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Do Air Purifiers Help with Pet Hair?

Have you ever run your finger along the window seal and picked it up only to find a pile of Fido’s hair and dust stuck to it? Kind of gross, right? Makes you wonder, “will an air filter help with dog hair?” What about an air purifier? “Can air purifiers remove dog hair?

We love our fur babies to death but piles of dog and cat hair in the corners of the room are not only dirty but may also lead to serious pet-related allergies in the future. Pet hair and dust are a challenge for many people and can have a significant impact on your indoor air quality, which studies have shown can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. With 90% of Americans spending more time indoors than outdoors, it’s important to maintain clean air in your home.

The good news is there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of pet hair in your home and improve indoor air quality at the same time.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into:

So let’s get started!


How Do Air Purifiers Help with Dust and Pet Hair?

Air purifiers are designed to cleanse the air within a room by using a fan to pull in and filter out airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, and pet hair. There are several different types of air purifiers on the market, like HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, activated carbon filters, and UV-C light filters. Each type of filter works differently to remove different types of contaminants from the air.

  • HEPA filters are the most common type of air purifier filter and are highly effective at removing pet hair
  • Activated carbon filters are designed to remove pet-related odors and household chemical fumes
  • UV-C light filters use ultraviolet light to kill airborne bacteria and viruses that your pet may bring inside the home 

It’s also not uncommon for air purifiers to feature a combination of filter types based on the purpose of the unit. For example, an air purifier built to remove pet hair like the Austin Air Healthmate Plus uses both HEPA and activated carbon filters to capture pet hair and remove pet-related odors.

Austin Air Healthmate Plus in living room with man playing with his daughter

How Do Air Purifiers Capture Pet Hair?

Air purifiers are very effective at capturing pet hair. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, air purifiers can help reduce the amount of pet hair and dander in your home, greatly improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of allergic reactions.

Air purifiers remove pet hair by pulling in and trapping these airborne particles in their filters. HEPA filters, in particular, are the most effective at capturing pet hair. When looking for the best air purifier for pet hair, a high-quality HEPA filter will be your main priority.

In addition to removing pet hair and dust, air purifiers can also help reduce other airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and mold spores, as well as pet-related odors. This can be especially beneficial for pet owners who also suffer from seasonal allergies, have stinky pets or live in an area prone to mold.


Removing Pet Hair from Air Can Have a Significant Impact on Your Indoor Air Quality and Health

Pet hair can have long-lasting effects on your indoor air quality and health. When pets shed, their hair and skin cells become airborne and can be inhaled, triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Pet hair can also harbor other allergens such as pollen, dust, and dust mites, further exacerbating allergies.

Consistent exposure to pet hair may cause a range of short and long-term health problems. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, pet hair and pet dander can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma, coughing, and sneezing. If you or someone in your household suffers from pet allergies, it's important to take steps to reduce the amount of pet hair in your home to prevent long-term health effects.

Air purifier cleaning the air in a room

Conclusion: Do Air Purifiers Collect Pet Hair? Yes!

Yes, air purifiers can be a valuable tool for pet owners looking to reduce the amount of pet hair in their homes. By trapping these particles in their filters, air purifiers can help improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of allergic reactions and other health issues over time.

When searching for an air purifier, it's important to consider the size of your room and the type of filter you need. Look for an air purifier with a HEPA filter for maximum effectiveness, and consider additional features such as an activated carbon filter to reduce pet smells and/or a UV-C light filter to kill germs.

While air purifiers can be helpful, it's also important to take other steps to reduce pet hair in your home, such as regular pet grooming and vacuuming with a HEPA filter. By taking a proactive approach to reducing pet hair and dust, you can create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for both you and your furry friend!


Want to purchase an air purifier for pet hair, but don’t know where to start? Check out our latest list of the best air purifiers for pets to find the perfect unit for you.

Still, have questions? Speak with our team of world-class air purifier experts at (877) 791-8083 or send us an email at support@wellnesjunction.com and we’d be happy to help.

Additional Resources to Checkout:

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