HOW TO CLEAN YOUR DIFFUSER
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR DIFFUSER: A COMPLETE GUIDE.
In this post, I’ll answer all your questions on how to clean your diffuser!
This is a complete guide on how to look after your device.
Here you will learn:
- Are you supposed to clean diffusers?
- Do you know how to clean your diffusers?
- How often should a diffuser be cleaned?
- What is the best way to clean a diffuser?
- How do you deep clean a diffuser?
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This morning as I was filling the petal diffuser that I have in my kitchen, I realized it was looking a bit dirty and sad.
In fact, I had noticed the smell was a bit off in the last few days.
I said to myself that I really needed to give it a good cleaning before using it again later in the day.
Certainly, it is very important to clean your diffuser on a regular basis in order to ensure its optimal performance.
WHY DIFFUSE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Essential Oils diffusers are an excellent tool to bring the magic of aromatherapy into your home or work environment. They are straightforward to use, and you only need water and Essential Oils to use them: no nasty chemicals hidden in them!
Unlike scented candles, the aromatic experience of essential oils is pure and unadulterated.
Essential oils have the power to support your body and mind, as well as give a boost to your home smell.
DO ESSENTIAL OILS ACTUALLY DO ANYTHING?
Yes, they do. If you use them correctly and safely, and if you choose a trusted brand like Doterra.
Essential Oils do work, and there are centuries of experience to prove that.
Millions of people use Essential Oils daily and with excellent results. I’m one of them. I’ve seen firsthand how they have helped my family (you can check my BIO to see how and why I got started with Doterra).
HOW LONG DOES AROMATHERAPY TAKE TO WORK?
Our body is an amazing machine. When you inhale pure Essential Oil, its tiny molecules travel through your nose and quickly reach your olfactory nerve.
The olfactory nerve is located just under the bridge of our nose, and it is an extremely powerful tool that can quickly send messages directly to your brain.
Your sense of smell is the most powerful sense. Indeed, it is thanks to smells that we make memories.
I bet you didn’t know that!
THE POWER OF OUR SENSE OF SMELL
Think of whenever you pass a stranger on the streets and suddenly realize that that person is wearing your mother’s favorite perfume: are you not immediately brought back to your childhood?
Also, imagine the kitchen smell when you are cooking your favorite meal. Every time I make a cake in my home, I always remember when I was little, cause my mum is an excellent baker and I have fond memories of her being busy in the kitchen.
IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER USER OF ESSENTIAL OILS, YOU CAN LEARN HOW TO USE THEM SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY BY DOWNLOADING MY COMPLETE GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS!
GET THE COMPLETE BEGINNERS GUIDE TO ESSENTIAL OILS!
Are you curious about what Essential Oils are, and what they can do for you and your family?
Did you know that EO have been used for centuries to help support our health and wellbeing?
If you want to learn more, I have created the perfect complete guide to beginners EO users. You can get it on my Etsy shop at a special introductory price.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS? THE 3 DIFFERENT WAYS TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS.
There are three main ways of using essential oils:
- Aromatically;
- Topically;
- Internally.
In this post, I’m going to focus exclusively on aromatic use.
If you want to learn more about there benefits of essential oils and how you can use them every day, please head over to this post:
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS AROMATICALLY
Using Essential Oils aromatically means you are inhaling them. For example, you can diffuse them, inhale straight from the bottle, or simply place a drop on your hands, cup them together, and breathe in the lovely scent.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU INHALE ESSENTIAL OILS?
As mentioned above, when you inhale Essential Oils, their molecules travel through your nose to the olfactory nerve, which sends a message to your brain.
In about 20 seconds, your brain will receive the message, and will in turn send messages to the rest of your body, so that you can benefit from the properties of the Oil.
WHY DIFFUSING ESSENTIAL OILS?
Diffusing is probably the most common way of using Essential Oils aromatically. It is so easy, and everyone in the room benefits from the properties of the Oils.
Furthermore, using your essential oils aromatically is a great way to get started with them if you are a beginner user.
Diffusing pure essential oils will:
- help create a positive and relaxed environment;
- can support and boost immune system;
- help alleviate fatigue and tiredness;
- can stimulate focus and alertness;
- can help with concentration and memory;
- and more…..
The benefits described above only apply if you are using pure essential oils, of the highest quality.
Also, keep in mind that you should only add undiluted essential oils to a diffuser.
IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHETHER OR NOT YOU CAN DIFFUSE ALL OF DOTERRA ESSENTIAL OILS AND BLENDS, YOU CAN READ THIS BLOG POST TO HELP YOU!
CAN YOU DIFFUSE ESSENTIAL OILS AROUND PETS, BABIES AND TODDLERS?
You should take particular care when diffusing around children, pets, or older people, as they might be affected in different ways. In those cases, it is best practice to leave the door of the room open, so pets can leave if they wish, and people will not feel overpowered by the scent.
HOW DO DIFFUSERS WORK?
Diffusers are readily available and are also inexpensive.
There are many types of diffusers on the market.
You can easily get your hands on:
- Reeds in a jar;
- Burners;
- Nebulizing diffusers;
- Ultrasonic diffusers.
However, the most common ones are probably ultrasonic diffusers.
They are the ones I’m focusing on in this post.
Furthermore, they are the ones that require a regular cleaning routine.
Before you try to clean your device, please make sure you know exactly of type of diffuser you own.
HOW DOES AN ULTRASONIC DIFFUSER WORK?
An ultrasonic diffuser has a water tank (or water reservoir).
When you turn on your device, a motor will send ultrasonic vibrations through the water. Those vibrations will create motion in the water and consequently, break it into tiny droplets.
Lastly, those droplets are sent upwards, into the air, as a fine mist.
The mist is what you will breathe in the room where your device is placed.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS TO SCENT A ROOM? HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS IN A DIFFUSER?
Using a diffuser is very straightforward:
- Place the device on a stable surface, such as a table or countertop, away from obstructions, a heat source, and direct sunlight;
- Fill the diffuser with water first (never exceed the recommended amount of water level) and add a few drops of your Essential Oil of choice;
- Replace the cover on the water tank;
- Make sure the power cord is connected to a power supply;
- Turn the device on and experience the amazing benefits of aromatherapy.
HOW MANY DROPS OF ESSENTIAL OILS CAN YOU PUT IN A DIFFUSER?
There are many factors that contribute to determine how many drops of Essential Oils you can put in a diffuser.
- First of all, it depends on the capacity of the device: the larger it is, the more water you can use to fill it, and therefore the more drops of Oils you can add.
- Also, it depends on your preferences, as you might prefer a stronger scent.
- Room size also plays an important room.
can you use too much essential oil in a diffuser?
It is very important to use the right amount of essential oils when diffusing.
Using too much can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and also vomiting in severe cases.
This is why I always recommend starting with no more than 4 drops. You can add later if you need more.
Are you supposed to clean diffusers?
You might think that cleaning your diffuser regularly is time-consuming and just another job to add to your daily chores.
Unfortunately, as with any other device we use daily, diffusers need regular maintenance to ensure they work perfectly and for a very long time.
Leftover Oils and stagnant water can damage the unit, so it’s vital to learn how to clean your diffusers.
In this post, I’ll tell you exactly how to look after your diffuser so that it will run smoothly and will last a long time.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T CLEAN YOUR DIFFUSER?
Excess liquid and oily residue in the water tank can damage the ultrasonic plate of the diffuser. Moreover, they can actually lead to damage to the power supply of your device.
As a consequence, in order to guarantee the longevity of your diffuser, make sure to clean it regularly.
Most importantly, leftover oils from a previous use will be diffused when you turn your device on again. This can lead to an overload of oils being diffused, with possible health consequences.
On the other hand, proper cleaning ensures that there are no residues left in the unit before the next use of the diffuser.
DO DIFFUSERS CAUSE MOLD?
Ultrasonic diffusers need water to work.
Every time you use your device, you might leave some water residues in the tank, and this can lead to cold and mildew build-ups.
Dampness is an ideal environment for bacterias. Hence, if you don’t clean your diffuser often, you are potentially exposing yourself and your family to mold and mildew being diffused in the air.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR DIFFUSERS?
As mentioned above, leftover Oils and water can damage your diffuser.
Therefore, it is a good habit to clean it after each use, and also to perform a thorough cleaning every now and then. A good rule of thumb is to deep clean it at least once a month.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR DIFFUSER: TWO WAYS.
There are two different ways to clean your diffuser. Both are important.
Before you attempt any type of cleaning on your diffuser, please always refer to its instruction manual. Following the manufacturer’s instructions will ensure a longer life of your diffuser.
WHAT IS THE EASIEST WAY TO CLEAN A DIFFUSER?
The simplest and quickest way to clean your diffuser is probably to just give it a quick wipe after each use and let it dry naturally.
You can use a paper towel or a cloth.
In doing so, not only you will be cleaning the unit, but you will also get rid of any residue smell, for when you diffuse again later with new oil.
Furthermore, in performing a quick clean after each use, you will avoid having to scrub too hard when you perform a deep clean.
HOW TO DO A QUICK CLEAN OF YOUR DIFFUSER
After you have finished using your diffuser as per normal:
- turn the diffuser off, and unplug from mains;
- discard any remaining water and Oils;
- fill the water tank with only clean, fresh water (pay attention to stay below the fill line);
- plug the diffuser and turn it back on for about 5 minutes;
- turn the diffuser off and unplug from mains;
- discard leftover water;
- gently wipe the inside of the water reservoir with a paper towel or a dry cloth;
- let the diffuser dry naturally.
It is perfectly safe to use tap water in a diffuser.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN A DIFFUSER?
For best results, it is a good idea to diffuse lemon oil for a short time. This makes it easier to clean out any residue or water lines before you wipe it out.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DO A DEEP CLEAN ON A DIFFUSER?
Doterra recommends that you do a deep cleaning of your diffusers at least once a month. This cleaning process takes a bit longer than a quick clean. However, it is a necessary process.
HOW DO YOU DEEP CLEAN A DIFFUSER?
The deep clean process is very simple.
Follow these simple steps below:
- Turn off your diffuser and unplug from sockets;
- Fill the water reservoir halfway to the line with clean water;
- Add 10 drops of white vinegar to the water reservoir (roughly half a teaspoon of white vinegar);
- Turn it on and let the diffuser run for 3-5 minutes, allowing the vinegar to disperse throughout;
- Drain the water reservoir completely;
- Dip a cotton swab in white vinegar and wipe down the edges of the water reservoir as well as the ultrasonic chip. Pay special attention and care to the bottom of the diffuser. This is where residual oils and gunk can accumulate;
- Rinse the water reservoir with clean water;
- Wipe the inside of the diffuser with a clean cloth and let air dry before using it again.
CAN YOU CLEAN YOUR DIFFUSERS WITH ALCOHOL OR APPLE CIDER VINEGAR?
I know that if you surf the internet, you will find articles and blog posts that suggest you can clean your diffusers with rubbing alcohol and/or Apple Cider Vinegar.
Personally, I have never tried those methods. Therefore, I cannot recommend them.
The methods I described above are the ones Doterra advice to follow, so I’ll stick to them!
If you do decide to try an alternative method, please feel free to comment below to share your experience.
WHY IS MY DIFFUSER NOT WORKING? WHY IS MY DIFFUSER NOT MISTING?
If even after deep cleaning it, your diffuser doesn’t work properly, you can follow these simple steps to try and fix the problem.
WHY IS MY DIFFUSE NOT WORKING?
If your diffuser won’t turn on:
- check that the power cord is correctly plugged in. Make sure the electric socket is not faulty.
- Unplug the diffuser, empty the water tank completely. Let it dry for a few hours and try turning it on again.
WHY IS MY DIFFUSER NOT MISTING?
If, after deep cleaning it, your diffuser doesn’t mist as expected:
- Make sure to fill the water tank to the recommended level.
- If that doesn’t work, try deep cleaning it again;
- After a second deep clean, try the diffuser again.
When should I replace my diffuser?
If all of the above steps fail to resolve your problems, maybe it’s time to replace your diffuser.
Firstly, check the date of purchase. In fact, your device might still be under warranty.
In that case, contact the company you bought it from. The customer care team will advise you on what to do in order to get your diffuser repaired or replaced.
GRAB THE FREE INFOGRAPHIC ON HOW TO DEEP CLEAN A DIFFUSER
A COMPLETE GUIDE.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR DIFFUSER: A COMPLETE GUIDE.
Keeping a clean diffuser allows for the best possible experience in using your Essential Oils aromatically, so the effort is well worth it!
And it is easy and quick to do!
Let me know if this post was helpful. Just leave a comment below and let me know what you think.
Till next time, Dee.
IMPORTANT: when using Essential Oils, make sure to use only CPTG Certified, Pure, Tested Grade ones, like Doterra Essential Oils. The content of this blog post and any information provided here has not been evaluated by any government entity or medical practitioner. It is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, illness or condition. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical counselling. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from any medical condition or illness or injury, you SHOULD consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any product.
Hi, I’m Dee!
Mom of three; printables creator, natural solutions, simple living and homemade food enthusiast; “Outlander” fanatic.
When I’m not busy writing and designing, you can always find me covered in a cloud of flour in the kitchen, playing and crafting with my children, or making up some blends with my Essential Oils. Also I’m practically obsessed with Crystals and reading during my spare time.
Come along on our crazy journey as a family living in the countryside of Ireland!
When the weather gets colder, I use my diffuser more often. Thanks for giving me the information I need to give them a deep clean before using them this season!
Hello! Thank you very much for your comment! I love to diffuse oils especially in winter as they are very beneficial for your health! By making sure you look after your diffuser, it will work for a very long time for you! Have a great day.