Look at How Much Gunk My Air Purifier Sucked Out of My Home Over the Last 5 Months

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:People

People

TL;DR, everyone needsan air purifier. Yes, even you! And the above photo is proof.

My gunked-up air purifier filter versus the clean new one.People

I’m not sure myLevoit air purifierhas ever sucked this much gunk out of my home since I bought it in late 2020, back when we were all more wary about our indoor air. Dirt, dust, dander, my beagle mix’s fur, and so much other stuff I don’t even want to know about was caught up in there.

Amazon

$99$74 at Amazon

What to know about this air purifierCovers up to 1,100 square feet (that’s larger than my one-bedroom apartment)Its low, pleasant hum is quiet enough for meRunning it constantly adds about $5 to my monthly energy billEasy-to-use special features, like shut-off timers and night modeI wipe a dust cloth over the base and top every week or so for optimal functionality

What to know about this air purifier

Covers up to 1,100 square feet (that’s larger than my one-bedroom apartment)Its low, pleasant hum is quiet enough for meRunning it constantly adds about $5 to my monthly energy billEasy-to-use special features, like shut-off timers and night modeI wipe a dust cloth over the base and top every week or so for optimal functionality

And can I just say that I’m a pretty clean person? I own twocordless vacuumsand use them regularly, I swear! But still, I practically could have made another dog out of what was on that filter, which was holding nearly five months’ worth of detritus.

At first, I wasn’t even convinced that an air purifier was a worthwhile buy. Even when running it 24/7, I didn’t notice a significant reduction of odors while I cooked, or of dust gathering on shelves, or of sneezes once spring came around.

But every time I change out the air purifier filter, I remember why it’s worth it: It’s always cleaning, even when I’m not. And this is why I recommend that everyone should have at least one air purifier in their home.

Levoit Replacement Air Purifier Filter

$30 at Amazon

If you want to try one out for yourself, you can buymy exact Levoit air purifier, which isAmazon’s best-selling air purifier. Or go for one of the models featured below, which are some ofthe best air purifiers we’ve testedin our labs and at home over the last three years.

Our Best Overall Air Purifier

$222 at Amazon

Best Overall, but Cheaper

$80$68 at Amazon

Best for the Whole Home

$150$120 at Amazon

Best for Pet Hair

$399$350 at Amazon

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source: people.com