If you rely on an essential oil diffuser to help you relax and get a restful nights sleep or to boost your energy levels at work, you want to keep it running smoothly and help it last as long as possible. Since nearly every diffuser uses a heat source to break down the components of essential oils, some residue will remain. Once that residue builds up, the unit can overheat or even stop functioning properly. This means you need to clean it regularly.
Ive tried many different types of diffusers through the years and right now my favorite is the Vitruvi Essential Oil Diffuser. But no matter what style or dispersing method Ive used, Ive taken time to read the manual for directions on disassembling the unit and how to clean it. If you have lost the manual, most companies offer information online or by calling customer service.
As a cleaning expert and consultant to several small appliance manufacturers, I recommend thoroughly cleaning a unit each time you change scents and at least once a month to remove dust and oil residue. If you use it daily, bi-monthly cleaning is even better. Cleaning the ultrasonic plate or chip, which breaks down the oil into base molecules and causes water vibrations to disperse ultra-fine mist into the air, is the most important. Failure to clean that component can result in low diffusion or even cause your diffuser to stop functioning.
No, the fragrance oils are cold air diffused to nano-particles and will not leave residue on your floor surface or furniture.
Steps to routinely clean an essential oil diffuser
These are the steps I use each week to clean my essential oil diffuser. It takes only five minutes or so and keeps the mist flowing smoothly.
- Make sure the diffuser is unplugged from the power outlet.
- Empty any water and oil mixture that remains in the diffuser reservoir.
- Dampen a microfiber cloth and place a small dot of a plant-based dishwashing liquid like Home Made Simple on the cloth.
- Wipe out the water reservoir with the soapy cloth. Rinse out the cleaned reservoir with fresh water and then dry completely with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Dip a Q-tip cotton swab into rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol and rub it over the ultrasonic chip or plate to remove any oily residue.
- Reassemble the diffuser, refill with water and oils, and it is ready to use.
1.) Please, please, PLEASE make sure you are using a reputable company for your essential oils. I promise if you are diffusing tainted, fake, or synthetic oils you will cause yourself more harm than good and diffusing synthetics CAN CAUSE CANCER!! Most tainted or fake oils will say on the label that they are “essential oils” . They do contain essential oils but once further tested, the studies found carrier oils, pesticide residue, and synthetics substances in most of the cheaper bottles titled as essential oils. The easiest way and best way to know if your oils are fake or not is honestly their price. IF you go to a big chain store that sells “essential oils” and they are $5 per bottle- do not buy these! There is a reason companies like doterra and young living (to name a couple) have essential oils that are much more expensive- it is because they are actually pure oils. Take a moment to let this sink in: would you go to walmart and purchase a purse that said “genuine Italian leather purse” (you know, the kind that cost $400+) and the price tag say $5.00…you may buy it but you would immediately know it was fake leather due to its price. Essential oils are exactly the same. Be smart.. You WILL get what you pay for.
4.) If using the nebulizer type of diffuser (the ones that only use pure essential oil- no water) it is not recommended to run these constantly due to the oil potency it puts into the air. The oil potency released by this type of diffuser is much stronger than the ultrasonic diffusers, so it is best to only diffuse for 15-20 minutes at a time.
3.) Inhalers: these are the types you carry with you as the scent sticks, diffuser necklaces, or diffuser brackets. These kinds are used by dropping a few drops of oil onto a pad or cotton stick and breathing them in through out the day. These are the easiest to use and is what I recommend starting with.
When you smell a flower the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) being emmited from the flower enter the nasal canal and dissolve into the mucous membrane on the top of your nasal cavity. From there the molecules stimulate receptors. The neurons carry the signals to your brain which at that point your brain begins to filter and process the signals of the scent and will recognize it as lavender (or whatever you may be smelling). This is why if you baked apple pies with your grandmother as a child, every time you smell apple pie you think of her. The signals of the plant are carried to the limbic system which controls the mood, emotion, and memory. So since your mood, emotion, and memory can be tapped into with scents, we can use scents to adjust our mood, emotion, and memory. In short, diffusing essential oils correctly really can help you and your family.
Diffusing can be a wonderful way to set the environment in the home to be the most productive. Whether you are looking for a more restful bed time or an energizing morning, essential oils can really help! No matter which diffuser you purchase you should know these safety tips. It is always important to remember essential oils are fantastic things! With that being said, it is important you respect them and their abilities. Like I said in the essential oil 101 post- essential oils are like raisins…when used correctly they are both great! Raisins are nutritional fruit that taste good and give the body nutrients BUT a massive amount of raisins can over stimulate your body and you will develop a negative side effect- an unexpected tummy issue that involves many bathroom trips. Another great analogy I have heard is essential oils are like your sharp kitchen knife- it can be the greatest tool in the room but if used incorrectly it can lead to really bad side effects.
Essential Oil Diffuser Tips and Troubleshooting
FAQ
Do oil diffusers leave a residue?
Are essential oil diffusers safe for furniture?
Do essential oil diffusers leave a film?
Can oil diffuser damage furniture?
Placing your diffuser on a plate or tray can prevent the oil from getting on your table, counter, or other surface. A poor quality diffuser that releases too much moisture in the air can not only damage furniture, but also harm any artwork you have hanging on the walls. Keeping your oil diffuser away from walls can help prevent this from happening.
What happens when you put essential oils in a diffuser?
If you use essential oils in an electric diffuser or old-style burner, you’ll notice that once the water evaporates, a thick, sticky essential oil residue is left clinging to the walls and/or base of the bowl.
Do essential oils damage furniture?
Generally speaking, essential oils will not damage your furniture. But some specific essential oils do have certain effects on your furniture. Incorrect use of essential oil diffusers can also damage your furniture. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to avoid accidental spills and keep your furniture looking clean and pristine.
Can you put an essential oil diffuser on a table?
You can put your diffuser on either a table or the floor. However, at least about 2 feet from the floor is best. Your essential oil diffuser’s vapor mist will distribute evenly within your room over time. Additionally, both they and I recommend you don’t use them alone without something to protect the surface from spills or water droplets.