Build Your Own Air Purifier: Two DIY Options
When most people think about cleaning, they focus on what they can see—dust on shelves, fingerprints on counters, or dirt on floors.
But some of the most important cleaning happens in the air.
The air inside your home can contain dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, wildfire smoke particles, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and other microscopic particles that impact health and comfort. Here in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, and throughout South Placer County, seasonal allergies, agricultural dust, construction dust, and wildfire smoke can all affect indoor air quality.
At Om Sweet Om Cleaning, we often remind clients that a clean home isn't just about sparkling surfaces. It's about creating a healthy environment where your family can breathe easier, sleep better, and feel more balanced.
One of the most affordable ways to improve indoor air quality is with a DIY air purifier.
Today we'll explore two highly effective options:
• The Corsi-Rosenthal Box (20" x 20")
• The AC Infinity Cloudline S12 DIY Air Purifier (16" x 30")
Both use MERV-13 filters and can dramatically reduce airborne particles at a fraction of the cost of many commercial air purifiers.
What Is a DIY Air Purifier?
A DIY air purifier is exactly what it sounds like—a homemade air filtration system that combines a fan with high-efficiency air filters.
As air moves through the filters, particles such as:
✔ Dust
✔ Pollen
✔ Pet dander
✔ Wildfire smoke
✔ Mold spores
✔ Construction dust
✔ Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
are trapped before they can circulate throughout your home.
The result is cleaner indoor air and fewer airborne contaminants.
For families with allergies, asthma, mold sensitivity, or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), a DIY air purifier can be an affordable way to improve comfort and air quality.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Many people are surprised to learn that indoor air can sometimes be more polluted than outdoor air.
Modern homes are built tighter than ever, which improves energy efficiency but can also trap contaminants indoors.
Common indoor pollutants include:
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Cooking particles
• Smoke particles
• Cleaning product residues
• Pollen tracked indoors
• Mold spores
• VOCs from furniture and building materials
And for the bounce...
Even the cleanest home can benefit from cleaner air.
Think of air purification as the missing piece of a holistic cleaning routine.
Option A: Build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box Air Purifier
The Corsi-Rosenthal Box has become one of the most popular DIY air purifiers because it's affordable, easy to build, and highly effective.
What You'll Need
Materials
• 1 Standard 20" Box Fan
• 4 MERV-13 Filters
• Size: 20" x 20" x 2"
• Duct Tape
Tools
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape
How to Build It
Imagine a cube made from four filters.
Stand the four filters upright.
Arrange them into a square.
Tape the edges together.
Place the box fan on top.
Tape all gaps securely.
Ensure airflow is moving upward through the fan.
Air enters through all four sides and exits through the fan.
The large filter surface area reduces resistance and improves airflow compared to a single filter attached to a fan.
Youtube video by Washington Post
Benefits of the Corsi-Rosenthal Box
✔ Affordable
✔ Easy to build
✔ Excellent smoke filtration
✔ Great for larger rooms
✔ Widely tested by researchers
✔ Filters large volumes of air
Drawbacks
• Can be noisy
• Less attractive appearance
• Larger footprint
• Box fans use more energy than some newer fan designs
Option B: Build an AC Infinity Cloudline S12 Air Purifier
For homeowners looking for a quieter and more refined solution, the AC Infinity Cloudline S12 is an impressive option.
Unlike a traditional box fan, the Cloudline S12 uses an inline mixed-flow fan designed for high airflow with lower noise levels.
Many homeowners find it significantly quieter than a box fan while maintaining excellent filtration performance.
Materials
• 1 AC Infinity Cloudline S12 Fan
• 4 MERV-13 Filters
• Size: 16" x 30" x 1"
• 4mm Coroplast
• Hot Glue
• 3/16" Clothesline or Zip Ties
Tools
• 48" T-Square
• Utility Knife
• Compass (for drawing a 6" circle)
• Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
How to Build It
Assemble the frame (4 filters) using hot glue.
Measure and cut the Coroplast panel for top (16 7/8” x 16 7/8”).
Cut a centered 6" radius circle for fan to blow through
Unscrew fan from stand
Remove reciever off stand and attach to wire to fan motor
Secure Cloudline S12 fan using zip ties or clothesline.
The goal is to ensure that all air passes through the filters rather than around them.
Youtube video by Healthy Home Guide
Benefits of the Cloudline S12 Design
✔ Quieter operation
✔ Higher airflow efficiency
✔ More professional appearance
✔ Energy efficient
✔ Variable speed control
✔ Better for bedrooms and living spaces
Drawbacks
• More complex build
• Higher upfront cost
• Requires more tools
Wildfire Smoke Benefits
Unfortunately, wildfire season has become part of life in Northern California.
Residents throughout Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Loomis, and Granite Bay have experienced days when outdoor air quality becomes unhealthy.
Wildfire smoke contains extremely fine particles known as PM2.5.
These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs.
MERV-13 filters are particularly effective at capturing many smoke particles and can significantly improve indoor air quality during wildfire events.
Benefits include:
✔ Reduced smoke odor
✔ Lower particulate exposure
✔ Improved sleep
✔ Less eye irritation
✔ Reduced respiratory symptoms
When smoke levels are high:
• Keep windows closed.
• Run air purifiers continuously.
• Avoid vacuuming unless using a sealed HEPA vacuum.
• Minimize activities that create indoor particles.
Benefits for Mold Sensitivity
For individuals dealing with mold illness, CIRS, Lyme disease, asthma, or chemical sensitivity, air filtration can be an important part of creating a healthier environment.
While an air purifier will not eliminate mold growing in a building, it can help reduce airborne spores and particulate matter.
Potential benefits include:
✔ Reduced airborne spores
✔ Less dust accumulation
✔ Improved comfort
✔ Better sleep quality
✔ Reduced irritation
At Om Sweet Om Cleaning, we often work with clients seeking Small Particle Cleaning (SPC) methods to support healthier indoor environments. Air purification can be a helpful companion to deep cleaning and HEPA vacuuming.
How DIY Air Purifiers Compare to Commercial Air Purifiers
Many homeowners ask whether a DIY purifier can compete with expensive commercial models.
The answer may surprise you.
Dyson Purifier Cool TP07
Pros
✔ Attractive design
✔ Smart features
✔ App connectivity
✔ Fan function
Cons
• Expensive
• Lower filtration value per dollar
• Replacement filters can be costly
Austin Air HealthMate
Pros
✔ Exceptional filtration
✔ Medical-grade reputation
✔ Massive filter capacity
✔ Long filter life
Cons
• Expensive
• Heavy
• Less airflow than some DIY designs
AirDoctor 5500
Pros
✔ HEPA filtration
✔ Strong performance
✔ Easy operation
Cons
• Expensive replacement filters
• Higher initial investment
The Om Sweet Om Approach to Healthy Homes
At Om Sweet Om Cleaning, we believe a healthy home is built through layers of care.
Clean surfaces matter.
Healthy cleaning products matter.
And clean air matters too.
That's why we encourage homeowners to think beyond what they can see.
Simple changes like the following, can make a noticeable difference in how your home feels.
• HEPA vacuuming
• Regular dust removal
• Eco-friendly cleaning products
• HVAC filter maintenance
• Improved ventilation
• DIY air purification
A cleaner home isn't just about appearance.
It's about creating a sanctuary where your family can breathe easier, sleep better, and feel more at peace.
Ready for a Deeper Clean?
If you're dealing with dust, allergies, wildfire smoke residue, pet dander, or simply want a healthier home Om Sweet Om Cleaning is here to help.
We proudly serve Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Loomis, Granite Bay, and surrounding communities with eco-friendly green cleaning services that support healthier indoor air quality and overall wellness. Using non-toxic products and mindful cleaning practices, we help families create cleaner, healthier homes without harsh chemicals. Experience the peace of mind that comes from a professionally cleaned home that's better for your family, pets, and the planet.
From recurring maintenance cleaning to deep cleans and move-in/move-out services, our goal is simple:
Clean home. Clear mind. Healthy living.
Contact Om Sweet Om Cleaning today and discover how holistic, eco-friendly cleaning can help your home feel fresher from floor to ceiling—and even in the air you breathe.