Air purifier's effectiveness in managing dust revealed by industry professionals.
Tackling household dust, especially in busy homes with pets, can feel like a never-ending battle. But can an air purifier be the savior you need?
Dealing with dust isn't just about keeping up with your daily cleaning, as dust particles can linger in the air, even after a thorough sweep. This is not only a bane for those trying to maintain a clean home, but also a problem for those suffering from allergies. But can an air purifier help reduce dust in the same way it alleviates allergies? We grilled experts from the appliance world for answers.
Can an air purifier help with dust?
Equipping yourself with one of the top-notch air purifiers on your side can significantly improve the air quality of your living space and even aid in relieving allergy symptoms.
But can it help diminish the amount of dust in your home?
"A robust air purifier can contribute to reducing dust levels in your home, although complete eradication is impossible," explains Katie Lilywhite, air treatment whiz at AO.com. "These devices draw in airborne dust particles and trap them using a chain of filters."
These filters, like HEPA ones, are designed to ensnare tiny particles such as dead skin cells, pollen, textile fibers, pet dander, and even dust mite waste. An air purifier is a perfect match for handling dust, yet it cannot annihilate it entirely," she continues.
Top Tips to Optimize Air Purifier Performance
To assure your air purifier works in its full potential, we suggest adopting best practices:
- Steer clear of frequent dusting errors
- Increase the frequency of your vacuuming
- Regularly employ a traditional duster
Katie is an authority at AO.com and dispenses expert counsel on an array of appliances. Her forte includes Floorcare, Health & Beauty, Air Treatment, and Garden & DIY.
Positioning Your Air Purifier for Maximum Dust Reduction
To reduce dust in your home, the position of your air purifier matters quite a bit, much like the placement of a dehumidifier. Positioning it in certain spots in your home will ensure it gathers more dust.
"Positioning your air purifier optimally is key to maximizing dust trapping power. Try placing your air purifier on a table, shelf, or stand as dust often floats around chest to head height," explains Katie.
"Keep it central to the room and avoid corners or walls as they might obstruct your appliance's airflow. Also, should you know if one room is dustier than another - run it there first," she adds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my room still dusty despite the air purifier?
Even when you clean the house assiduously, dust can surprisingly proliferate. When you've got an air purifier running, what does it mean when it's still dusty?
"Once a dust particle has landed on a surface, the air purifier won't be able to do anything about it; you will have to get out your duster," says Chris Michael, Co-Founder of Meaco.
He continues, "To trap more dust while it is airborne, you need to run the air purifier for an extended period and at a higher fan speed so that more air from the room (and consequently more dust) passes through the filter each hour."
Chris Michael is the insightful co-founder of Meaco. Since its inception in 1991, Meaco has become a leading UK supplier of air treatment products, and the brand's products have garnered numerous industry and design awards internationally.
Why isn't my air purifier collecting dust?
If you've spotted that your air purifier isn't functioning as effectively as it typically does, there are several possible reasons.
"If your air purifier has stopped collecting dust, then its filter may be filled. Make sure to consult your appliance's manual - most filters last between six and twelve months, but this depends on how frequently you're running your air purifier," explains Katie.
Alternatively, she cautions that you could also be using the wrong filter type. She says, "Not all air purifiers employ HEPA filters, and if yours is a basic mesh filter, it won't capture fine dust particles efficiently."
Finally, Katie points out that if you run your purifier on quiet mode, it may affect its ability to capture dust. This is because the speed of the fan may be too low, and as a result, most dust won't be captured. She suggests bumping up the speed or forgetting quiet mode altogether.
Choosing the Best Air Purifier for Dust
In the same vein that you'd invest in the best dehumidifier to deal with humidity issues, the quality of the air purifier matters too.
Katie says, "HEPA filter air purifiers stand out as the ideal appliance for tackling dust. Pay attention to an air purifier suitable for larger areas, as they can effectively manage heavier dust loads without the need for filter replacements."
Air Purifier and Fan Combo (RRP: £549.99) - This high-powered appliance boasts a sleek design, functions as a hot and cold fan, and eliminates some of the toughest toxins in the air. It's on the pricey side, but a luxury worth indulging in.
Universal Performer (RRP: £249.99) - This multi-talented device offers live updates on your air quality through a straightforward screen. Easy to operate and affordable, the DirtDefence protection saves you money on filters in the long run.
Ideal for Pet Homes (RRP: £139) - Budget-friendly and effective, the BlueAir tackles pet hair and dander with a clever, washable filter. It's speedy and effective at removing bad odors from the air.
If you're seeking further assistance in maintaining the air quality in your home, why not consider adding some of the best houseplants for air purification to your decor? They don't cost a dime to run and can significantly improve the quality of air in your environment.
- Katie Lilywhite, an expert in air treatment at AO.com, notes that air purifiers can help reduce dust levels by drawing in airborne particles and trapping them using filters, such as HEPA ones.
- To ensure the best performance from an air purifier, it's recommended to avoid common dusting errors, increase the frequency of vacuuming, and regularly use a traditional duster.
- Proper positioning of an air purifier plays a crucial role in maximizing its dust-trapping power. Placing it at chest to head height, centrally in a room, and away from walls or corners can help capture more dust particles.
