How to Use an Air Purifier: Tips, Placement, & More

Air purifiers are a great way for helping to improve the air quality in your home. Using a special filter (usually HEPA or carbon filter), they effectively filter pollution, pollen, chemicals and other airborne particles found in the atmosphere, helping you breathe cleaner air. On top of this, they can handle bad odours such as those created when cooking, from musty and humid rooms or problematic drains.

To get the most out of your air purifier, you should learn how to use it correctly. This guide walks you through the essential steps to ensure your air purifier is set up and works efficiently from day one.

What You’ll Need:

• An air purifier
• A power source
• Replacement filters (if required)
• A clean, stable surface

How to Use an Air Purifier: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Unbox and Set Up

• Take the air purifier out of the box and remove any protective packaging, foam and the instruction manual.
• Some models come with pre-installed filters, while others require you to insert them manually.
• You’ll need to remove the plastic wrappers around the filter too. Even if your filter is already inside the air purifier, it might have a plastic wrapping — don’t forget to take it out (you’d be surprised by how many people do!).
• Check your manual. Each model may have specific setup steps or unique features. Some air purifiers might have a QR code sticker on the unit or in the instruction manual, taking you to a video guide — make sure to check it out to make the setup smoother.
• Afterwards, place the unit on a flat, stable surface.

Step 2: Choose the Right Location

• The location of your purifier depends on your needs and the source of the pollutants.
• For the best results, position the purifier away from windows, large furniture, or walls to allow for proper airflow.
• Think about what issue you want to target — such as pet dander, cooking smells, damp basement or general air quality.

Step 3: Power It On and Adjust Settings

• Plug the air purifier into the power outlet and turn it on.
• Many models offer different modes, such as auto mode, sleep mode, or turbo mode.
• Choose the one that best suits your needs — higher speeds work best for removing pollutants quickly, while lower settings are ideal for overnight or continuous use.

Step 4: Run It Continuously for Best Results

• For optimal performance, let the air purifier run 24/7.
• If that’s not possible, aim for at least 8–12 hours daily, especially during peak allergy seasons or in high-pollution areas.

Step 5: Replace Filters Regularly

• Check the manufacturer’s guide for filter replacement recommendations.
• HEPA and carbon filters typically last 3–6 months, while washable filters should be cleaned as instructed in the user manual.
• Replacing and taking care of your filter enhances your air purifier’s efficiency and shouldn’t be skipped.

Step 6: Regularly Clean the Exterior and Sensors

• Dust and debris will naturally build up on the air purifier’s exterior and sensors.
• Wipe the outside with a damp cloth weekly and check the sensors to ensure the air purifier is showing accurate air quality readings.

Best Air Purifier Placement for Different Rooms

The placement of your air purifier is important and makes a big difference in how well it works.

• In the bedroom, it’s best to position it near your bed, but not directly against a wall, so it can circulate air properly and isn’t blocked from either side.
• A central spot away from large furniture in the living room allows for the most effective air circulation for the same reason.
• If you’re using an air purifier in the kitchen, keep it near cooking areas to help filter out smoke and odours, but avoid placing it too close to the stove or other heat sources.

Tips on Making the Most of Your Air Purifier

• Your air purifier will work best when you keep doors and windows closed while it’s running. A fully enclosed location prevents outdoor pollutants from coming in and decreasing the purifier’s efficiency.
• Regularly vacuuming and dusting your space can also help, as it reduces the amount of debris and pet dander getting caught in the filter.
• Don’t forget to clean or replace the filter regularly — you’ll be able to order spare filters from the manufacturer’s website.
• If your model has a built-in air quality sensor, use it to monitor the air around you and let it adjust the settings automatically for maximum efficiency.

How to Use an Air Purifier to Clear a Burning Smell

Whether you’ve burned food or there’s a lingering, unpleasant smell from cooking, turn your air purifier to its highest fan speed to filter out the odour and ash microparticles from the air as quickly as possible. If your purifier has a carbon filter, make sure it’s activated, as these are specially designed to absorb odours efficiently. You can also open a window briefly to let some fresh air in, but don’t leave it open too long — otherwise, you’ll let in more pollutants and your purifier will have to work harder to remove them.

How to Use an Air Purifier for Allergies and Hay Fever

If you suffer from allergies or hay fever, an air purifier should be a staple in your home. By filtering the air around you, it reduces airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, helping you to breathe better.

• Place the purifier in the room where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom or home office.
• Keep it running continuously, especially during peak allergy seasons, and use the highest setting when pollen volumes are high.
• Buy one with a HEPA filter (mechanical air filter that works by forcing air through a fine mesh), as these are the most effective at trapping allergens.
• Regularly replace or clean the filters to maintain performance, and try to limit the amount of allergens in your home by keeping windows closed and changing clothes after spending time outdoors.

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