Can Air Purification Candles Really Prevent Mold In Your Home?

Air purification candles, like those from Micro Balance Health Products and Remedy by CitriSafe, are storming the market as a natural remedy for cleansing the air, but do they actually work as a natural mold purification method? The candles are made using a homeopathic botanical mixture that includes citrus and plant extracts. While burning, the natural antifungal properties in the candle release into the air and dissolve mycotoxins and mold spores. Though Mirco Balance Health Products boasts positive results of its candles from a test done by RealTime Laboratories Inc., there is unfortunately little outside evidence that supports the effectiveness of mold purification candles besides anecdotal evidence.

Removing mold spore particles from your indoor air is a safety and health endeavor, as mold is a common cause of allergies and asthma. Many customer reviews mention sleep and allergy improvement, but it's hard to tell if these candles are really preventing mold from entering the home. So, while burning these natural candles may eliminate a moldy smell and improve allergic responses to mold, use them alongside other proven air purification and mold prevention methods for the best results. If you do want to lessen the effects that mold has on your health and your home, we recommend concentrating your efforts on the following tried-and-true solutions.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests controlling humidity, moisture, and ventilation to prevent excess mold growth in your home. These tactics not only control mold spores from growing but can help you identify mold in your home and combat allergies. First, use a moisture meter to determine the humidity levels in each room. Check commonly humid areas — look for signs of mold in your basement, attic, bathrooms, and crawlspaces — and locate any damp areas caused by leaks or water damage. Areas with humidity above 50% are the perfect environment for mold growth.

Concentrate on controlling the humidity and moisture found in these areas using a ventilation system or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These filters are designed to trap minuscule particles, including mold spores, that float freely in the air. Keep in mind that both indoor and outdoor air contains some amount of mold spores, no matter the methods of removal. If you are concerned about the amount of spores in your home's air, consider performing an indoor air quality test using an at-home kit or it may be time to hire a professional.