3 DIY Air Purifier Ideas For Your Home

Josh Miller

Josh is a contributing writer to the site and former HVAC specialist.

Last Updated on January 30, 2022

Air purifiers are useful systems that can refresh stale air, reducing potential health issues that harmful pollutants cause. Since air pollution triggers respiratory infections, neurological problems, and asthma symptoms, these purifying systems provide significant relief for many people.

Air purification systems eliminate indoor air pollutants and improve your overall health, giving people peace of mind that the air they’re breathing is fresh and clean.

However, if you’re reluctant to buy a purifier but are still seeking ways to source one, why not try and make your own? Below are 3 DIY air purifier ideas that transform the air you breathe.

Easy-to-Make DIY Air Purifiers at Home

1. Plastic Container Air Purifier

A great budget-friendly option for those looking to build their own air purifier, this system requires inexpensive equipment that you can source either online or at your local hardware store.

What You’ll Need

The process is extremely straightforward, thanks to minimal tools and parts. To build this DIY air purifier, you will need:

Drill
Filter
Cutter
Sandpaper
Small portable fan
Round 2-gallon plastic container with a lid

Instructions

Measure the diameter of the fan’s head, or draw around the head on the lid of the plastic container.
Use a cutter to create a small round hole inside the lid. This hole should be the perfect size for the head of the fan.
Using your drill, make 1-2” diameter holes all around the container. You should also make vertical rows in each of the 4 orifices.
Sand down the holes you made to ensure any sharp plastic edges are eradicated.
Cut the filter. You should cut the filter fabric to accommodate the height of the container. You should also cut the length of the filter fabric to equal the circumference of the plastic container.
Once you’ve cut the filter, you can now install it. Ensure it is set up correctly inside the container, following the perimeter.
At the top of the container, create a small opening that you can thread the fan’s cord through.
Next, use the fan to secure the lid and close the plastic container.
Now comes the final stage of actually using your purifier. Plug the fan into an energy source to power your purifier. You can use batteries, a plug, or if you want to ensure your purifier runs efficiently, opt for solar panels.

2. HEPA Air Purifier

This is the perfect DIY air purifier project for those who suffer from asthma or allergies. Building this system should reduce your symptoms, allowing you to breathe cleaner, allergy-free indoor air. HEPA systems capture a significant amount of harmful particles.

HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air and is a type of pleated mechanical air filter. This high efficiency allows HEPA systems to capture a significant amount of harmful particles, up to 99.97% of dust, bacteria, pollen, mold, and any other airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).

The increased health benefits of the HEPA purifiers make commercial systems more expensive than other standard units. However, building your own DIY version can drastically reduce costs and still work extremely efficiently. They are also one of the most straightforward air purifiers to make at home.

What You’ll Need

This system requires very few parts, so it definitely won’t break the bank. The equipment you will need is:

Fan with an even back (many people prefer to use fat and square fans, as they are both aesthetically pleasing and convenient)
HEPA filter matching the dimensions of the fan
4 zip ties
Screwdriver

Instructions

Use your screwdriver to puncture four holes into the fabric of the filter. Ensure these holes are towards each corner and avoid puncturing the frame.
Position the filter onto the back of the fan. You should notice an arrow on the side of the filter frame. This indicates the direction the air should flow.
Next, install the screen, ensuring that the symbol points towards the fan.
Use the 4 zip ties, pulling them through each hole. To secure the filter to the DIY purifier, attach them to the fan. You can also use tape to ensure everything is sturdy.

3. Wooden Air Purifier

This is an excellent system offering an alternative to plastic for those trying to cut down on waste for environmental reasons.

However, you may need to spend some extra time on this project as the design is slightly more advanced than the other two purifier plans.

What You’ll Need

To build this wooden air purifier, you will need:

1 piece of old wooden furniture, such as a cabinet, bedside table, or narrow chest of drawers
An air vent
1 motorized fan
3 filters
3 screens

Instructions

To simplify things, these directions refer to using an old bedside table.

Remove 3 out of 4 side panels on your bedside table. Ensure you leave the bottom and all the corner poles in their original position.
After removing the panels, replace them with three screens of the same size, and screw the filters in place into the wood.
Next, you’ll need to install the air vent. To do this, cut a small opening on the last remaining wood panel, and install the vent. This is the location where the air will exit the purifier.
Depending on your preference, drill a small hole within the filter’s fabric or in the remaining wooden panel. The hole is to run the fan’s cord through.
Next, you’ll need to set up the motorized fan. This is the last step in the wooden DIY purifier process. You can either place the fan inside the box or puncture a hole in the wooden cover and secure it there with a screw.

Breathe Easier With These 3 DIY Air Purifiers

If you’re ready to improve the indoor air quality in your home while on a budget, constructing any of these three DIY purifiers will be a great option for you.

Air purifiers are an excellent way to ensure the air you are breathing is fresh and clean. They enhance your respiratory health and reduce the number of allergens and pollutants in the air.

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