A Guide to Air Treatment: The Best Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers for Every UK Home

When you think of home comforts, you might picture a soft throw, the warmth of a cuppa, or the glow of a lamp on a cosy evening. But there’s something even more essential to your comfort and wellbeing at home: the air you breathe.

If your home isn’t equipped with proper air treatment solutions, chances are you’re missing out on cleaner, healthier air. Whether it’s a persistent musty smell, condensation on your windows, or allergy symptoms that seem worse indoors, poor air quality often goes unnoticed, but it can make a big difference to how you feel day-to-day.

Thankfully, we’re here to help. We’ve led the way in innovative homeware since 1964, and our air treatment range is no exception. From whisper-quiet dehumidifiers to powerful air purifiers, we’ve got everything you need to tackle damp, reduce allergens, and breathe easier.

Contents

Why air quality matters

According to the World Health Organisation, we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, and more than half of that is at home. Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, filled with particles we can’t see but can feel. This includes:

  • Dust, pet dander and pollen
  • Mould spores and mildew
  • VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from cleaning products, candles, and even furniture
  • Moisture from cooking, bathing, drying laundry and even breathing

Without proper ventilation and air treatment systems, these particles linger, settling into soft furnishings and recirculating through your home. For those with asthma or allergies, or anyone who values a fresher, more comfortable space, improving indoor air quality isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential.

Poor indoor air quality has been linked to respiratory issues, fatigue, headaches, and even reduced sleep quality. It can also contribute to the growth of mould, which releases spores that are harmful to breathe in over time.

What is air treatment?

Air treatment refers to any method or appliance used to improve the quality, cleanliness and comfort of indoor air. It encompasses:

  • Controlling humidity (to prevent damp, mould, and condensation)
  • Purifying air (to remove airborne particles and odours)
  • Ventilating spaces (to reduce indoor pollutants and freshen up rooms)

The two key players in air treatment at home are dehumidifiers and air purifiers.

  • Dehumidifiers — Reduce moisture in the air, which is essential in damp-prone environments and during colder, wetter months.
  • Air purifiers — Draw in air and pass it through filters to remove allergens, pollutants, and odours.

Both help create a more comfortable, healthier home, and they often work best when used together.

Signs you need air treatment

Still not sure if you need a dehumidifier or an air purifier for your home? Spotting just one or two of these signs could mean it’s time to invest in better air:

  • Fogged-up windows in the morning
  • Musty or stale smells that won’t go away
  • Damp patches on walls or ceilings
  • Clothes that won’t dry indoors
  • Family members with persistent sniffles or allergies
  • Black spots on grout, windowsills, or bathroom walls
  • You live in an older or poorly ventilated property

Dehumidifier vs air purifier: What’s the difference?

We get this question a lot, and the answer lies in the problem you’re solving:

  • Dehumidifier — Choose a dehumidifier if you have visible condensation, damp smells, or patches of mould on walls or ceilings. Reducing humidity discourages mould, dust mites and mildew while making rooms feel warmer and more comfortable.
  • Air purifier — Go for an air purifier if you want to reduce airborne allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander and smoke. These units are essential for allergy or asthma sufferers, or those who want a cleaner-feeling indoor environment.

In homes where both damp and allergens are concerns (which is common in older housing), using both an air purifier and dehumidifier in tandem is ideal.

How to choose the best air purifiers and dehumidifiers

Whether you’re trying to cut down on condensation, reduce allergens, or just want your home to feel fresher, choosing the right air purifier or dehumidifier starts with knowing what to look for.

Here are a few key features to consider:

  • Room size — Make sure the model is suited to the space you’ll use it in. For example, a moisture trap might be good for cupboards, while a bigger dehumidifier is best for open-plan kitchens or humid bathrooms.
  • Filter type — HEPA filters are ideal for allergies, while carbon filters help tackle smells.
  • Moisture removal rate — For dehumidifiers, check how many litres of water they can extract in 24 hours. This tells you how powerful the dehumidifier is, and how well it’ll cope with moisture in your home. A higher extraction rate is better for damp-prone spaces like basements, laundry rooms, or large areas where condensation is a problem.
  • Noise level — If it’s going in a bedroom or nursery, look for a quieter model.
  • Energy efficiency — Some units are designed to run continuously without driving up your energy bill.
  • Extra features — Things like digital displays, automatic shut-off, humidistats, or air quality sensors can make all the difference.

Once you’ve narrowed down what matters most to you, it’s much easier to pick the right appliance for your home. For example, allergy sufferers might prioritise an air purifier with a multi-layer HEPA filter, while those battling damp might prefer a dehumidifier with a large-capacity water tank.

The best dehumidifiers and air purifiers

Our star product: Lakeland Dehumidifier and Air Purifier

Why choose when you can have both? Our Lakeland Dehumidifier and Air Purifier brings two technologies together in one sleek, compact design, featuring:

  • Simple one-touch operation for each function
  • HEPA13 filter that removes at least 99.95% of airborne particles
  • Quiet motor ideal for night-time or bedroom use
  • Full tank alert and filter change reminder

It’s the perfect all-in-one solution to improve air treatment at home, especially in multi-use spaces where moisture and allergens are both present.

Compact air purifiers for clean living

Even with regular cleaning, indoor air can contain invisible irritants. A compact air purifier is an excellent choice for:

  • Reducing allergy triggers
  • Removing cooking smells
  • Clearing out pet dander

Look for a HEPA air purifier if allergies are a concern, or an activated carbon air purifier to combat odours. A portable air purifier lets you clean the air in different rooms as needed.

Many air purifiers also include features like air quality sensors, automatic fan speed adjustment, and filter life indicators. Remember to replace filters as recommended to maintain performance.

Best dehumidifiers for damp spaces

Damp is a common issue in homes, especially in winter. Signs include peeling paint, musty smells, and cold-feeling walls. A dehumidifier for damp is one of the most effective ways to tackle these problems.

Lakeland 1L Compact Dehumidifier

  • Ideal for bedrooms, offices or flats
  • Removes up to 1L of moisture per day
  • 400ml tank and auto shut-off feature
  • Ultra-quiet for day and night use

Lakeland Small Reusable Dehumidifier

  • Brilliant for caravans, storage units or wardrobes
  • Cordless, rechargeable design with no power cables when in use
  • Silica gel beads change colour when ready to recharge
  • No chemicals, no mess, no fuss

Dehumidifiers also help protect furniture, prevent mould regrowth, and reduce dust mite populations (which thrive in humid conditions).

Moisture control for every room

Moisture can affect every corner of your home. That’s why we offer clever solutions for targeted areas.

Lakeland Moisture Trap

  • Great for under sinks, utility rooms and laundry cupboards
  • Compact, mess-free moisture absorber
  • Includes 500g of absorbent crystals
  • Holds up to 1L of water

Large Window Water Eater

  • Super-absorbent windowsill pads
  • Hold 1L and 1.6L of water, respectively
  • Reusable and easy to dry
  • Prevent water damage and reduce condensation buildup

For households drying laundry indoors (which many of us do during the winter), placing a dehumidifier or moisture trap nearby can significantly speed up drying time and reduce the risk of mould.

Fighting mould before (and after) it appears

Mould isn’t just unsightly; it can pose serious health risks (particularly to those with respiratory conditions). Prevention starts with humidity control, but if mould does appear, tackle it quickly with specialist cleaners:

Blitz That Mould Remover Spray (750ml)

  • Instantly shifts black mould, mildew, and algae
  • Ideal for tiles, grout, silicone seals and shower screens

HG Mould Preventor (500ml)

  • Stops mould regrowth for months
  • Use after cleaning to keep surfaces protected

Pair these with a good air treatment system to keep your home fresh and mould-free year-round.

Frequently asked questions

How does an air purifier work?

An air purifier works by drawing in air, passing it through one or more filters (usually HEPA and carbon), and trapping airborne particles like dust, pollen, smoke, and pet dander. The purified air is then released back into the room — cleaner and fresher.

What does a dehumidifier do?

A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air to help tackle condensation, damp patches, and mould. The air is pulled in, the water is extracted and collected in a tank, and drier air is released back into the room. Great for preventing musty smells and protecting clothes, walls and furniture.

What size dehumidifier do I need?

The size you need depends on the room. For small rooms, a compact dehumidifier (around 10L capacity) should be enough. For larger or particularly damp areas, like utility spaces or bathrooms, look for something 20L or more. The more moisture it can collect, the more effective it’ll be.

Does an air purifier help with dust?

Yes, it captures dust particles from the air before they settle, so it can help reduce the amount of dust on your surfaces and in the air. It’s especially useful if you have allergies, pets, or just want to cut down on cleaning.

Cleaner air starts here: Lakeland’s approach

At Lakeland, we’ve always believed that the little things make a big difference — from clever kitchen electricals to smart home and storage solutions that simplify daily life. Our air treatment range is no exception. Thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of modern homes, these products are compact, efficient, and built to perform.

We know the challenges of damp climates, busy households, and the need for comfort in every room. That’s why our collection includes everything from HEPA-filter air purifiers to rechargeable dehumidifiers, along with simple, fuss-free solutions that just work.

Because clean air isn’t just a luxury — it’s essential. It helps you sleep more soundly, wake up refreshed, and protect your home from mould, allergens, and excess moisture. With Lakeland’s trusted range, keeping your air fresh couldn’t be easier.

By | 22 August 2025