Air Particle Breakdown: What Can Your Filter Capture?

Did you know your Filtrete™ Air Filter is doing more work than you probably give it credit? From capturing large particles (think: lint and household dust), to microscopic particles, such as bacteria and exhaust, our filters are engineered to trap a range of unwanted particles.

Remember: The capture rate of different particles depends on the filtration level—aka, its Microparticle Performance Rating or MPR. The higher the MPR, the more particles the filter captures, as detailed in our filter guide.

Below, we explore a sampling of the particles our filters capture.

Lint

Most often found in your dryer’s lint trap, this large particle should always be cleared from the screen after each use—and be sure to check the exhaust pipe, too. All of our air filters help take excess lint out of the air.

Household dust and dust mite debris

Cleaning regularly can help reduce dust, but so can choosing a filter with dust-capturing capabilities. Filtrete™ Air Filters with a MPR 300 rating or higher can trap household dust and dust mite debris.

Mold spores

While keeping your home’s moisture under control is one of the most effective ways to keep mold at bay, your filter (MPR 700 and higher) can also capture mold spores from the air passing through the filter. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mold spores can’t be seen by the naked eye but float in your indoor air.*

Pollen

Trees, weeds and grasses release tiny grains of pollen that travel by wind and can end up in your indoor air. Our filters boasting an MPR of 700 or higher can help capture these particles out of your indoor air.

Pet dander

If you have a pet at home, chances are your home has dander, too. And these microscopic specks of skin are likely looming in your indoor air. Select a filter with an MPR of 1000 or higher.

Smoke and smog

Keeping your indoor air quality intact means paying attention to the air outside, too. Smoke—also produced when cooking—and smog particles from outside can easily wind up indoors. In addition to closing windows when outdoor air quality is poor, a Filtrete™ Air Filter holding an MPR rating of 1000 or higher can help trap smoke and smog particles.

Bacteria and viruses

Take steps to reduce these unwanted particles by choosing a filter that has an MPR of at least 1500.

Sources:

*EPA: https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home