Bathrooms are often warm, moist, and have poor ventilation, thus making them prime breeding grounds for air pollutants like bacteria, viruses, molds, and odors. When left unattended, bathrooms can become very unsanitary. Luckily, having an air purifier in your bathroom is a quick and easy way to remove bathroom air pollutants.
In this article we take a look at some of the best bathroom air purifiers. Read on to find the model that might work best for you.
Top 5 Air Purifiers for Bathrooms
| Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
  |
1. Plixio PLX50
|
Check price on amazon |
  |
2. Gideon Mini Plug-in Air Ionizer
|
Check price on amazon |
  |
3. GermGuardian GG1100B
|
Check price on amazon |
  |
4. GT50 Professional-Grade Advanced Air Purifier
|
Check price on amazon |
  |
5. Eden Pure OxiLeaf
|
Check price on amazon |
Bathroom Air Purifier Reviews
1. Plixio PLX50
The Plixio PLX50 is a plug-in air purifier that produces negative ions and ozone to eliminate odors, bacteria, and mold. Rated to cover 100 sq. ft., the PLX50 features a control knob that lets you control ozone output depending on your needs.
Unfortunately, users have claimed that their PLX50 broke down within a few months of use. This is not too surprising considering how affordable the PLX50 is. It also emits a strong odor, likely due to the high concentration of ozone it produces. This doesn’t detract from the fact, though, that the PLX50 has helped thousands users keep their bathrooms clean and sanitary. The useful timer feature, adjustable ozone output, and dedicated on/off switch make the PLX50 the most customizable and feature-packed air purifier on this list.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact, lightweight
- Quiet operation
- Energy efficient
- Timer and dedicated on/off switch
- Removes odors, smoke, bacteria, and prevents mold growth
- Adjustable ozone output
- No filters or UV bulbs to replace
Cons
- Durability issues
- Emits a smell
2. Gideon Mini Plug-in Air Ionizer
The Gideon Mini Plug-in Air Ionizer is a direct plug-in air purifier that you can safely use in your bathroom to remove odors, mold, and bacteria. Using a combination of negative ions and UV light, this affordable air ionizer is capable of purifying up to 150 sq. ft. of space.
Unfortunately, some users have had issues pertaining to durability of this model and have claimed that it has stopped working after only a few months. In addition, users have also complained of a strong chemical smell coming from the device. This is possibly due to the ozone being generated which sometimes produces a strong odor. Overall, the air ionizer from Gideon is a good, reliable option that can be easily used in most bathrooms as long as there is an electrical socket available.
Pros
- Affordable
- Combined UV light and ionizer combats a wide array of air pollutants
- Decent room coverage
- Compact, lightweight
- Quiet operation
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Durability issues
- Emits a smell
- UV light bulb needs to be replaced
3. GermGuardian GG1100B
The GG1100B from GermGuardian is a plug-in UV sanitizer that uses UV light to eliminate odor-causing bacteria and viruses. Because it only uses UV light, the GG1100B can cover only very small areas because its small fan is only able to draw so much air into the device.
It also works quite poorly against smoke, odors, allergens, and other particulate pollutants. This is because it only relies on UV light which is only capable of eliminating bacteria and viruses. You’ll also need to replace the UV light bulb every 6 to 8 months. Regardless, if you’re looking for a device to control mold, bacteria, and viruses in your bathroom, the GG1100B is a reliable, budget-friendly option.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact, lightweight
- Comes with a USB port
- Works well against airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold
- Easy to use and maintain
- Quiet operation
- Energy efficient
Cons
- For personal use and very small rooms
- Works poorly against allergens and odors
- UV light bulb needs to be replaced every 6 months
4. GT50 Professional-Grade Advanced Air Purifier
The GT50 is another plug-in air purifier that uses ozone to purify the air. Like the other air purifiers on this list, it features a control knob that allows you to control output. Rated to cover 50 sq. ft. of space, the GT50 relies on ozone generation to combat odors, smoke, bacteria, mold, and other air pollutants.
What’s off putting about this device is that it’s incredibly expensive — even more expensive than some standard HEPA air purifiers. What’s worse is that it’s only backed by a measly 90-day warranty, which is the shortest warranty we’ve seen on an air purifier. Despite these flaws, however, the GT50 is well-loved by hundreds of satisfied users. It has been proven to be highly effective against air pollutants commonly found in bathrooms.
Pros
- Adjustable ozone output
- Compact, lightweight
- Effective against odors, smoke, bacteria, and mold
- Quiet operation
- No filters or UV bulbs to replace
Cons
- Expensive
- Very short warranty
- Very small room coverage
5. Eden Pure OxiLeaf
The Eden Pure OxiLeaf is a plug-in air purifier rated to cover small rooms and relies on ozone to destroy up to 99.9% of air pollutants that can be found in bathrooms. You’re also able to adjust ozone output with a control knob.
One of the downsides to the OxiLeaf is that it’s the second most expensive air purifier on this list (after the GT50) and is not readily available in California as it doesn’t comply with the California Air Resources Board’s standards. Overall, however, the OxiLeaf is still one of the best options you can find on the market today if you’re looking to make your bathroom cleaner and safer for everyone in the family.
Pros
- Destroys up to 99.9% of air pollutants
- Adjustable ozone output
- Compact, lightweight
- No filters or UV bulbs to replace
Cons
- Expensive
- Not available in California (not yet CARB compliant)
Buyer’s Guide:
Air Purifier for Bathrooms
What Makes Your Bathroom Dirty
Believe it or not, bathrooms are one of the main causes of indoor air pollution in your home. This is because bathrooms breed mold, odors, and bacteria thanks to the warm, moist environment that you typically find in bathrooms. Often these problems can be addressed by giving the bathroom a good cleaning, but many bathroom cleaning chemicals are a source of volatile organic compounds that end up contributing to the degradation of air quality.
How an Air Purifier Can Help
Air purifiers are an easy solution to the problem of poor air quality in bathrooms. However, bathrooms tend to be small, cramped, and are not safe places to use electronic devices like air purifiers, which is why standard air purifiers can’t be used. Fortunately, plug-in air purifiers are available which work by being plugged directly into a socket in your bathroom.
Most bathroom air purifiers are plug-in types that use ozone, negative ions, and UV light. Most of the popular ones use ozone or negative ions or a combination of both. Ozone works extremely well against air pollutants because it is able to able to react with air pollutants and turn them into harmless substances. Ionizers, on the other hand, release millions of negative ions into the air where they attach themselves to air pollutants, weigh them down, and render them harmless. UV light is also commonly used in plug-in air purifiers and is able to break down mold, bacteria, and viruses at a molecular level.
Safety Concerns Regarding Ionizers, UV Light, and Ozone
Unfortunately, there are several concerns regarding the safety of ionizers, ozone generators, and UV sanitizers. This is because all these air purification technologies either produce ozone exclusively or as a by-product.
While ozone is effective for removing odors and other air pollutants, it is also a known lung-irritant. It reacts with the living tissue in your body and can cause respiratory problems like persistent coughing and airway inflammation. Other side effects include a reduction of lung function and aggravation of existing respiratory diseases like asthma. Despite these safety concerns, however, these technologies are still widely used as a means of purifying the air. To avoid the harmful effects of ozone, ozone generators, ionizers, and UV sanitizers are best used in closed rooms with no occupants. They should also be allowed to run for a limited amount of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
California has banned the sale of ozone-generating air purifiers after studies have shown that they can produce harmful levels of ozone. In order for an air purifier to be available for purchase in California, it should be able to pass the standards of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and thus be deemed CARB-compliant.
What ozone levels are considered safe?
Different government institutions have different standards for what is considered safe as far as ozone levels are concerned. The US Food and Drug Administration has limited the ozone production of indoor medical devices to 50 parts per billion (ppb), while the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that indoor ozone levels should be no higher than 100 ppb.
Final Thoughts
Bathrooms harbor potentially harmful air pollutants that may cause foul odors and disease. One of the easiest ways to prevent this to invest in a reliable and effective air purifier for your bathroom.
The Plixio PLX50 is a clear winner due to the features that it offers that you won’t be able to find on any other air purifier in the same price range. It’s the most affordable but also the most customizable air purifier on this list. It also works well to remove common bathroom air pollutants to keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.
Related Posts
