Do you use essential oils via an electric diffuser? It is important to take care of it if you want to benefit from the advantages of aromatherapy by diffusion for a long time. Indeed, as essential oils are fatty substances, they tend to clog and quickly dirty your diffuser, not to mention the risk of scaling. In the following lines, you will discover some tips and good practices to protect your device from clogging and premature aging.
Brief reminder: in order to enjoy all the benefits and advantages of essential oils in diffusion, prefer electric diffusers which, unlike candle diffusers, do not burn the oil... Each one acts according to its own technology: ionization, ultra-sound, nebulization, vibration etc...
3 rules to take care of your diffuser
Some essential oil diffusers may require an investment. In order to keep it at its best for as long as possible, here are the 3 rules to take care of your device:
Refer to the advice in the manufacturer's user manual. Many recommend a delicate cleaning with a soft cloth slightly soaked in soapy water, avoiding any abrasive product. In addition, depending on the materials used in your device, the maintenance will be adapted. Only the manufacturer can give you appropriate advice.
Never add vegetable oil to the diffuser in order to dilute an essential oil. Vegetable oil is much more viscous and will quickly clog your diffuser. Moreover, essential oils are to be used pure when they are diffused by a device. You can mix some of them to create a synergy but always without vegetable oil.
Clean up any remaining essential oil after each use. These can dry out and stick to the receptacle. They will be even more difficult to remove if they are dry.
For each essential oil diffuser, an adapted cleaning
Regularly and in order to keep your device in excellent condition, you should perform a thorough cleaning of your diffuser. Only, there is a whole panel of electric diffusers as efficient as each other. So that you don't get lost in the do's and don'ts, here are the top 3 most common models with associated good cleaning practices.
Fogging Diffuser: after emptying the tank, pour in about 2ml of household alcohol found in large stores. Then, turn on the device and let your diffuser run for a few minutes. Finally, rinse and wipe with a soft cloth.
Ultrasonic Diffuser or Mister: Empty the entire contents of the tank and clean with a soft cloth. Insist on the walls and the bottom. If there is any lime residue, add a little white vinegar and turn on your diffuser for a few minutes. Empty and wipe with a cloth.
Fan or heat diffuser: cleaning is usually limited to a simple wipe with a soft cloth. Remember to change the filter when its time.
How do you clean your diffuser if you're too late?
Have you been using your diffuser for a while now and haven't taken the time to clean it after each use? Essential oils have accumulated, receptacles have become greasy, walls have become stained, tanks and filters have become scaled.... Don't panic, here are some tips on how to effectively clean your device.
Commercial cleaners: in some aromatherapy specialty stores, there are ready-to-use mixtures that allow you to clean your diffuser safely and effectively.
Household alcohol: pour some into the tank and run your appliance for a few minutes. Then scrub the bottom and sides with a toothbrush and empty. Wipe with a soft cloth.
Water and dishwashing liquid mixture:to clean glassware and stubborn marks, a little soapy water will do the trick. Be careful not to get the engine wet!
White vinegar: for stubborn lime marks. You can pour it directly into the reservoir and run your diffuser for a few minutes while the product passes through the system and acts on the scale. Then empty and rinse with clean water. Wipe well with a clean cloth.