An essential oil diffuser is like a dehumidifier that can be used on a near-daily basis. You have to clean your diffuser regularly to add longevity to it and ensure you get the best possible benefits from using it. While using a diffuser for aromatherapy can be an enjoyable experience, cleaning it is not as fun.
Research shows that most essential oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, sandalwood, rosemary, clove and thyme are potent germ killers, meaning they help keep your diffuser clean. With this fact in mind, you may wonder why then do you need to clean your diffuser.
Cleaning your diffuser is about helping it function optimally rather than preventing the risk of filling your indoor air with toxins. However, some essential oils like vetiver or patchouli leave behind residues that can gum up diffusers, preventing it from functioning well. The leftover residues can also affect the efficacy and scent of the next oil you diffuse.
Cleaning a diffuser does not have to be a big deal though. With the following tips, you will learn how to clean your essential oil diffuser.
How To Clean An Essential Oil Diffuser On A Daily Basis
- Every time you use your diffuser, ensure you disconnect it from the power supply and pour out excess water
- Wipe the inner cover and water tank using a clean dry cloth until dry
- Check the inside vibration disc for water and if it is wet, use cotton swabs to clean out and dry thoroughly. To clean the grimy stuff, dip the cotton swab in rubbing alcohol
If you happen to forget to clean your diffuser daily, you may notice it run a little differently. The fan may start running louder or harder and you may even get a combination of scents from oil residue. If this happens, then you need to add cleaning the diffuser to your everyday to do list.
How To Clean An Essential Oil Diffuser Periodically
- Add about a half teaspoon of white vinegar to 100ml of water
- Place outer and inner covers on securely
- Switch the diffuser on and let it run for 5 minutes
- Disconnect power supply and pour vinegar and water out
- Using a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol or vinegar, clean the insides and seams of the vibration disk
- Rinse using clean water
- Pour out the water and use a clean cloth to wipe completely dry
Know How To Clean Your Model Of Diffuser
Before you clean your diffuser, it is important to check its specific recommendations. Read its manual to find out what it suggests. Don’t ignore the specifics of your warranty. Using the wrong cleaning agents may go against the warranty guidelines, making your warranty void. Most diffuser manufacturers include specific instructions for cleaning in their user manual. However, if the manual does not contain cleaning instructions, you can always check the manufacturer’s website or call their customer service for cleaning instructions.
Quick Cleaning Tips
If you do not have time to clean your diffuser on a daily basis, you can drop a teaspoon of white vinegar in it and let it run. Do this in an open space since the diffuser may produce some foul odor. However, ensure that you give your equipment a more thorough cleaning once or twice a month.