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One of the most visible, irritating, and hard-to-control allergens in the home is dust. Excess dust can not only trigger allergy symptoms, but it can create extra cleaning duties.
A great way to reduce visible dust in the home is to use an air purifier with dust-removing abilities. Remember, with dust often comes dust mites, and with dust mites come dust mite fecal matter. This can be a major allergy trigger for many people.
We have found the best air purifiers for dust and dust-related allergens. The top three products on our list are excellent choices. The fourth and fifth are good but not great. The sixth product is an example of what not to look for in an air purifier for dust. Sure, it may be fantastic for other purposes, but for dust? It’s lacking.
We assessed each product against these criteria:
| What Dust-Related Issues? | Filter Type | CADR Rating | Coverage Area | Annual Costs |
| Does it remove visible dust? Does it remove dust mites and dust mite fecal matter? | What kind of filters have been used? True-HEPA, carbon, ionizer, pre-filter? | How long does the air purifier take to clear the air according to certain allergens? | What size does the air purifier cover in square feet? Small, medium or large? | What are the annual maintenance and filter replacement costs? |
- 🏆 Our Top Pick: Fellowes AeraMax 100 Air Purifier
- The Runner-Up: Levoit LV-PUR131
- Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
- Honeywell HPA300 Allergen Remover
- Medify MA-40 Home Medical Grade H13
- Alen Breathesmart FLEX Air Purifier
- AirHonest Guide: How To Choose an Air Purifier for Dust?
- How Do Air Purifiers Help With Dust-Related Problems?
- 5 Tips for Taking Care of Excess Dust and Dust Mites at Home
AirHonest Awards – 6 Best Air Purifiers For Dust
🏆 Our Top Pick: Fellowes AeraMax 100 Air Purifier
AirHonest Award: Best Small Room Air Purifier for Dust
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filter with antimicrobial treatment
- Certified by Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
- Air Quality Indicator
- Carbon filter
What Makes the AeraMax 100 AirHonest’s Top Pick?
The top pick is the Fellowes AeraMax 100 Air Purifier. This is an affordable model perfect for small rooms from 100 to 200 square feet. This is ideal for bedrooms or even small apartments where visible dust is rife. Note that the smaller the room size, the more often the air purifier can clear the room. For example, the AeraMax 100 can clear the air in a 100 square foot room 3 times.
The filtration system is the key to why this model achieved the top spot for dust removal. It has a carbon pre-filter that catches large dust particles, dust mites, and removes odor. Next, the true-HEPA filter catches smaller dust particles and dust mite dander.
What’s more, it has an antimicrobial treatment that stops fungi and bacteria from growing on the filter. This is not directly related to dust, but the extra protection is excellent either way. And finally, the “PlasmaTrue” Technology which is essentially an ionizer. While this is a negative feature for some, it can be effective at removing dust from the air, making it easier to remove via vacuuming and general cleaning. What’s more, the PlasmaTrue can be switched off if you are concerned about ozone production.
The air quality indicator and Auto mode work in tandem to remove influxes of dust and dust-related allergens by changing the fan speed automatically. There is also the “Aera+” mode which is basically a “turbo” fan speed that clears up large amounts of dust quickly.
The AeraMax 100 caters to people with dust allergies, asthma (which can be triggered by dust and dust mites), excess visible dust in the home, and people who simply want to reduce the amount of cleaning required in their small room, apartment or office.
The maintenance costs are relatively low compared to other models, and the filter replacements are easy to source. You just need to change the HEPA filter once a year and change the carbon filters every 3 months (they come in packs of 4 to last for one year).
The AeraMax 100 is Good For:
- Small rooms
- People with asthma and dust-related allergies
Read our Detailed AeraMax 100 Review Here
The Runner-Up: Levoit LV-PUR131
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier for Dust for Medium Rooms
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filter
- Ozone-free
- Auto mode
- Activated carbon filter
- Pre-filter
Why is this a Great Air Purifier for Dust?
Second on the list is the Levoit LV-PUR131, an affordable air purifier for medium rooms.
This highly-rated model is ideal for people who are struggling with dust allergies and require thorough filtration without an ionizer. The pre-filter catches large particles, the true-HEPA catches smaller fragments of dust and dust mite matter, and the carbon filter provides extra freshness with odor reduction.
The air quality indicator is great for letting you know the amount of dust and/or other allergens in the air at all times. This can be handy for letting you know what factors create greater dust kick-up so you can better control the problem. The Auto mode adjusts the fan speed when the air becomes more contaminated.
This model is quiet, Energy Star Rated, and has a fresh white aesthetic to fit in seamlessly with any home decor.
The maintenance costs are low, and the HEPA and carbon filter replacements available in one affordable pack. Just switch them both out every 6 months and you’re done. Yet another reason why this gets a top spot.
This is an affordable, energy-efficient model with excellent filtration features without the extra bells and whistles. It reduces visible dust, captures dust mites and dander, and even removes odors for an extra fresh bonus.
Good for:
- Medium rooms
- People who are sensitive to ozone
Read our Detailed Levoit LV-PUR131 Review Here
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
AirHonest Award: Most Quiet Air Purifier For Dust
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filter
- Pre-filter
- Carbon filter
- Energy Star Rated
Why is Coway AP-1512HH a Very Good Air Purifier for Dust?
Third on the list is the very attractive Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier. While this option is slightly more pricey than the top two models, it does offer some excellent dust-removing technology.
The 4-stage filtration features a pre-filter for large dust particles, true-HEPA for dust mites, dust mite dander, and tiny pieces of dust. The carbon filter captures odors (great for pet owners or smokers), and the ionizer charges particles to make them heavier and therefore they drop to the floor or surfaces. This is great for dust and dust mite dander as it means you can capture them with your vacuum cleaner or cloth. However, ionizers are not for everyone due to ozone content, but you can switch the ionizer off on this machine.
This model includes an air quality indicator and an Auto feature so you can leave it to change the fan speeds when dust increases. What’s more, there’s an Eco mode which saves power when the dust is reduced.
This is an ideal model for people who want to effectively remove dust, dust mites, and dust mite dander effectively, to help family members with asthma and allergies. What’s more, it’s ideal if you require a quiet model which won’t disturb you as you sleep.
Another reason this model got a top spot is that the filter replacements are easy and relatively affordable. The replacement pack includes one true-HEPA filter (change once a year) and two carbon filters (change twice a year) to last you one full year.
This is a great choice if you have a slightly higher budget, prefer a sleek and attractive model, and want effective true-HEPA filtration with the extra backup of a pre-filter and carbon filter.
The Coway AP-1512HH is Good For:
- Medium rooms
- People who require quiet operation
- Energy-efficient operation
Read our Detailed Coway AP-1512HH Review Here
Honeywell HPA300 Allergen Remover
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier for Light Usage
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filter
- Pre-filter
- Energy Star Rated
Why is the HPA300 an “Okay” Air Purifier for Dust?
It may come as a surprise to see the Honeywell HPA300 low on this list, as it is generally an effective dust-clearing machine. It has true-HEPA filtration and a pre-filter for clearing dust, dust mites, and dust mite dander.
However, the cons outweigh the pros so it does come with a few risks. For example, a high number of users have reported a faulty machine that breaks down after a short term of usage. They report a loud noise, chemical smell, and overall dysfunctional operation.
While these issues may not happen to everyone, the risk is too high to put this higher on the list. However, by going off dust-clearing technology and design alone, it is a decent air purifier.
Good for:
- Medium-large rooms
- Ozone-free operation
Read our Detailed Honeywell HPA300 Review Here
Medify MA-40 Home Medical Grade H13
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier for Dust for Large Rooms
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filter
- Pre-filter
- Carbon filter
- Energy Star Rated
Why is this an Okay Air Purifier for Dust?
Number five on the list is the Medify MA-40 Home Medical Grade H13 air purifier. While this is not a bad air purifier, by any means, there are too many cons for it to gain a place at the top of the list. It does have true-HEPA filtration, a pre-filter, and a charcoal filter. The H13 true-HEPA filter removes allergens as small as 0.1 microns, which is great for ultra-tiny allergens. If you have bad asthma or serious allergies, this could be ideal.
The reason this is lower on the list is that the filter replacements are expensive once added up over the year. When dealing with a very dusty home, you are likely to have to replace the filters a little more often, increasing the cost. If this is not a problem for you, this model could be higher on your shortlist. Another potential con is that this model is loud at higher fan speeds. If you have dust issues, you’re likely to be using the higher fan speeds often, and a loud operation could be very disrupting and irritating.
The Medify MA40 is Good For:
- Very large rooms or apartments
- People who don’t mind loud noises
- People who have a high budget for maintenance
Read our Detailed Honeywell HPA300 Review Here
Alen Breathesmart FLEX Air Purifier
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier for Mild Dust Issues
Highlights:
- Great for large rooms
- Quiet operation
- Lifetime warranty
- Customizable filters
Why is this last on the list of the best air purifiers for dust?
The Alen Breathesmart Flex is a highly-rated air purifier, however, it’s not the best choice to remove dust-related allergens. The reason is that it doesn’t have true-HEPA filtration, it doesn’t have an Auto feature, and it is rather expensive.
If you’re going to buy an expensive air purifier, you may as well get the very best dust protection in the form of the most effective filters and dust-sensing technology. While it may effectively capture large visible dust particles, it may not capture those tiny dust mite dander particles.
Alen does offer different filter choices for this model, but none of them is true-HEPA. The customizable filters are focused more on odor and VOC reduction. For this reason, this model could be ideal if your air purification needs are more focused on odors as opposed to tiny allergens.
Read our Honest Alen BreathSmart FLEX Review Here
AirHonest Guide: How To Choose an Air Purifier for Dust?
The most important factor is filter efficiency.
There are two main types of dust: inhalable and respirable. Inhalable dust is simply the dust that you can breathe in through the mouth and nose. Respirable dust is much smaller. These particles are small enough to reach the small pockets in the lungs. You should also consider dust mites (as well as their fecal matter and shed skins). These are the particle sizes of dust-related allergens:
Inhalable dust size: 0.5 – 100 microns (can be smaller)
Respirable dust size: 10 microns or smaller
Dust mite size: 100-300 microns
Dust mite fecal matter size: 10-40 microns (that is for in-tact pieces, but if the pieces break apart, they can be much smaller in size)
While non-HEPA filters could capture most particles, it’s always safe to choose the highest filter efficiency (true-HEPA) so you can be protected against the smallest allergens in your home.
Also, look for a model with a decent pre-filter. This will catch the largest dust particles, increasing the lifespan of the true-HEPA filter. Plus, pre-filters are often washable or vacuum-friendly, so you can keep them clean as need be.
Other key features to look for:
- Auto mode: stay on top of dust maintenance without any extra effort
- Quiet operation: so you can run the machine 24/7, even in the bedroom at night
- Affordable filters: very dusty homes may need more regular filter changes, so an affordable filter pack will keep yearly costs down
AirHonest Best Picks: Air Purifiers for Dust
| RANK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| PRODUCT NAME | Fellowes AeraMax 100 | Levoit LV-PUR131 | Coway AP-1512 HH | Honeywell HPA300 | Medify MA-40 | Alen BreatheSmart Flex |
| PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT | True-HEPA filter | True-HEPA filter | True-HEPA filter | True-HEPA filter | True-HEPA filter | 2 customizable filter options |
How Do Air Purifiers Help With Dust-Related Problems?
Quite simply, air purifiers draw air into the system, capture dust particles in the filters, and release clean air into the room. Because dust, dust mites, and dust mite particles are generally large enough to be caught in pre-filters and true-HEPA filters, most air purifiers are equipped to effectively do the job.
However, as we’ve seen here, other factors increase the effectiveness, such as auto modes and air quality sensors. Air purifiers that can sense increases in dust and adjust the fan speed accordingly can constantly and consistently minimize dust.
Does an air purifier get rid of dust mites?
Yes and no. Dust mites often live in dusty places such as mattresses. An air purifier won’t remove dust mites from a mattress, but it can remove dust mites that are out in the open. They are 100-300 microns, so any air purifier can easily capture them.
Does an air purifier stop the need for dusting surfaces?
It can certainly reduce your dusting duties, but it may not eliminate them altogether.
Does an ionizer work for dust?
Yes. Ionizers charge particles with an electrical charge, causing them to become heavy and drop to the floor or onto surfaces. You can then vacuum or wipe away the dust. However, walking and general movement can kick the dust up again, redistributing it into the air. Ionizers can produce ozone which is an allergy trigger for many people.
5 Tips for Taking Care of Excess Dust and Dust Mites at Home
- Use a mattress protector to prevent dust mites from thriving in your mattress, and stop the spread of dust mite matter if there are existing mites in there
- Keep wooden floors and carpets cleaned regularly, especially in corners and under furniture where dust gathers unnoticed
- Use a dry or damp microfiber cloth to wipe down surfaces as opposed to a duster as it can simply disrupt the dust and send it flying. A microfiber cloth will capture the dust as it sticks to the fibers in the cloth
- Wash pillowcases and sheets weekly, and either dry in the sun or the dryer thoroughly. Dust mites like humid environments, so make sure your bedding is completely dry before using or folding away
- Air out your pillows, duvet inners, and blankets each season, especially after colder, wetter seasons. This will help to dry out any dampness
