Cabin Air Purifier Test: A $35 Ionizer That Actually Works

After basic sanitation and housekeeping, this rechargeable ionizer proves to be an easy, low-maintenance way to knock down lingering onboard smells.

By
Marc Robic
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33
Although the air purifier is marketed for dealing with pet odors, it would also work well onboard. (Photo/ Marc Robic)

Despite regular care and maintenance, I know most of us who keep our boats closed and locked up for days, sometimes weeks, still open up to a not-so-fresh smelling boat—see “Managing Holding Tank Odors: For Fresh Water and Salt Water.” Like most of you and as a long-time sailor, I am aware of this and have pretty much learned to expect and accept it, within reason.

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Marc Robic
Marc caught his love of sailing and all things water from his father from a very young age. He has owned many sailboats in his 40+ years of sailing. An avid do-it-yourselfer and handyman, he builds, modifies, improves and executes all his own repairs. He also enjoys testing, documenting & sharing products and how-to methods with other sailors and boaters. Posting many how to videos on his YouTube channel and Facebook page. He is a member of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron. Currently, he sails his Catalina 270, Aquaholic 3, out of the Ile-Perrot Yacht Club in Montreal, where Marc spent 16 years as Harbour Master. He is also a regular bareboat yacht charterer, having sailed most of the Caribbean islands. In the winter months, Marc regularly hand builds exact scale models of friends’ boats to give them away in the spring.
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33 COMMENTS

  3. I have used various models over the years and they certainly work to remove odors. But one has to check if Ozone is being used, and if, in which quantity. Not only high concentrations of Ozone are unsafe for humans. But Ozone can deteriorate electronic equipment. If I use it I do so in a localized manner and for a very sort period of there are electronics nearby.

  5. Thx for the article, definitely something I’d like to try on my boat. Any idea what the recommended sq footage is for one of these units? Wondering if I need more than one for my Catalina 36?

    • Hi Travis, from I’ve been trying and reading, you should more then good with two. I bought two, one for the head and one I’ll install in the main cabin, lower to the ground.

      Btw this is Amazon link Air Purifier, Rechargeable 4000mAh Smart Cat Litter Deodorizer, Easy InstallationLeaving Your Air Clean Fresher for Bathroom Wardrobe Kitchen (White A 1pcs) https://a.co/d/0du1JF4v

  6. I had an ionizing purifier in my house about 20 years ago. It plworked, but produced ozone and was very hard on my asthma; who knows if it caused permanent damage, but it was discarded because of that.

  7. Thanks you – timely article!

    I’ve used Ozone creation Ionizers in basements – very effective! but damages rubber and plastics. So be sure to avoid Ozone generators for this application.

    It appears that this unit is a “safe” ionizer similar to the much more expensive AirLock Voyager. That product makes a big deal about their ionizer safety.

    The Amazon link in the article yields this product as “not available”
    There is a suggestion on Amazon for two similar versions that are available (not PRime, and Shipping from China – unsure about what tariff $’s might be added.

    Would love to get a PS comparison between the available ionizer solutions: high-end AirLock down to these lower cost solutions…

  8. …one more thing: product description warns about high internal voltages, which makes me wonder about spark-safe in fume areas: engine compartments and adjacent bilges, near gas galley stoves, etc…

    Thank you

  11. Another question about this device… Does the ozone it generates create a health risk? Here’s what an AI search says: “Key consideration:
    • This device produces both negative ions and ozone as part of its dual purification technology
    • Ozone exposure at high levels can irritate the respiratory system, particularly for people with asthma or respiratory sensitivities
    • The EPA generally recommends keeping indoor ozone levels low
    How to use it more safely:
    • Use in well-ventilated spaces
    • Take advantage of the adjustable output knob to control intensity
    • Limit continuous operation time
    • Avoid using it in bedrooms where you spend extended periods

    If you have respiratory conditions, asthma, or health concerns, I’d (the AI bot) ecommend consulting with a healthcare professional before using this device.

    • Hi Ed, I have not idea. I’m in Canada and (normally) such product if and when sold in Canada need to be tested and then a CE stamp on the back (normally) indicates it has been approved. The two units I bought have the CE stamp. But do do check!

  14. It appears that a lot of negative ion purifiers like what you tested have been pulled from market (based on a quick look for them on Amazon). I loved the article but fear that worries about litigation might have caused manufacturers to stop making these. AI tells me: Negative ion air purifiers are largely unavailable or discouraged because they often produce ozone, a dangerous lung irritant. Instead of removing contaminants, they make dust settle on surfaces and can increase VOC levels. Due to safety risks, low effectiveness, and potential respiratory issues, they have been replaced by superior HEPA filter technologies.
    Why Negative Ion Purifiers Are Disappearing:
    Ozone Production: Ionizers commonly generate ozone as a byproduct, which can trigger asthma and cause breathing problems, creating worse air quality.
    Ineffectiveness: They do not remove particles; they make them stick to surfaces (walls, floors). These particles can easily become airborne again.
    VOC Generation: Some studies suggest ionizers can increase the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
    Health Hazards: Public health bodies often advise against them, as they can cause respiratory problems.
    Superior Alternatives: HEPA filters are scientifically proven to trap 99.97% of particles, making ionizers obsolete, inefficient, and potentially dangerous, according to resources like.

    • Thanks Geoffrey. Since getting many similar comments I have also been researching. Amazon still sell these (see link on previous replies).

      On some texts I’ve read, so far, it appears the ozone levels generate are extremely low with this device. Plus the application I intend to use it for should not be an issue.

      But, not wanting to through caution to the wind, I will continue looking into this.

      Thanks again Geoffrey. I appreciate the time you took to share your findings.

    • Hi Ralph, yes I read those, but, in my opinion, to affect rubber and other components, the ozone levels would have to be very high, over .05 PPM. I am not an expert of course, but I don’t believe this product produces anywhere near those levels. But, I will keep reading up! Thanks for taking time to comment.

  16. Important note to readers: Please read: When testing this product (and others) I do so based on what they claim and are purposed to do. In this case, remove odors. However after reading many comments from readers and digging deeper, there are some risks that should be considered. Since this device generates ozone, albeit low levels, this can cause some health issues related to COPD for example, especially in small enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. Another effect of ozone is that is makes dust particles stick to surfaces. Lastly, higher levels of ozone can cause nearby rubber components to dry and crack. So, although this product does delivers on it’s intended purpose, please be aware of these risks.

  17. I agree that risks from this should be very low. Unfortunately, the updated Amazon link you shared also leads to a message there that the item is not available and they don’t know when it will be. To try something, I ordered from Amazon an AC plug in unit called Ion Pure Plug In Air Purifier for Home from Freeze2Trim that looks similar to the rechargable version you tested. I would paste the link here but it is very long.