keep the air fresh. Some models even include an ionizer, which charges the particles so they stick to a nearby surface instead of floating in the air.
Features to Consider When Choosing an Air Purifier for Dust
Before buying an air purifier to remove dust in your home, you must first consider the following factors that could affect its performance. These include the CADR, airflow, coverage, and the types of filters used.
CADR Rating
The CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) is the most important specification when talking about air purifiers. It is the measure of how efficiently the air purifier can reduce pollutants from the air. AHAM (Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers) must verify the CADR rating, usually reported in CFM (cubic feet per minute) or alternatively in CMH (cubic meters per hour). Typical room air purifiers have CADR ratings around 200 to 300 and even 400+ for larger rooms. A higher CADR means the unit can clean the air at a faster rate.
The CADR test measures how well an air purifier removes dust, smoke, and pollen, the three most common indoor air pollutants. These particles range from 0.3 to 10 microns in diameter. Most manufacturers indicate the CADR for each of these air pollutants. Although CADR is a key indicator of the air purifier’s filtering capacity, it does not specify the type of contaminants it filters. If you’re concerned about specific contaminants for your situation you’ll need to look at the specific filtration system used.
Filters
Another important factor to consider when choosing an air purifier is the type of filters used. The filters trap airborne pollutants up to a certain amount, but some can be more effective than others depending on the filter grade. Most air purifiers include more than one filter to remove large particles then finer particles in the air. A pre-filter catches impurities at least 1 micron in diameter, like dust mites and pollen. Meanwhile, the HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter catches air contaminants as small as 0.3 microns, including dust particles and smoke. Make sure to look for a unit with True HEPA filters and not “HEPA-type”.
After the main filter, most air purifiers also include an activated carbon filter, which can eliminate VOCs (volatile organic compounds), finer smoke particles, gasses, and strong odors from the kitchen or from pets. These filters may be washable and reusable up to a specified period depending on your indoor air quality and frequency of usage. You may want to look for a unit with filters that last longer so you can save on replacement costs or get bundle deals directly from the manufacturer.
Airflow
The airflow, measured in CFM, refers to the rate at which the air is processed. It is simply the volume of air the unit can move per minute, it says nothing about the quality of this processed air. Although they are both reported in terms of CFM, the airflow rating is usually higher than the CADR rating since CADR must also account for filter efficiency in removal of air contaminants. The maximum airflow is the volume flow of air at the highest fan speed. Further, the airflow can also help determine the total area that an air purifier can efficiently cover.
Room Size
The room size that your air purifier can handle is also essential. A larger space will require multiple units or a larger one with more coverage. Otherwise, your air purifier cannot effectively remove dust and would consume more energy than it should. When sizing an air purifier, an important factor to consider is the ACH or air changes per hour. ACH measures the number of times per hour that the entire air volume of the room will be filtered. The maximum coverage area is measured at 2 ACH, meaning the air in the room is replaced completely every 30 minutes. However, 5 ACH is recommended for more thorough purification. The higher the ACH, the smaller the room size the unit can cover. If you’re primarily choosing an air purifier for dust removal, keep in mind that it also helps to control dust. By removing dust sources or items that typically trap dust, you help the air filter to get your air even cleaner.
How to Remove Dust Without an Air Purifier
If you want a clean home, the bare minimum you can do is to dust surfaces properly. Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean any surface where dust may gather. Start from the top and work your way down to avoid spreading dust particles around. Also avoid using a feather duster for cleaning tables, cabinets, or shelves, as they can also spread dust instead of collecting it.
Wash your bed linens every week. Dust mites love moist areas so they bury themselves inside your mattress, bed sheets, and pillows, then multiply or leave their wastes. Wash your sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and comforters at least once every week in hot water, or look for allergen-free beddings.
Sweeping the floors and dusting may not remove all the dust. To keep your house dust-free, be sure to vacuum carpets and under furniture at least every two weeks. To avoid stirring up dust in the air, it’s best to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter that catches dust particles and other contaminants. After vacuuming, mop the floors to pick up any remaining dust.
Keep your shoes out to keep dirt out. Place a doormat in front of every door and take off your shoes when you come in. Keep a shoe cabinet near the door and make everyone do this to reduce the amount of dust that comes inside from the outdoors.
Lastly, avoid carpeting if possible. While it may look nice for your interior, carpets and rugs are a haven for dust, dust mites, mold, and other contaminants. If you can’t avoid them, remember to vacuum your carpets and rugs regularly and keep an eye out for dust accumulation. Removing dust sources can make a big difference in helping your air cleaner maximize the amount of fresh air in your space.
Conclusion
Dust will always come into your home no matter how well and often you clean. You can reduce the amount of dust by proper maintenance in your home, but if dust is causing too many problems for you or anyone in your household, air purifiers are a highly efficient solution to dust mite allergies and other related conditions. To maximize the effectiveness of an air purifier, carefully check the total room area to ensure you get the best air purifier to manage the size of your space. Before you make a decision, some important factors to consider include the CADR rating, maximum airflow, and the types of filters used. Once you find the right air purifier for your needs, observe regular filter replacements and perform other routine maintenance as instructed by the manufacturer. Even the best air purifiers can only work as well as it’s maintained. When you’re ready to make a purchase, take another look at our top picks above, or use our buying guide to help you choose your own air purifier.
FAQ
Do air purifiers help with dust allergies?
Yes, an air purifier removes dust particles, dust mites, as well as other airborne allergens that can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, or other respiratory conditions. It can also greatly improve indoor air quality to make breathing easier.
How long does it take for an air purifier to remove dust?
You can expect an air purifier to clean and replace all of the air in a room within an hour to a couple of hours when first used. The exact amount of time depends on other factors like the fan speed, filters, and ACH of the air purifier.
Can you leave an air purifier on all the time?
It’s perfectly safe to leave an air purifier running, especially when you’re sleeping at night. In fact, it’s recommended to operate it 24/7 to keep the air throughout your home free from pollutants as long as you change the filters on time.