
The science of it
The mechanics of an air purifier is pretty simple. The air has to be captured and filtered by a fan before it is released back into the room.
What you need
Dig into your drawer of office supplies and get a pair of scissors. You will also need some duct tape. No duct tape? You can also use large rubber bands (as long as they are big enough for the fan). Next, pick up a 20by20 inch box fan and an air filter that is the same size (2 inches think is best). You can get those at your local department store or on Amazon like other functioning adults.

What you do
Start by measuring your filter to make sure it’s properly snug inside the fan’s cage-like box. Once it’s in there, secure it with your duct tape (or your rubber bands). Make sure there are no spaces between the filter and the box so no unfiltered air can seep through it. Your next step would be picking out the best location for your purifier. Place it in the room where you spend most of your time. If the air quality in the house needs a little more help, consider setting up two or three more purifiers and place them in different spaces.
How to maintain it
Don’t forget to replace your filters periodically. How often, you ask? The rule of thumb is once every six months, but it might change depending on how much you use it and the general pollution levels where you live. Also, in order to make your filters last longer, don’t leave the windows open in your room and don’t light candles around the purifier. Oh, and don’t use a vacuum cleaner around it. Opt for a damp mop instead.
