How Air Scrubbers and HEPA Filtration Remove Mould Spores
When mould takes hold inside a property, cleaning visible growth isn’t enough. Even after the mould patches are removed, thousands of microscopic spores remain floating in the air — invisible, weightless, and ready to spread to new areas. This is where air scrubbers and HEPA filtration become essential tools for safe and effective mould remediation.
If you live on the Gold Coast, you already know how humidity and moisture make mould a constant battle. Professional mould removal isn’t just about wiping surfaces — it’s about purifying the air and restoring healthy indoor air quality. Let’s break down how air scrubbers and HEPA filters actually remove mould spores and why they’re a vital part of any professional remediation job.
What Are Air Scrubbers?
Air scrubbers are powerful purification units used in mould remediation, flood restoration, and construction. They work by pulling contaminated air through a series of filters that capture pollutants, including mould spores, dust, bacteria, and odours.
Inside an air scrubber, multiple filtration stages progressively remove particles from the air:
Pre-filters capture large particles like dust or debris.
Activated carbon filters absorb smells and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
HEPA filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) trap microscopic contaminants such as mould spores, pollen, and fine dust.
The result is clean, filtered air that can be safely recirculated back into the environment or vented outside.
How HEPA Filters Work
The heart of every air scrubber is the HEPA filter. This filter is designed to capture at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns — far smaller than what the human eye can see.
HEPA filters use three main mechanisms:
• Interception: Airborne particles following the airflow path get caught in the fibres.
• Impaction: Larger particles collide with the filter fibres and stick.
• Diffusion: Tiny particles like mould spores move randomly and become trapped through repeated collisions.
Because mould spores typically range from 2 to 10 microns, a HEPA filter easily captures them before they can re-enter the air or settle elsewhere.
Why HEPA Filtration Is Crucial During Mould Remediation
When mould is disturbed — whether by cleaning, scrubbing, or demolition — it releases spores into the air. These spores can quickly spread throughout the property, contaminating clean rooms and HVAC systems.
Air scrubbers with HEPA filtration prevent this spread by continuously cycling and cleaning the air throughout the remediation process. They’re especially important in:
Active mould cleaning zones
Enclosed containment areas
Post-cleaning air testing and clearance stages
Without HEPA filtration, mould removal could make the problem worse, not better.
Negative Air Pressure and Containment
During professional remediation, air scrubbers are often set up to create negative air pressure inside the work zone. This means more air is drawn out of the space than allowed in.
By venting the filtered air outside, a pressure difference is created that keeps mould spores from escaping the containment area. This ensures nearby rooms or offices remain safe and uncontaminated while work is underway.
Containment barriers, combined with continuous HEPA filtration, form the backbone of safe, professional mould remediation — especially in Gold Coast properties where airflow and humidity can make containment more challenging.
How Many Air Scrubbers Do You Need?
The number of air scrubbers required depends on the size and volume of the contaminated area. Most professional technicians calculate this using air changes per hour (ACH) — a formula that ensures the air in the room passes through the scrubber enough times to effectively remove contaminants.
For example:
A small bedroom may need one 500–1000 CFM air scrubber.
A larger open-plan living space may need two or more units to maintain clean air flow.
Proper placement also matters. Air scrubbers should be positioned to maximise airflow circulation and avoid dead zones where spores can linger.
The Difference Between Air Scrubbers and Air Purifiers
Home air purifiers and professional air scrubbers both filter air — but they’re not the same.
Air purifiers are designed for everyday air quality maintenance. They use smaller HEPA filters and run quietly but aren’t suited for heavy contamination.
Air scrubbers, on the other hand, are industrial-grade machines designed for restoration and remediation. They move large volumes of air, use sealed multi-stage filters, and can handle contaminated environments like flood-damaged rooms, bathrooms with heavy mould, or construction sites.
In short:
Air purifiers maintain air quality.
Air scrubbers restore air quality after contamination.
When to Use Air Scrubbers in Your Gold Coast Home
You should consider air scrubber use in any of the following situations:
During or after mould remediation
After water damage, flooding, or roof leaks
In homes with musty odours or visible mould growth
After structural drying or dehumidification
During renovations in older, moisture-prone properties
Gold Coast homes, especially those near the coast or in humid suburbs like Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, and Helensvale, benefit greatly from air scrubbing during remediation because airborne mould spores can travel quickly in humid environments.
How Ever Ready Solutions Uses HEPA Filtration
At Ever Ready Solutions, we use commercial-grade HEPA air scrubbers and containment systems for all mould remediation projects across the Gold Coast and South East Queensland.
Our process includes:
Setting up full containment zones to prevent cross-contamination
Running continuous HEPA filtration during cleaning and drying
Using negative air pressure systems for large-scale remediation
Conducting final clearance tests to confirm spore removal and air safety
By combining air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and moisture control, we ensure that the property is not only cleaned but also restored to a safe and dry condition long-term.
The Bottom Line
Removing visible mould is only half the job — the real danger lies in the airborne spores left behind. Without air scrubbers and HEPA filtration, those spores can circulate through the home, reattach to damp surfaces, and trigger new growth within days.
Professional mould remediation using HEPA air filtration ensures the job is done safely, thoroughly, and permanently. For Gold Coast homeowners dealing with humidity, leaks, or water damage, it’s the most reliable way to protect your property and your health.
If you suspect mould in your home or have recently experienced water damage, contact Ever Ready Solutions for a professional inspection and remediation service. We’ll restore your air quality and help you breathe easier again.
