How to Clean an Essential Oil Diffuser

Photo credit: belchonock/Getty Images
Photo credit: belchonock/Getty Images

From Country Living

There are many ways to utilize essential oils in your life. One of the most popular (and easiest!) ways to use them is to diffuse them into the air using an essential oil diffuser. There are lots of different kinds available, but don't let that intimidate you. It is easy to find the best essential oil diffuser for your home. You might be blending some spring scents or adding Christmas essential oils to your holiday routine. Once you've got your diffuser set up and you're enjoying the ambience it provides, it can be easy to forget to maintain it. Every so often it is important to give your diffuser a deep clean to keep it running optimally.

Why should you clean your essential oil diffuser?

At first it may make no frankincense to clean your diffuser. You are filling it with essential oils that have cleaning properties after all, but it is imperative to keep the machine clean. For instance, if you take a break from your essential oil journey and let water sit in the reservoir for a while, there's a possibility that mold or mildew can grow. That's the last thing you want to be diffusing into your air. However, mold issues are quite rare when it comes to diffusers. The more prevalent problem an unkempt diffuser poses is a lack of functionality. Essential oils can leave an oily residue on the machinery, and once this builds up it can hinder the diffuser's ability to perform at max capacity. Additionally, if you're enjoying oils with a strong scent (valerian comes to mind), it can linger in your diffuser. This can cause an unpleasant experience when you opt to switch to another oil. For example, if you're trying to find some motivation and diffuse a little peppermint to awaken your senses, the leftover lavender oil you used for bedtime the night before may interfere and make you a bit drowsy.

How often should you clean your diffuser?

Now that it's been laid out why you must keep your diffuser clean, let's explore how often it needs to be done. Although this advice may seem tedious at first, once you begin doing it regularly, it will become second nature. After every single use, wipe down the reservoir with a cleaning cloth or paper towel. This will ensure you remain in essential oil-induced bliss on a day-to-day basis.

When should you deep clean your essential oil diffuser?

Now, a less-involved wipe down after every use will be beneficial, but it simply isn't enough to keep the device in tip-top shape. Make a note on the calendar or set up a reminder in your phone to deep clean the diffuser twice a month. Although the deep cleaning isn't as effortless as the wipe down, it's still pretty simple. Start by checking the instruction manual that came with the diffuser for cleaning tips specific to your machine. Basically, there are two ways to go about it. You can wipe down your machine with good ole fashioned rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab or cotton ball. Alternatively, you can diffuse a tablespoon of white vinegar in the diffuser. We recommend doing this outside or when you're not home, because it won't be the most pleasant smell. That's it! These easy cleaning methods will ensure that you're getting the most out of your essential oil diffuser.

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