Advice, staff picks, mythbusting, and more. Unless you wear some type of respirator, you can inhale those pollutants, which could trigger an allergic reaction. It works to clean the air with the help of a nanocatalyst-coated, multi-layer PECO-Filtera technology utilizing UV light developed over 25 years.00:00 How to replace Molekule Air Pro filter00:05 Remove the core and replace the PECO filter00:16 Replace and secure the core00:28 Molekule air purifier summaryTo ensure that your Air Pro is cleaning the air at its best, the multi-layer PECO-Filter should be exchanged every 6 months. Be the first to hear about exclusive offers and latest updates! Air first passes through the Pre-Filter of the original Molekule Air, where large particles are removed. And because the Molekule manufacturer claims to have revolutionized air cleaning with its proprietary PECO technology, we dug a little deeper. As a result Almost all HEPA air purifiers will also have some additional technologies to deal with airborne chemicals. The Air Pro scans the filter and will not operate if a generic PECO filter is installed. Here are three models, listed in alphabetical order, that perform well in our particle removal tests and cost hundreds less. The LCD screen uses a color-coded system to give you an idea of air quality at a glance. Close shell and twist to lock. Familiarize yourself with a few basic components: Note where each component is and how everything fits together before you start deep cleaning your vacuum. Additionally, the air purifiers are designed to be safe for pets and children, with no hazardous parts such as exposed blades or other moving materials. in your HVAC system, air purifier or vacuum cleaner is designed to filter particles from the air in an effort to improve air quality. Whether its finding great products or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right (the first time). In an industry filled with cheap plastic boxes, the Molekule is pretty enough to impress Jony Ive, with a price and a brand ($799 for the flagship Air; $1,119 for the Air Pro; $499 for the Air . Many of the tiniest pollutants are the most harmful. Amazon.com: Molekule PECO-HEPA Tri-Power Filter Air Mini and Mini+ | Air Purifier Replacement Filters with PECO and HEPA Technology, Eliminates Smoke, Mold, Bacteria & Other Pollutants for Clean Air - Gray : Home & Kitchen Home & Kitchen Heating, Cooling & Air Quality Air Purifiers HEPA Air Purifiers A few months ago, we published a report titled This Advertising Watchdog Just Rejected Basically All of Molekules Air Purifier Claims. Dyson, another maker of air purifiers, had challenged 26 of Molekules specific claims in a case before the National Advertising Division. A few times each day, as I pass Molly I tap the screen to get a quick visual on the status of the air. Heres the story of our reporting and our lab tests. Molekule is designed to completely clean the air in a large, 600-square-foot room once every hour. Regular vacuum maintenance and clog removal should eliminate these smells by keeping the motor in good working condition. In practice, HEPA filters are made from a variety of materials, including coarse glass fibers, coated animal hair, vegetable fibers, synthetic fibers (such as polyester or nylon), synthetic foams, metallic wools, or expanded metals and foils, according to the EPA. There are two types of gadget usersthose who want to get in the nitty-gritty, and those who want to simply, set it and forget it. The auto setting allows the unit to increase fan speed in response to a rise in particulates in the air, as measured by a built-in sensor. Molekules PECO-filters were designed to handle a wide range of pollutants. Yes, Molekule's technology is safe for people and pets. The status indicator counts down from 90 days (3 months) for the Pre-Filter and 180 days (6 months) for the PECO-Filter. You can rinse the filter in water, tap excess dust off of it or remove some dust with a vacuum, but this can definitely damage the mesh of fibers that allows the filter to remove particles from the air. it is unclear how that cleaning may degrade its performance, carbon filters have their drawbacks as well, Sensor Data from Inside New York City Homes Shows Molekule Air Pro Removes Wildfire Smoke, Do not sell or share my personal information. We independently select all products and services. The Molekule Air Pro is a top-of-the-line purifier that promises superior air filtration thanks to [+] its innovative PECO filtration technology that destroys contaminants, rather than merely trapping them. The Molekule offers up basic air quality information that can help you keep tabs on indoor quality without overwhelming you with stats. It is possible that the manufacturer has found a method of making filter fibers that will not be damaged by cleaning, but there really is no way of knowing for sure. This acronym is short for photoelectrochemical oxidation. A powerful fan blows contaminated air upward into the first filtration step, the Pre-Filter. Compared to traditional HEPA air purifiers, the PECO-based Molekule air purifiers can be quite a bit pricier. Per NARB protocol, the appellate panel consisted of an independent expert, an advertising professional, and three advertiser representatives. This is a BETA experience. Empty the vacuum cleaner and throw the contents in an outside trash bin. Stale odors, smoky conditions or the lingering scent of Sunday morning's bacon are all indicators that particles unseen to the human eye are hanging around in your indoor air. Unless you take the filter outside to clean it, there is a good chance that the act of cleaning it will introduce some airborne pollutants to your house. Please be advised that this applies only to consumer use, and that cleaning protocol for corporate use of these or other Molekule air purifiers may differ.This information on cleaning your device, along with much more about your Molekule device, can be found in the User Manual. Our data indicates what a viable cycle would look like for average conditions, and we recommend the following filter replacement schedule: Molekule Air Mini device and integrated PECO-Filter. To keep your Molekule air purifier at peak performance, filters should be replaced on time. You can order filters on-demand from Molekule, but the company also offers an automatic filter refill plan at a substantial discount on the price per filter, which you can pause or cancel at any time. Additionally, the filters are consumables as the media gets dirty over time as it collects pollutants. This article will look at what HEPA filters are made of and examine different types of HEPA filters to better understand if they can be cleaned, and if so, how to do it properly to ensure the filter continues to function according to its claims. Allow the filter to completely dry before reinstalling it. Constantly clean air is a good thing, plus, your Molekule Air Mini is low energy. What has been in dispute is how well it does those things, especially in real-world conditions. Portable Air Purification: With its vegan leather handle, Molekule Air Pro can be easily carried and plugged in anywhere in the home or business for increased flexibility. If the hose is attached to the vacuum head, the rotating brush helps kick up dust and dirt from the carpet so the vacuum can suck it up. Pull off the old filter from the lid's gasket, and insert a new PECO-filter in its place. Typically, you should clean your vacuum every six months, though you may need to do it more often if you notice stinky vacuum odors, a loss of suction, or visible debris left behind during use. You will end up with a somewhat clean looking filter that does not do the job of filtering properly. Odors caused by debris smell more like mildew, a wet dog, or a stinky gym bag. Molekule made sure from the start to make it worry-free for customers to get clean Molekule filters. How long a filter lasts will depend on your air quality, but Molekule preps you to expect to replace the filter about every six months. Replace your filter regularly to ensure the air intake is working optimally and the purifier is effectively removing pollutants from the air. Of course, no air purifier is a substitute for a regular housekeeping protocol, but Ive found that it helps to keep specific odors from lingering in the air. Well follow that and other developments, including this potential lawsuit against the company for false advertising. How do Molekule air purifiers work? We do not recommend vacuuming or washing the Pre-Filter or PECO-Filter for your Molekule air purifiers. Align logo on shell with arrow on base. Long strands of hair and string can easily get wrapped around the vacuums rotating brush and cover the bristles, making it harder for it to clean dust and other debris from the carpet. Consumer Reports tests, evaluates, and compares the latest models so you don't have to. Stale odors, smoky conditions or the lingering scent of Sunday mornings bacon are all indicators that particles unseen to the human eye are hanging around in your indoor air. Learn more. Depending on the make and model of your vacuum, dust and dirt may travel through (and eventually build up on) multiple components, all of which should be cleaned regularly to help keep your vacuum working properly. When carbon-based pollutants are destroyed by the PECO-Filter, they are converted into carbon dioxide, water vapor and other trace gases that float away and become natural components of the atmosphere. Then, use a microfiber cloth and a can of compressed air to clean dust from the vacuum head that houses the rotating brush. Setting up the 22.9-pound Molekule Air Pro is as easy as plugging the unit into a nearby outlet, twisting the core from the center of the air purifier and removing plastic from the PECO filter inside. Its worth noting that the Air Pro has an odd odor initially. When contaminated air first passes through the Pre-Filter, very large particles are halted and removed from the air, therefore preventing them from passing further. PECO technology. It has a modern, unobtrusive design that wont make you want to hide it in a closet. Vacuuming can release and re-introduce pollutants back into your air, while washing the filters could potentially cause mold to grow if the filters are not dried fully. Thats why we make our testing and scientific data public. Because of these factors, the EPA reports that to effectively and efficiently eliminate common gases and microbes found in homes in a safe manner, PCO technology needs to improve. Pass on either Molekule and opt for one of CRs recommended air purifiers. There are likely a number of reasons for this, but I blame my addiction to scented candles, along with a brand new sofa constructed with a modular plywood frame (plywood is a major culprit for off-gassing). Lay washable filters and other damp parts out for at least 24 hours. We recommend using a clean, damp cloth to clean the exterior of your Molekule air purifiers. But if you absolutely have to clean a HEPA filter, there are two ways to do it. HEPA filters remove fine particles like cigarette or pollen and mold fragments from the air, still like any filter they are eventually full are debris. You may see visible signs when it is time to change your Pre-Filter. Sensor Data from Inside New York City Homes Shows Molekule Air Pro Removes Wildfire Smoke, Test Results Indicate that Molekules Air Pro Purifier May Reduce Hospital Length of Stay by Approximately Two Days in COVID-19 Patients, Do not sell or share my personal information, The bag or plastic container that collects dust and other debris. Wipe off the soap with a clean cloth. The flip side is that there are no generic filters available for the Molekule Air Pro. In my testing experience, the PECO filter wasnt without problems. The Molekule Air Pro is a good VOC air purifier because it removes volatile organic compounds. Here are some questions you may be asking yourself. When spending a premium price for an air purifier, the recurring error messages were a nuisance. Your username maybe be your email address. Before Molly arrived, I would cringe at the thought of cooking fish on the stovetop or enhancing a dish with sauted garlic. Developed over 25 years by research scientists, PECO is an innovative technology that uses free radicalsthe same radicals used to destroy cancer cellsto break down pollutants at a molecular level, including viruses, bacteria, mold, ozone, allergens, and chemicals. A HEPA filter marketed as permanent should be cleaned by gently using a vacuum cleaner to suck away dust and debris from the surface of the filter. We started Molly off in the Standard mode to see what the unit is capable of, and also to capture all the VOCs our new sofa was probably emitting. Regularly replacing your filters can help prevent your Molekule from running on dirty filters. The auto-refill shipments include a set of 2 Pre-Filters and 1 PECO-Filter that will arrive every 6 months, so you will have fresh filters when it comes time to replace them. PECO and PCO, however, take it one step further and also target gases. Our testing proves air purifiers can clean air of pollen, smoke, viruses, and other particulates. Knowing what Air Pro regularly detects in the air has helped me make more informed decisions about my homes environment. The filter status indicator will show a 0% or exclamation mark for each filter when it comes time for replacement. It must specify that many of its claims refer not to the MH1 air purifier itself but only to the underlying PECO technology. This will turn off the fan and UV light that glows from within the unit. Most of the debris ends up in the dust collection bag or canister. If you can detach the brush, bring it outside and gently shake it to dislodge any bits of lint, dust, or fibers stuck in the bristles. The faulty filter was the most frustrating part of using the Molekule Air Pro. So keep fresh air flowing. When everything is completely dry, put the vacuum back together and run it for around a minute to make sure everythings in working order. Sometimes, the debris in your vacuums dust bag or canister can start to stink, especially if you havent emptied the vacuum in a while or you suck up something smellylike pet fur or dirt from a wet carpet. Im happy to report that Molekules tech support is readily available, polite and professional. In a home. If you run your Molekule in a place where there is a larger-than-average volume of particles, then you may need to replace your filter sooner. You should be careful not to touch the filter material, only allowing it to come in contact with water. Chemical or plasticky smells often mean that the motor is overheating. First, youll need to unplug the vacuum and find the clog. When you turn on your vacuum cleaner, the electric motor powers the fan. Molekule's PECO air filter destroys over 99% of SARS-CoV-2 in 1 hour. This is where things got sticky. If your HEPA filter is not specifically labeled as washable or "permanent," then the answer is no - while it may still filter the air it will have reduced effectiveness after washing. However, since youll be taking your vacuum apart to clean it, it can be helpful to understand how everything fits together. The message read Filter cannot be validatedproof positive that the Molekule isnt designed to play nice with generic air filters. NARB is responsible for reviewing and ruling on NADs original judgments when an advertiser appeals them. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company, This Advertising Watchdog Just Rejected Basically All of Molekules Air Purifier Claims, almost all the original findings have been upheld, potential lawsuit against the company for false advertising, Wirecutters Worst Things for Most People. Let us help you. Weve followed this suggestion since the first day and havent noticed any noticeable spike in our electric bill. So it's the ideal air purifier for anyone who is looking to get rid of such pollutants. A sliding scale of good, moderate, bad or very bad is again used to give you a relativebut not a preciseindicator of how many particles of each size are being detected by the Molekule. This guide (along with your vacuums owners manual) can help you give your vacuum some extra attention with a thorough cleaning inside and out. As a science company, Molekule conducts extensive testing of its technology through its own labs as well as certified third-party laboratories. Tap the screen to wake the Air Pro and youll see green, yellow, red or violet illumination, with a corresponding rating of Good, Moderate, Bad or Very Bad. These air purifiers use machined parts, a simple design, and modern aesthetic Cons of Molekule Expensive. Once you know your way around your vacuum, its time to start taking it apart. Like so many brands that trend on social media, the Molekule Air is available only direct to consumerfor a whopping $800. Scientists in independent third-party labs thoroughly tested PECO technology and found it to be safe and effective for use in homes and other indoor spaces. To get rid of the smell: After cleaning your vacuum, you can keep things smelling fresh by occasionally sprinkling baking soda on your carpet before you vacuum or placing a dryer sheet in your dust collection canister. So take note to keep the original box until youre certain that youre satisfied with the unit. The filter must be completely dry before using. A further appeal could go to the US Federal Trade Commission, whose rulings are legally binding; Molekule has signaled that it will not take that step.). The Molekule Air costs $800, with an annual cost of $130 for filter replacements, plus an additional $50 per year for energy use, based on our calculations. You can access it from the units touchscreen or in the app. Theoretically, PECO could work to eliminate microscopic airborne molecules, Dickerson says. Like many modern devices, be prepared for some Wi-Fi woes and occasional errors or glitches. In this review, I present to you a complete review and test of the air purifier Molekule Air. If it has a bag, check if its full and replace it if needed. You don't have to unplug your air purifier before cleaning it, although doing so may trigger updates of the latest firmware versionperfect if you're not running on the latest one. Can you wash a HEPA filter, or will it diminish the filters cleaning efficacy? Molekule's indoor air purifiers differ from traditional air purifiers on the market in that they use a combination of PECO and HEPA technology, which go beyond trapping pollutants on a filter to destroy them at the molecular level. But forty-five minutes later, my husband and I were both frustrated trying to get the Air Pro connected to our Wi-Fi network. Blueair Blue Pure 211 Plus Auto Best air purifier for large rooms $340 at Best Buy $140 at Target Blueair Blue Pure 411 Auto Best budget air purifier $140 at Target $631 at Amazon Coway Airmega. Asked to comment on the . We left the unit running overnight and it finally improved to Good by the next morning. Stage 2 - HEPA Filtration: Effectively captures particulates including dust, dander . For cleaning large rooms up to 600 sq. Many people wonder how noisy the Air Pro is, and this is a great question because Molekule recommends running the air purifier 24/7. Mechanical and electrical issues typically cause burning, rubbery, or plasticky smells. If not, you may need to check for another clog or take your vacuum in for repair. You may opt-out by. The presence of pollutants can vary according to your homes location and conditions, and the filters in your device may require replacement at different rates. Ad-free. First, open up the Molekule Air purifier to access the filters by pressing down on the top and rotating counter-clockwise. If not, you may be able to find an online version of the manual by looking up your vacuums make and model. If your vacuum has a dust canister, read your owners manual to see if it can get wet. Molekule works best when filters are fresh . The sheets are pleated to increase the surface area that the air passes through, and mounted onto a frame made of cardboard, plastic, wood or metal. If thats a deal breaker for you, a more simple air purifier with fewer features might be a better option. We still dont recognize that sign in. Molekule's air purifiers are cleared by the Food and Drug Administration to kill bacteria and viruses. A washable HEPA filter should be cleaned by rinsing it under cold water. If your vacuum smells bad, it usually means one of two things: it sucked up something smelly or theres a problem with its operation. ft . The need for a PECO air purifier in your home has never been greater. This means, in short, that the company no longer stands by many of the promises it had advertised to customers since the first retail MH1 unit shipped in early 2017. For instance, some canister type vacuum filters should only be washed on the outside of the filter, being careful to avoid getting the central part of the canister wet. Molekule's refund policy allows you to request a full refund within 30 days of the shipment date if you are unsatisfied with your purchase. After roughly two hours, air quality had been revised to Moderate. Editors Note:This article, originally published Oct. 25, 2019, was updated Dec.9, 2019, to clarify our experts critique of the Molekule Air. Have smokers smoke outside, and restrict pets to certain rooms. What customers have to say about Molekule air purifiers. Also unseen and often imperceptible to the nose are VOCs, emitted from household mainstays like furniture, fabrics and some interior paint products. Molekule has several products that are FDA cleared as Class II medical devices under the 510(k) program. However, there is no standard for washable HEPA filters, and there have not been public studies testing how well these filters work after they have been washed.