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: can an air purifier 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 system and the Aerus® Guardian Angel purifier, which use advanced technology to target and reduce the airborne particles that cause unwanted smells. Here’s how it works.

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.

That’s why we recommend systems designed for more than just basic filtration. At American Water, we offer two Aerus purifiers to meet different needs:

• The Guardian Angel – Perfect for smaller rooms like bedrooms, nurseries or home offices, this portable system combines HEPA and carbon filtration with a five-stage purification process to capture particles, neutralize odors and reduce harmful compounds in the air.
• The Beyond Guardian Air – Ideal for larger spaces and whole-home coverage, this unit uses ActivePure® Technology to actively neutralize odor-causing molecules in the air and on surfaces, while also reducing bacteria, viruses and allergens.

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.

Our air purifiers, on the other hand, are designed to reduce odors at their source. Take our Beyond Guardian Air system for instance. 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, ‘Can an air purifier help with smell?’, the answer is yes — if you choose a system that’s built to do more than filter.

Don’t Just Fight Odors: Experience Additional Benefits Of The Aerus Beyond Guardian Air

We stand behind the Aerus Beyond Guardian Air because it’s not just effective — it’s built for real homes and real challenges. Below are features you can count on:

• 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.

Unsure whether you should go with this system or our Guardian Angel model? American Water can help you pick the best air purifier for your needs!

When Should You Consider An Air Purifier For Odor Removal?

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 air purifiers improve 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 and Guardian Angel systems 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 purifiers for odor removal.