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How do Air Scrubbers Work?

How Do Air Scrubbers Work?

If you’re dealing with mold, dust, or other airborne contaminants, you might be wondering: How do air scrubbers work? These powerful machines are a staple in restoration, construction, and healthcare settings—and for good reason. Air scrubbers are designed to improve indoor air quality by removing harmful particles from the air before they can be inhaled or spread to other areas.

They Pull Contaminated Air In

At the heart of every air scrubber is a high-powered fan that draws in air from the surrounding environment. Whether it’s a moldy basement or a dusty construction zone, the unit pulls in all that contaminated air—including dust, mold spores, pollen, bacteria, and even some chemical particles.

The Magic Happens in the Filters

Once inside the machine, the air travels through a series of filtration stages, often starting with a pre-filter to catch larger particles like dust and hair. From there, the air hits a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which captures microscopic pollutants as small as 0.3 microns—including mold spores and bacteria. Some models also include activated carbon filters to absorb odors and chemical vapors.

Clean Air Is Sent Back Out

After filtration, the scrubber pushes the now-clean air back into the room. This constant cycle of drawing in dirty air and releasing purified air helps to reduce the overall level of airborne contaminants—improving both health and comfort.

Essential in High-Risk Areas

Air scrubbers are especially important in mold remediation, where they prevent mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. They’re also used in hospitals, labs, and construction sites—anywhere clean air is essential for safety and health.

The Bottom Line

So, how do air scrubbers work? They act like a supercharged air purifier—pulling in dirty air, filtering out harmful particles, and pushing out clean, breathable air. Whether you’re tackling a mold issue or just want to breathe easier, air scrubbers are an efficient, effective solution for maintaining safe indoor air quality. For mor information about indoor air quality visit EPA.Gov