Best Air Purifier for Bacteria and Viruses with Antimicrobial in 2023

Below are more common types of air cleaners used to remove germs, bacteria, and viruses in a home.

• HEPA air purifier - The top-pick air purifier among the buyer. Consist of a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter that captures smoke and non-smoke particles.
• Ionizer - Produce negative ions that attract and combine with positive ion airborne particles. The heavier particles will fall, and you will have to vacuum every now and then.
• Electrostatic precipitator - Generate electrostatic charges to pull down airborne pollutants, similar to an ionizer. The included collector plate reduces the frequency needed for housekeeping.
• UV air purifier - Focus on UV-C light to kill biological pollutants by altering their DNA/ RNA. The sterilized germs, bacteria, and viruses will be incapable of multiplying and spreading diseases.
• PCO air purifier - Combining the technology of photocatalytic and oxidization. The broad-spectrum UV light reacts with titanium dioxide to accelerate the decomposition of contaminants. Available as a standalone or part of a multi-filtration.
• Ozone generator - Create ozone by splitting oxygen molecules (O2) and merging them with other oxygen molecules in the air. Ozone is a hazardous gas that will have a negative impact on our health. It is not recommended for home use and is not empowered by AHAM, CARB, and EPA to be safe.

What Is Antimicrobial?

For centuries, antimicrobial act as an agent that inhibit the growth of microorganisms on the applied surfaces. Without the right environment to thrive, bacteria and viruses will slowly die off due to lack of nutrients. In air purifier case, antimicrobial is usually applied as a form of layer protection above the HEPA filter or as a standalone filter. From common flu viruses to the epidemic SARS outbreak, having antimicrobial protection is good for your health. It can greatly reduce the number of bacteria and viruses from flowing into your lungs.

What Are The 4 Types Of Germs?

Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Parasites. These are the 4 types of germs that have their own infectious diseases to plants, animals, and people. Germs can be spread through person to person, animal to person, animals, and mother to an unborn child. Let's dive in deeper.

• Bacteria are tiny, one-cell organisms that can cause ear infections, tonsillitis, strep throat, urinary tract infections, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. Most bacteria can survive by getting nutrients from their environments and host. Not all bacteria are bad though, there are good ones like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. They live in our intestines and help us digest the food nutrients and convert the leftover to waste. There are also good bacterias used in food, vaccine or medicines production.
• Viruses are even smaller than bacteria that can cause diseases from common cold (flu), chickenpox, measles to AIDS. A virus needs to be inside a host (plant, animal or human body) or else it will not survive for long. Most viruses are spread person to person, animal or insect so be extra careful if a person is sick.
• Fungi are multi-celled organisms linked with many skin diseases like ringworm and athlete's foot. They survive by getting off nutrients from plants, animals, and people. There are 4 types of fungi: Chytridiomycota, Zygomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota. They thrive in damp and warm temperature. Most fungi on light exposure will not cause any serious harm to human.
• Protozoa are also one-cell microorganisms that thrive on high humidity. Most protozoa spread their diseases through water that causes intestinal infections and diarrhea.

How Long Does It Take For Germs To Make You Sick?

Normally it will take 1-3 days to catch the flu. From the minute you are exposed to germs, it can make you fall sick within 24 to 72 hours depending on how strong your immune system is. Early signs of illness include sinus, cough, headache, fever, red eyes, and breathing difficulty. On long-run, it could lead to tonsillitis, cavities, pneumonia and respiratory diseases. Germ viruses can also lead to chickenpox, eczema, measles, and destroy our blood cells. If you are currently suffering from illnesses, pop some antibiotic pills or consult a doctor for proper treatment.

How Fast Can Germs Spread?

On average a sneeze or cough can send around 100,000 germs into the air and can travel up to 6 feet. That's up to 100 miles per hour according to the research at the University of Bristol. The distance and speed germs will vary depending on the occurrence of the sneeze and cough. The higher the number is, the less trajectory force it will be. The germs could remain suspended in the air for weeks until someone inhales to it.

Does Cold Air Kill Germs?

Yes, but it will have to be below freezing cold temperature to kill germs. That way, the membranes inside will break and causes the microorganisms to dry off or die. Since most bacteria and viruses are human pathogens, it will be living inside a warm host. The outside cold temperatures will have little impact on their survival. Most people experience seasonal flu during the winter is due to the lack of outdoor activities. They will stay at home or places packed with people like cinema or shopping mall. People carrying germ diseases will spread the viruses quicker in crowded spaces due to poor ventilation. That's why fresh air is more important than cold air in dealing with airborne germs.

Alternate Ways Of Getting Rid Of Germs In The Air

Air purifier is a great way of clearing out airborne germs, but it is not the only way. Opening curtains and letting the sunshine in is a great way of killing indoor germs. Essential oil like Tea Tree, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Lavender is also a good antibacterial agent. Disinfect and clean items that you touched every day like a doorknob, faucet, phone or table. Never wear shoes indoor as you don't know what have you stepped on to. Take out the trash every day especially those filled with spoiled food or leftover. Keep pets outside as their saliva, feces, and pet hair is filled with germs. Lastly, make sure all ventilation, air cond, and HVAC system are properly maintained.

Before we begin, let's understand what germs is. Germs are microorganisms that can cause all kinds of diseases. There are 4 major types of germs: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. All three bacteria, fungi, and protozoa can prosper by taking nutrients and moisture from their environments. The virus is the only exception that will need a living cell to grow and reproduce. Without a host, the virus will not survive for very long. Regardless of the types, all germs can invade biological species body cells, including plants, animals, and people.

How Can Germs Spread?

Most germs are spread through the air by sneezing, coughing, kissing, or even breathing in. The germs droplets can travel as far as 6 feet and even stay suspends in the air until it drops or someone breathes in. Another common way is by direct or indirect contact with objects contaminated with germs. Doorknob, pen, cellphone, remote control, or even shaking someone's hands that just had a cold. The person will be exposed to the viruses when he or she rubs her eyes, nose, or mouth with her contaminated hands. Other common germs spreading through sweat, saliva, sexual contact, blood, water, or food ingestion.

Can Germs Make You Sick?

Germs can make you sick between 24 to 72 hours from exposure or inhaled to it. However, if our body immune system is able to resist the viruses, we will not fall ill or experience any unhealthy signs. If our immune system fails to fight off the viruses, we might experience symptoms such as sinus, cough, chronic headaches, or tiredness. Specific bacteria cause ear infections, sore throats (tonsillitis or strep throat), cavities, and pneumonia. Viruses can cause chickenpox, measles, flu, and protozoa can cause intestinal infections. Prolonged exposure to germs can aggravate many types of respiratory illnesses, including asthma.

1. Get An Air Purifier With UV Light

There are 2 types of air purifiers in the market you should look out for. First is a classic mechanical HEPA air purifier that traps germs inside its filter. It is effective with a 99.97% of capturing rate on microbes as small as 0.3 microns. Second is a air purifier with UV-light filtration. UV-C or ultraviolet light disinfects microorganisms by destroying their nucleic acids and DNA. Without the vital cellular, bacteria and viruses will be eliminated from the air.

Our take, why not both? There are air purifiers with the combination filtration of HEPA filter and UV-light. These air purifiers will trap germs on their filter, and the UV light will kill off the trapped bacteria and viruses. That way, no germs will be able to once pulled into the air purifier.

2. Sunshine Helps Kill Indoor Germs

Yup, sunlight will kill germs, as Researchers at the University of Oregon concluded after 90 days. A room exposed to daylight regularly will have fewer germs compared with a room pitch black. Perhaps more surprisingly, when compared with a room sterilized with UV light, the result is not too far off. So if you want to reduce your risk of exposure to bacteria, let there be light.

3. Bacteria Killing Essential Oils

Yes, the essential oils drop candle or stick can kill bacteria and viruses! Most of us know essential oil as a natural scent product used in aromatherapy for body wellness. Besides helping you relax and sleep better, an essential oil is an outstanding antibacterial agent. The natural ingredient of essential oils will neutralize close by airborne bacteria and viruses. As not all essential oils are created equal, below are the top picks that will help in removing airborne germs.

Top 10 Antibacterial Essential Oils

1. Tea Tree Essential Oil — Melaleuca alternifolia
2. Peppermint Essential Oil — Mentha piperita
3. Lemongrass Essential Oil — Cymbopogon citrullus
4. Lavender Essential Oil — Lavandula angustifolia
5. Eucalyptus Essential Oil – Eucalyptus globulus
6. Orange Essential Oil — Citrus sinensis
7. Geranium Essential Oil — Pelargonium graveolens
8. Citronella Essential Oil — Cymbopogon nardus
9. Oregano Essential Oil — Origanum heracleoticum
10. Palma Rosa Essential Oil — Cymbopogon martini

4. Consider Having An Air Purifying Houseplants

While this is not our most recommended route, air-filtering houseplants do help reduce germs and allergens but in a less effective way. Through photosynthesis energy, the plants will take in nearby airborne contaminants. This includes carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and harmful VOCs gases. Indoor houseplants can also create a positive ambiance in a home that helps ease tension and stress. Perhaps for that reason itself is worth more than any other germs removal factor.

5. Clean And Disinfect Household Items

Clean or disinfect everyday objects to reduce the risk of getting bacterial and virus infections. Germs are tougher than most think and will harbor things we are frequently in contact with. This includes grabbing handles, cellphones, doorknob, staircase rail, faucet, refrigerator handle, and more. We indirectly expose ourselves to germs when touching our face, nose, and even mouth with our infested hands.

For household objects you are less frequent in contact with, you can clean or disinfect once a week or even a month accordingly. This includes countertops, kitchen floor, shelf, stairs, sofa, and table. You can toss them in a washing machine or dishwasher for smaller items like towels, soft toys, cups, and plates.

6. Take Out The Trash

Trash contains food waste, leftover spills, bad eggs, dirty diapers, and other stuff that is full of germs. Take out the garbage at least once a day and spray the bin with a sanitizer to prevent bacteria growth. Use a plastic can liner to avoid spills of trash and leakage that encourage the development of germs. Always separate wet and dry waste (paper, box, plastic) to manage your trash loads better.

7. Take off Your Shoes

No one should wear their shoes indoors. What's underneath your food wear is usually dust, dirt, and even feces filled with bacterial germs. A study from the University of Arizona shows more than 400,000 types of bacteria outside of the home. So why do you want to transfer the outdoor contaminants into your home?

For those that insist on wearing shoes indoors, use a doormat and try to scrub off as much dirt as you can. Remember to clean the doormat regularly as it can be filthy on frequent use. You do not want the doormat contributing to more germs in your shoes.

8. Keep Pet, Pest Out

Dogs and cats' mucus, saliva, urine, feces, and dead skin cells all contain germs. This applies even to a hypoallergenic breed that is supposedly allergen-free. So to keep germs at a contained level, try not to have pets inside the house. If you must, limit their activity space and always vacuum and mop the floor every day if possible. Also, groom them every day and bathe them with good conditioner shampoo to reduce shedding.

Home pest problems like rats, cockroaches, and geckos are also germs carriers. They carry diseases like Hantavirus, leptospirosis, encephalitis, and E.coli that can be transmitted to humans. Use bait or traps to catch them out or hire professional pest control.

9. Clean Or Replace Dirty Filter

Filters can get clogged from dust, hair, mold, and germs over time. When the filter is completely covered with particles, no air will pass through. A dirty filter can do the opposite by spreading more pollutants and cause airborne germs to stay linger in a room. To prevent this from happening, make sure all ventilation filters are clean or replaced properly. While you're at it, make sure all HVAC or air conditioners are maintained according to schedule. Check for any condensation, water infiltration, leakage, or mold infestation.

Are Air Purifiers For Germ Safe?

Air purifiers that remove germs with HEPA or UV filtration are safe for everyday use. Most models are UL listed and CARB certified to be ozone-safe as they do not release a high amount of byproducts. You can safely use it anywhere in your home.

Is It OK To Leave A Germ Air Purifier On All Night?

Yes, it is suitable for night use. You should never turn off a HEPA air purifier when dealing with airborne bacteria and viruses. A germ air purifier is designed to run continuously so indoor air remains clean and not filled with airborne allergens. If you feel a dip in the filtration performance, replace and clean the filters promptly.

How Much Energy Does An Air Purifier For Germ Use?

In general, a germ air purifier will consume 20-45 watts of energy. Based on $0.15 per kilowatt-hour, you should expect a meager $4-6 increase in monthly electrical bills. Very efficient compared to other home appliances like a refrigerator or air conditioners that consume 1,500-3,000 watts of energy.

How To Use An Air Purifier For Germs Effectively?

An air purifier must be in tip-top condition to deal with microscopic allergens like germs. To ensure your air purifier works flawlessly, here are a few simple tricks you can do to get the best out of it.

• Always replace the filters on time - There's no skipping this. HEPA and carbon filters require replacing every 6-12 months or when the indicator light is on. Failure to do so might affect the air purifier performance as the filter might be deemed unusable.
• Close to the pollution sources - The closer the air purifier is to the germs-infested area, the less likelihood you will be exposed to the allergens. Remember to leave 2-4 of space between the sofa, bed, or wall to avoid any airflow disruption. Also, never leave it underneath a window as the heat might damage the air purifier.
• Leave it on, always - Germs never take a break, and neither shouldn't an air purifier. Running it continuously will prevent nearby airborne germs from spreading and causing more harm. Get a model with auto mode if you want an efficient operation.
• Close all windows - An air purifier will only work well with closed windows. It allows clean air to continuously circulate in the room without letting more germs come in.

How Long Do Air Purifiers For Germs Last?

It is estimated that germ specialized air purifiers will last 5 to 10 years or even a lifetime with regular filter changes. That means you will need to replace the air filters e.g. HEPA and carbon, every 6-12 months to maintain the longevity of the air cleaners.

The Pros And Cons of Germ Air Purifiers

There are many advantages of getting an air purifier to protect you from airborne bacteria and viruses. However, it does not cover everything. Here are the pros and cons of a germ air purifier you should go through before buying one.