The ins and outs of air purifiers: which to buy, how to clean it and when to change the filter

Air purifiers can get absolutely filthy. Their filters are typically consumables that require regular replacement. Photograph: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/Guardian Australia

Up until 2019, air purifiers were a relatively niche appliance in Australia. “Hardly anyone had an air purifier in their house,” says Chris Barnes of consumer advocacy group Choice. What happened next need not be revisited, but, Barnes says: “They’ve become a lot more commonplace and people are a lot more conscious of indoor air quality.”

With the arrival of El Niño threatening another smoke-choked summer, many Australians will be dusting off their air purifiers for the first time in years, or contemplating making a purchase.