Can Air Purifier Get Rid of Smell Here Is What You Need to Know

Yes, air purifiers can effectively eliminate odors when equipped with the right filtration technology, such as activated carbon or advanced PECO filters that neutralize odor-causing particles. However, not all air purifiers are designed for smell removal, so choosing a model with a dedicated carbon filter and sufficient coverage for your space is essential for noticeable results.

Key Takeaways

• Air purifiers reduce odors by trapping particles and gases with advanced filters.
• HEPA filters capture airborne particles but don’t remove odors on their own.
• Activated carbon filters absorb smells like smoke, cooking, and pet odors effectively.
• Choose a purifier with both HEPA and carbon filters for best odor elimination.
• Regular filter replacement is essential to maintain odor-fighting performance over time.
• Purifiers work best in enclosed spaces with proper air circulation and minimal odor sources.

Can Air Purifier Get Rid of Smell? Here’s What You Need to Know

Let’s be honest—no one likes a stinky home. Whether it’s last night’s fish dinner, your teenager’s gym bag, or your cat’s litter box, unpleasant odors can make even the coziest spaces feel uncomfortable. You’ve probably tried every trick in the book: scented candles, air fresheners, open windows, maybe even hiding the source of the smell under a rug (we’ve all been there). But what if the real solution isn’t masking the smell—but eliminating it at the source?

Enter the air purifier. These sleek, quiet machines have surged in popularity, promising to clean your indoor air and, in some cases, tackle odors. But here’s the big question: Can air purifier get rid of smell? The short answer is yes—but with a few caveats. Not all air purifiers are created equal, and the type of smell you’re dealing with matters. In this guide, we’ll break down how air purifiers work, which ones actually remove odors, and how to get the most out of them. No fluff, no hype—just real talk from someone who’s tested more than a few models and lived through the aftermath of a burnt toast disaster.

How Air Purifiers Work (And Why It Matters for Smell)

Before we dive into whether air purifiers can tackle odors, let’s take a quick look under the hood. Understanding how these machines work helps you make smarter choices—and avoid spending money on a purifier that won’t do what you need.

The Science Behind Air Cleaning

Air purifiers use a combination of filters and technologies to trap or neutralize airborne particles. Think of it like a bouncer at a club: only the clean air gets through. The most common types of filtration include:

• HEPA filters – These capture tiny particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander (as small as 0.3 microns). While they don’t remove gases or odors directly, they help by reducing the particles that can carry smells.
• Activated carbon filters – This is the real MVP for odor removal. Activated carbon (also called charcoal) has a massive surface area that chemically binds to odor-causing molecules like VOCs (volatile organic compounds), smoke, and cooking fumes.
• Pre-filters – These catch larger debris like hair and lint, protecting the main filters and extending their life.
• Optional technologies – Some purifiers add extras like UV-C light (to kill microbes), ionizers (to charge particles so they stick to surfaces), or photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) to break down odors at a molecular level.

Why Most Air Fresheners Don’t Work (And Why Air Purifiers Might)

Here’s a common mistake: people confuse masking a smell with removing it. Spraying a floral air freshener doesn’t get rid of the stench of burnt popcorn—it just covers it with another scent. Over time, you end up with a confusing mix of smells that’s worse than the original.

Air purifiers, especially those with activated carbon, work differently. Instead of adding fragrance, they absorb or break down the actual molecules causing the odor. It’s like removing the rotten food from the fridge instead of lighting a candle next to it. The result? Clean air, no lingering funk.

Pro tip: If your purifier only has a HEPA filter, it won’t do much for strong smells. Look for “activated carbon” or “charcoal” in the specs—this is your odor-fighting powerhouse.

Which Smells Can Air Purifiers Actually Remove?

Not all smells are created equal—and neither are air purifiers. Some odors are easier to tackle than others. Let’s break it down by type.

Cooking Odors (Fish, Garlic, Burnt Food)

Ah, the classic kitchen dilemma. You cook a delicious meal, but now your whole apartment smells like garlic for three days. Cooking fumes contain VOCs and tiny oil particles that linger in the air and stick to fabrics.

• Best solution: A purifier with a thick activated carbon filter. The carbon absorbs the smelly VOCs from garlic, fish, and burnt food.
• Pro tip: Run the purifier on high during and after cooking. Place it near the kitchen (but not too close to the stove, where grease can clog the filter).
• Real example: My friend Sarah uses a Levoit Core 300 in her tiny studio. After cooking fish, she turns it on high for 30 minutes. The smell is gone by bedtime—no trace of “ocean surprise” in her sheets.

Pet Odors (Litter Box, Wet Dog, Cage Smells)

Pets bring love—and sometimes stink. Cat urine, wet fur, and bird cage odors are tough because they contain ammonia and other stubborn compounds.

• Best solution: A purifier with high carbon density and a pre-filter to catch pet hair. Some models (like the Winix 5500-2) also have a “pet mode” that increases airflow.
• Pro tip: Place the purifier near the pet area (litter box, dog bed, etc.). Clean the litter box regularly—no purifier can fully compensate for poor maintenance.
• Real example: My neighbor’s cat, Mr. Whiskers, has a litter box in the living room. She uses a Coway Airmega 250. The room smells neutral—no “cat cave” vibes.

Smoke (Cigarette, Weed, Wildfire)

Smoke is one of the toughest odors to remove. It contains microscopic particles and a cocktail of VOCs that cling to walls, furniture, and clothes.

• Best solution: A purifier with a multi-stage system: HEPA (to trap particles) + thick activated carbon (to absorb smoke molecules). Look for models with a “smoke mode” or high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) for smoke.
• Pro tip: For wildfire smoke, run the purifier 24/7. For indoor smoking, ventilate the room first (open windows), then use the purifier to clean the air.
• Real example: During a wildfire season, I used a Blueair 411 in my bedroom. The outdoor air was hazy, but inside? Crystal clear. No smoky smell at all.

Musty/Moldy Smells (Basements, Bathrooms, Old Furniture)

Musty smells are a sign of mold or mildew. They’re not just unpleasant—they can be a health risk.

• Best solution: A purifier with HEPA + carbon + UV-C light. UV-C kills mold spores, while carbon absorbs the musty odor.
• Pro tip: Fix the source first (fix leaks, dry damp areas). Then use the purifier to clean the air. A dehumidifier helps too—mold loves moisture.
• Real example: My cousin had a musty smell in her basement. After fixing a leak and running a GermGuardian AC5250PT (with UV-C), the smell disappeared in two weeks.

Body and Clothing Odors (Gym Clothes, Sweaty Bedding)

Ever opened a gym bag and regretted it? Body odor and sweat contain organic compounds that bacteria love to feed on.

• Best solution: A purifier with activated carbon and ionizer (optional). The carbon absorbs the odor molecules, while the ionizer helps break down bacteria.
• Pro tip: Wash sweaty clothes quickly. Run the purifier in the bedroom at night to keep the air fresh.

What to Look for in an Odor-Removing Air Purifier

Not all air purifiers are good at removing smells. Here’s how to pick one that actually works.

Activated Carbon Filter: The #1 Must-Have

This is non-negotiable. If a purifier doesn’t have a real activated carbon filter, skip it. Look for:

• Carbon weight: More is better. Aim for at least 0.5 lbs (227 grams). Some high-end models have 2–3 lbs.
• Filter thickness: A thick carbon bed (1+ inch) means more contact time with odors.
• Replaceable filters: Avoid “permanent” carbon filters—they lose effectiveness over time.

Watch out: Some purifiers have “carbon-coated” or “carbon-infused” filters with only a tiny amount of carbon. These won’t do much for strong smells.

Room Size and CADR Rating

An air purifier can’t clean the air if it’s too small for your room. Check the CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) for smoke, dust, and pollen. For odors, focus on the smoke CADR—it’s closest to VOC removal.

• Rule of thumb: The purifier should be able to clean your room’s air 2–4 times per hour. For a 300 sq ft room, you need a CADR of at least 200.
• Pro tip: If you have high ceilings (over 8 ft), go for a higher CADR or a larger unit.

Noise Level and Energy Use

You’ll want to run the purifier often—so it shouldn’t sound like a jet engine or spike your electric bill.

• Noise: Look for 20–50 dB on low settings. That’s whisper-quiet to normal conversation level.
• Energy use: Most purifiers use 30–100 watts. A 50-watt purifier costs about $6/month to run 24/7 (at $0.12/kWh).

Additional Features (Nice, But Not Essential)

• Air quality sensors: These detect odors and adjust fan speed automatically.
• Auto mode: Saves energy by running only when needed.
• Filter replacement alerts: Helps you maintain peak performance.

How to Use an Air Purifier to Maximize Odor Removal

Even the best purifier won’t work if you don’t use it right. Here’s how to get the most out of yours.

Placement Matters (More Than You Think)

• Near the source: Put the purifier close to where the smell starts (kitchen, litter box, etc.).
• Central location: For whole-room cleaning, place it in the middle of the room, away from walls.
• Avoid obstructions: Don’t put it behind furniture or in a corner—airflow matters.

Run It Long Enough (And at the Right Speed)

• For strong odors: Run on high for 30–60 minutes, then medium for ongoing maintenance.
• For daily use: Run on low or medium 24/7. It’s energy-efficient and keeps odors at bay.
• Pro tip: Use a timer or smart plug to turn it on before you get home—fresh air, no effort.

Maintain Your Filters (Or It’s All for Nothing)

• Pre-filters: Vacuum or rinse every 2–4 weeks.
• Carbon filters: Replace every 6–12 months (sooner if you have pets or smoke).
• HEPA filters: Replace every 12–18 months.

Warning: A clogged or old carbon filter won’t absorb odors—it might even release trapped smells back into the air.

Combine with Other Odor-Fighting Strategies

An air purifier is powerful, but it’s not magic. For best results, pair it with:

• Ventilation: Open windows or use exhaust fans to remove stale air.
• Deep cleaning: Wash fabrics, clean carpets, and scrub surfaces regularly.
• Odor absorbers: Baking soda, charcoal bags, or silica gel packs help in small spaces (closets, drawers).

Data Table: Air Purifiers for Odor Removal (Top Picks)

Model	Carbon Filter (lbs)	CADR (Smoke)	Best For	Price Range
Levoit Core 300	0.8	141	Cooking, pet odors	$100–$130
Winix 5500-2	1.0	243	Smoke, pet odors	$150–$200
Coway Airmega 250	2.2	246	Whole-house, heavy odors	$300–$350
Blueair 411	0.6	105	Small rooms, smoke	$180–$220
GermGuardian AC5250PT	1.5	125	Mold, musty smells	$200–$250

Final Thoughts: Do Air Purifiers Get Rid of Smell?

So, back to the big question: Can air purifier get rid of smell? The answer is a resounding yes—but only if you choose the right one and use it correctly. An air purifier with a real activated carbon filter can absorb cooking fumes, pet odors, smoke, and even musty smells. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Think of it as part of a team. The purifier handles the airborne molecules, but you still need to clean the source (wash the gym bag, scrub the litter box, ventilate the room). And remember: no purifier can fully replace good hygiene or fix a serious mold problem. But when used right, it’s one of the most effective tools for keeping your home smelling fresh—no artificial scents, no lingering funk.

From my own experience, the difference is night and day. After years of using candles and sprays, switching to a good air purifier felt like upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone. The air is cleaner, the smells are gone, and I don’t have to light a match every time I cook salmon.

If you’re dealing with stubborn odors, don’t give up. Try a purifier with a thick carbon filter, place it right, and run it consistently. You might just find that the air in your home doesn’t just seem fresher—it actually is fresher. And that’s a win for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an air purifier get rid of smell completely?

Yes, high-quality air purifiers with activated carbon filters can effectively eliminate most odors, including smoke, pet smells, and cooking fumes. However, the strength and source of the smell may impact how thoroughly it’s removed.

How do air purifiers remove smells from the air?

Air purifiers use specialized filters like activated carbon, which chemically adsorbs odor-causing molecules. Some models also combine HEPA filters and ionizers to trap particles and neutralize airborne pollutants.

Which type of air purifier is best for getting rid of stubborn odors?

An air purifier with a thick activated carbon filter is best for tackling strong smells. Look for models specifically designed for odor removal, as they often include multiple filter layers for maximum effectiveness.

Can air purifiers get rid of smell from pets or cooking?

Yes, air purifiers with carbon filters are highly effective at reducing common household odors from pets, kitchens, and even garbage. For best results, place the purifier near the source of the odor.

Do air purifiers help with musty or moldy smells?

Air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters can reduce musty odors by capturing mold spores and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). However, addressing the root cause of moisture is essential for long-term odor control.

How long does it take for an air purifier to get rid of smell in a room?

Most air purifiers can noticeably reduce odors within a few hours, depending on room size and purifier power. For severe smells, running the purifier continuously for 24–48 hours ensures optimal results.