A quick background – HEPA refers to a type of “high-efficiency air filter” which captures germs, allergens, dust, viruses and dander using layered filters. While these can be very expensive, the Honeywell Model 17000 and its bigger brother the Model 50250 are effective and affordable. Because I have a smaller room to purify, I purchased the smaller Model 17000.

The Model 17000 is suitable for rooms up to 200 square feet. With air purifiers, you don’t want to underestimate since they work by moving air through their filters. It uses a “permanent” (not truly permanent, you have to change it every 1-3 years) HEPA filter, which you will have to vacuum out once or twice a year. Another thing to note is that these units will make noise; they have fans which circulate the air. Avoid the temptation of getting an “ionic” air purifier because while silent, they will discharge ozone. In other words, silent and possibly deadly.

The box claims to remove smoke, dust, allergens, food odor, germs, bacteria and mold spores. After operating it continuously for roughly 2 weeks, I have noticed a significant reduction in the amount of dust that settles on my computers. While I have no scientific method of measuring germs in the air, I imagine that there must be fewer, considering how effective it has been on dust. The air also feels more pure when you breathe it in. Odors after cooking also don’t last as long.

As part of my initial research, I primarily consulted this comprehensive review: http://www.consumersearch.com/air-purifiers. They also have some other recommendations for central air systems, as well as larger air purifiers if you have a larger area to cover.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Effectiveness – 3/4
  The fresh feeling of the air and the reduced dust make this quite an effective product with a tangible feeling of cleanliness. Still, there are slightly better (and more expensive) options.
• Practicality – 3/4
  The fan makes some noise, which you will have to get used to. It’s certainly not for everyone. Luckily, it’s not an unpleasant sound, and I think the majority of people will have no problem with it.
• Value – 3/4
  While inexpensive for a HEPA purifier, it will still come in around $110 for 200 square feet, and even higher if you have a large area to cover. You may also need multiple if you have several rooms.
• Notable
  Just make sure to get the purifier, which covers the area that you have to purify.

Overall Score – 3/4 Lymphocytes

Rating Explanation

Where to Buy:

Every germaphobe will be quick to point out that hand sanitizer is their best friend. When I found out that alcohol-based hand sanitizers kill beneficial bacteria and might lead to decreased immunity, you would better believe I started looking for a new solution!

To me, that came in the form of Cleanwell hand sanitizers. Cleanwell makes natural, sustainable, alcohol-free (so kid friendly) cleansing products. Sounds good, right? But does it work as well? Their website claims:

We believe in eliminating germs safely. That’s why we developed Cleanwell, a patented formulation of essential plant oils proven in independent laboratory studies to perform as well as alcohol based products. Cleanwell products kill 99.99% of germs yet contain no harsh chemicals.

So far I have found glowing reviews all over the web, and Cleanwell is FDA- and EPA-certified to kill germs while not harming the environment or your hands. As a result, you have another way to appear better than your fellow germaphobes, which is always favorable. Even large corporations are getting on board. JetBlue, Equinox, and Carnival Cruise lines are a few of the largest to adopt these products. They will be added to the registry of Germaphobe-Approved Companies immediately.

In my use of Cleanwell, I find the spray to be very handy. Every germaphobe needs a standoff germ-killing weapon system, and this is it. I’m able to spray door knobs, keyboards, and my brothers’ face without risk of touching them. One thing you would have to like, however, is the Citrus-Herb scent. While not bad, it lasts longer than the more neutral You-Smell-That?-Smells-Like-Victory alcohol smell. But it isn’t nearly as harsh on my skin as even moisturizing hand sanitizers. This would be important if you knew what a barren desert my hands were before!

Scoring Breakdown:

• Effectiveness – 4/4
  Cleanwell is quite effective in killing as many germs as any other hand sanitizer and gets bonus points for doing it safely and non-destructively.
• Practicality – 3/4
  The spray function and the non-alcohol formula make it very practical around kids or as a long range weapon. The only minor inconveniences are the lingering scent and the fact that the bottle is a little large for a man to carry in his pocket. No problem for purses and manbags, though!
• Value – 4/4
  Cleanwell Hand Sanitizer costs roughly 3x more per ounce than a normal alcohol-based hand sanitizer. While normally this is a big deal, I have found that the sprays last quite a while as frequently as I use it (The bottle claims 4x more per ounce). Besides, $4 per bottle is not going to break the bank, especially given the added value of being a kid//environmentally-friendly product.
• Notable
  Cleanwell makes other equally recommended products like foaming hand soaps and hand-sanitizing wipes.

Overall Score – 4/4 Lymphocytes

Rating Explanation

Where to Buy:
Cleanwell products are sold at Target, Whole Foods, Bathandbodyworks.com and Amazon.com via the links below: