Do Air Purifiers Remove Odors?

If you’ve ever walked into your home and noticed a stubborn smell that just won’t go away — whether it’s yesterday’s dinner, pet odors or that musty scent after a rainy day — you’re not alone. Odors are one of the most common indoor air complaints, and they can linger even when everything looks clean.

So, it’s natural to wonder: do air purifiers help with smell? The short answer is yes — but not all systems are built the same. At American Water, we offer the Aerus Beyond Guardian Air, which uses advanced, proactive technology to target and reduce the airborne particles that cause unwanted smells. Here’s how it works — and how it’s different.

What Causes Odors In The Air?

Odors come from all kinds of sources around your home. Cooking smells, pet dander, smoke and mildew can release tiny particles or gases into the air. Once airborne, these compounds can settle into fabrics, circulate through your HVAC system or simply hang around in stagnant areas of your home.

Common odor sources include:

• Pet bedding, litter boxes or dander
• Smoke from cooking or tobacco
• Mold and mildew, especially in damp areas
• Strong foods or spices
• Poor ventilation in modern, tightly sealed homes

Even with regular cleaning, these smells can be tough to eliminate without addressing the air itself — which is where air purification comes in.

Do Air Purifiers Help With Smell?

Yes — air purifiers can absolutely help with odor, but it depends on the type of system you’re using. Basic air purifiers may use standard filters that trap particles like dust and dander, but those alone won’t do much for gases or odor-causing molecules.

To effectively neutralize smells, an air purifier needs to either absorb those gases (using filters like activated carbon) or destroy them at a molecular level. That’s what sets the Aerus Beyond Guardian Air apart.

This system uses ActivePure® Technology, which doesn’t just wait for air to pass through a filter. It actively sends out safe, powerful oxidizers that seek out and neutralize odor-causing contaminants — both in the air and on surfaces. If you’re questioning if air purifiers help with smell, this one goes beyond just helping — it solves the issue at the source.

Do Air Purifiers Reduce Odors Or Just Mask Them?

There’s a big difference between covering up odors and actually removing them. Air fresheners, candles and sprays may add a pleasant scent, but they’re just layering perfume over the problem.

The Aerus Beyond Guardian Air, on the other hand, is designed to reduce odors at their source. It breaks down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other odor-causing particles using ActivePure® molecules. That means it doesn’t just make the air smell better — it actually cleans the air.

So, if you’ve been wondering, do air purifiers reduce odors, the answer is yes — if you choose a system that’s built to do more than filter.

Why The Aerus Beyond Guardian Air Is The Best Air Purifier For Odors

We stand behind the Aerus Beyond Guardian Air because it’s not just effective — it’s built for real homes and real challenges. This is the best air purifier for odors we’ve found, and here’s why:

• Uses NASA-developed ActivePure Technology
• Neutralizes odors both in the air and on surfaces
• Safe for homes with children, pets and people with respiratory issues
• Doesn’t produce ozone or harmful byproducts
• Also tackles dust, Texas allergens, bacteria and viruses

Whether it’s smoke from last night’s cooking or that lingering smell from your pet’s favorite spot on the couch, the Beyond Guardian Air handles it quietly and effectively — without constant filter changes or chemicals. American Water can help you pick the best air purifier for your needs!

When Should You Consider An Air Purifier For Odors?

If you find yourself constantly battling household smells, it’s worth considering a high-quality air purifier. Many of our customers come to us after trying sprays, cleaners and other methods that just don’t hold up.

You may benefit from an air purifier if:

• You have indoor pets
• You cook frequently with strong ingredients
• Your home has poor ventilation or feels “stuffy”
• You or someone in your household is sensitive to smells or allergens
• You want to improve overall air quality, not just the scent

The Aerus Beyond Guardian Air improves your home’s air from every angle — and odor reduction is just one of the benefits.

Ready To Breathe Easier? Talk To American Water

At American Water, we care about what’s in your air. Whether you’re tired of lingering odors or looking for a whole-home air quality solution, we’re here to help.

We proudly offer the Aerus Beyond Guardian Air to homeowners who want more than a temporary fix. If you’re ready to experience cleaner, fresher-smelling air, contact American Water today to learn more about our air purification solutions.