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Pets bring a lot of love into a home, but they also bring fur and dander that can be tough to keep under control. For people with allergies or anyone who just wants cleaner air, an air purifier can make a big difference. The tricky part is finding one that actually works well for pet dander without being noisy or costing a fortune to run.
To help make the choice easier, we’ve looked at some of the best options available and how they perform in real homes. Here are our top picks and what makes each one worth considering.
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1. Levoit LV-H128 Dual Filter best air purifier for pet dander
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2. Philips 900 Series Air Purifier
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3. Blueair Blue Max 3250i Smart HEPASilent Air Purifier
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4. Miko Ibuki H13 HEPA Air Purifier for Large Rooms
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5. AIUZLK P260 Large Room HEPA Air Purifier
What is pet dander and why is it a problem?
Pet dander consists of tiny flakes of skin shed by animals such as cats, dogs, and other furry pets. Unlike pet hair, which is visible to the naked eye, dander is microscopic and can easily become airborne. This makes it difficult to control through regular cleaning alone.
For people with allergies or asthma, pet dander can be a significant trigger. When inhaled, these microscopic particles can cause sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, and even breathing difficulties. Even if you are not allergic, pet dander can build up over time and contribute to poor indoor air quality, making your home feel dusty and musty.
Air purifiers are one of the most effective tools for capturing pet dander before it settles on surfaces, helping to keep the air cleaner and reducing the amount of time spent dusting and vacuuming.
How do air purifiers help with pet odours and smells?
Air purifiers work by pulling air through a series of filters designed to capture particles and neutralise odours. Pet odours are often caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from things like litter trays, wet fur, or pet accidents.
While a standard HEPA filter is excellent at capturing physical particles such as dander and dust, it does not remove smells. For this reason, you’ll want an air purifier with activated carbon filtration. Activated carbon absorbs odour-causing molecules, trapping them so they do not circulate around your home.
Some higher-end air purifiers also use advanced technologies like UV-C light or ionisers, which can help to break down odour-causing bacteria and neutralise smells even more effectively.
If you live in a smaller space or have multiple pets, you may find that an air purifier dramatically reduces lingering pet smells, keeping your home fresher between deep cleans.
How often should I run my air purifier if I have pets?
If you have pets, it’s best to run your air purifier continuously. Pet dander and odour particles are constantly being released, especially if you have animals that shed frequently. Leaving the purifier on all the time ensures that the air remains consistently clean.
Most modern air purifiers are designed to be energy efficient, so running them 24/7 shouldn’t dramatically increase your electricity bill. Many models also have a “low” or “eco” mode that uses very little power while still maintaining good air quality.
If you prefer to run it on a schedule, aim to have it running during times when your pets are most active; for example, during the day when they are playing, or in the evening when you’re home relaxing.