How to Clean a Diffuser

If you use an essential oil diffuser, it’s necessary to clean it regularly. Doing so helps prevent mold growth, keeps different scents from mixing, and ensures the diffuser runs efficiently.

To disinfect a microwave oven, mixing water and white vinegar is best. This will disinfect the entire device and eliminate any buildup during regular usage.

1. Vinegar

Vinegar is an alcohol-based product created through a two-step fermentation process. In the initial stage, yeast feeds on sugar and starch in plant foods to convert them into acetic acid. After exposure to oxygen and Acetobacter genus aerobic bacteria, this sour acid ferments into vinegar over weeks or months.

Vinegar offers numerous health advantages and is an effective all-purpose cleaner. It dissolves soap scum, hard water deposits, and glue left by stickers.

Additionally, it helps remove minerals from tap water, such as lime or metallic minerals, that may accumulate in your diffuser tank, leading to damage over time.

Vinegar is an inexpensive natural cleaner that can be used for almost anything – including your diffuser! Mixing it with water creates an all-purpose cleaner suitable for windows, stovetops, and tiles – plus, it sanitizes and deodorizes carpeting! For even greater effectiveness from your vinegar, try mixing it with essential oils and using it as an all-purpose spray cleaner.

2. Rubbing Alcohol

If your diffuser isn’t performing as well as it used to or wants to extend its life, cleaning is essential. Left untouched, oils and water can corrode and damage the device, reducing its ability to disperse your favorite scents effectively.

Diffusers work by mixing water with essential oil, which is then pumped into the air by an ultrasonic plate or chip.

To clean an ultrasonic plate or chip, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and use it to wipe around the perimeter gently. Doing this helps eliminate any oils clogging the plate or chip.

Ethanol-based rubbing alcohol, or the surgical spirit or isopropyl alcohol, is a denatured form of alcohol. It metabolizes differently than ethanol and contains one or more poisonous compounds, making it toxic when consumed in large amounts. Overeating may result in vomiting, dizziness, and unconsciousness; some studies suggest that steroids could also have serious side effects like nausea or vomiting.

3. Water

Maintaining your essential oil diffuser’s cleanliness is necessary for its optimal performance. Doing so prevents buildup, keeps different scents from mixing, and extends the unit’s life.

Cleaning your diffuser after each use is simple, but more thorough cleanings should be done once a month, according to doTERRA aromatherapy expert Jonathan Keville. Doing so helps ensure the device’s maximum capacity as highly viscous oils like patchouli and vetiver leave behind residue that clogs it up, according to Mr. Keville.

Keville notes that residue can affect the scent of subsequent oils you diffuse, such as basil after spikenard.

To clean your diffuser, unplug it and empty any excess water or oil from its reservoir. Fill up with water and add ten drops of distilled white vinegar – this will disinfect the tank, eliminating residue from previous essential oils or residue from the water. Rinse everything out thoroughly and wipe dry.

4. Clorox

Diffusers are an excellent way to diffuse essential oils but they can become dirty over time. This could prevent it from working efficiently or even cause mold growth.

Fortunately, there are ways to keep your diffuser clean and running optimally. With these straightforward instructions, you can ensure your diffuser is ready for use whenever needed.

1. Utilizing Clorox

Clorox household bleach is a widely-used disinfectant due to its antimicrobial properties that eliminate germs. However, it must be appropriately diluted and never mixed with solid acids like toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers, or household ammonia.

2. Utilizing Vinegar

Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner safe on most surfaces, such as bathroom and kitchen sinks, tubs/showers, counters, and linoleum flooring. However, always test a small area before using it all over your bathroom or kitchen.