Posted by on 2/2/2020 to
Let's Talk: Aromatherapy
How to Clean an Essential Oil or Aromatherapy Diffuser
Due to the natural purported healing properties of aromatherapy it's easy to see why essential oils diffusers continue to gain steam in popularity. Many of them are highly effective in distributing these amazing and beautiful aromas in the air of your home, office and even car. There strength, coupled with there portability makes them very unique and special in there own right.
However, essential oil diffusers will only remain highly effective if they are properly maintained.
So why clean these devices, aren't many oils anti-microbial themselves? The short answer is yes, many oils have properties to help contain bacteria, the real issue here is residue build-up. Some oils more then others, can leave your diffuser with residue build-up on the sides, tubes, micro-tubes, and throughout the inside of the diffuser, because of there viscous nature.
Without regular cleansing, some odors can be difficult to clear-out and a deep cleaning will be essential and necessary. The gum-up of some of these scents (oils) can also interfere with aroma's that you are using and alter the scents, making them far less
potent.
Let's discuss general rules of thumb and specific ways on how to clean your essential oil or aromatherapy diffuser so that you can get the most out of these amazing devices for the long-haul. Keep in mind that regular cleanings will not only have your diffuser ruining at top performance 365 days a year, but it will cut down on having to spend hours deep cleaning these devices.
Regular or Routine Maintenance Steps for an Ultrasonic Diffuser:
(These are general rules of thumb, make sure to read the instructions that come with each device to make sure exact manufacturer steps are being followed for your particular brand of diffuser)
1. Unplug your Diffuser
The first step in the process is to unplug your diffuser, making sure to keep liquids away from the plug-in portion.
2. Empty any Excess Water from the Reservoir
Ideally, you would let all oil(s)/water mixture(s) evaporate or be dispersed out of the reservoir, prior to cleaning. However, if there are any liquids left over after using, make sure to pour them out during this step.
* Tip: If you have a diffuser with operational buttons located along the side of the diffuser, pour out the liquids away from the buttons, trying to keep any liquids from pouring over-top of those buttons.
3. Cleaning the Inside of your Diffuser
After it's been emptied, grab a cotton swap or brush, add just a few drips of dish detergent and get those suds going. Next, gently wipe down the inside and sides of the reservoir. (Example: dawn, something that's going to cut through any residue or build-up: read manufacturers recommendations).
4. Plate Cleaning
If you have an ultrasonic diffuser with a metal plate, a simple way to clean off the plate is with some rubbing alcohol. Sometimes build-up will appear on the metal plate over time, the alcohol should be enough to cut through the residue, it dries very quickly, and is safe to use on most metal plates.
* Again always read manufacturers recommendations with cleaning *
5. Thorough Rinse
Depending on the severity of buildup, it may be necessary to vary your time of allowing the soaps to cut through the grim, however most of the time if done regularly, just a quick scrub is enough.
Simply rinse the soap out and give it another rub with a dry soft cloth (Example: Microfiber), and you're done! Simple as that! Now you know how to clean your ultrasonic essential oil diffuser.
How to Deep Clean your Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser
1. Switch off
Turn off the diffuser, no need to unplug at this time
2. Add Water
Use fresh clean water and fill up the reservoir chamber just about half-way.
3. Vinegar
At this time with the water filling up half the chamber, add roughly 10-12 drops of vinegar to the water in the reservoir. You may need more depending on the size of your diffusers reservoir.
* Always read manufacturers recommendations before cleaning with rubbing alcohol or vinegar *
4. Switch On
I usually like to give it a quick swirl and then turn the device back on, let it run for approximately 10-15 minutes to allow the solution to run it's course and be distributed around and throughout the device.
5. Switch Back Off & Drain
Turn the diffuser off, drain the chamber with any remaining water/vinegar mixture.
6. Wipe Clean
At this time it's still important to wipe any excess residue from the sides of the reservoir. Use a cotton swab or microfiber cloth to do so, something soft and non-abrasive.
7. Clean the Chip
Add some vinegar once again to a soft material, like a cotton swab preferably, and wipe off the ultrasonic mist chip. (if you are unsure what or where this is located, refer to your manufacturers instructions).
8. Rinse & Dry
Using clean water, rinse out the reservoir thoroughly, and then dry the inside of the chamber with a microfiber cloth.
How to Clean your Atomizing Essential Oil Diffuser
(Easy Quick-Clean)
1. Unplug
The first step in cleaning your Atomizing essential oil diffuser is to turn it off and unplug it.
2. Rubbing Alcohol
Dip a cotton swab or use another soft tip applicator. With the rubbing alcohol applied, simply run your saturated swab or soft cloth over all the areas of the diffuser.
3. Done!
Add oils, relax and enjoy!
How to Clean your Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffuser
(General Care & Cleaning)
1. Remove the Reservoir
Because of the nature of the glass material, I like to remove the glass reservoir from the base of the diffuser and place it on something soft or an empty bucket, which will help with clean-up as well or the glass from falling over.
2. Empty
Like with any cleaning, initially the reservoir should be emptied completely.
3. Add Rubbing Alcohol
I like to use a dropper to add about 10-12 drops of rubbing alcohol to the glass reservoir, instead of just pouring it directly into the chamber, that way there is a little more control to how much you're using.
4. Use a Pipette:
The next step involves the micro-tubes. The small micro-tubes can get clogged rather easily with some essential oils. In this case use a dropper size pipette with your rubbing alcohol and literally squirt the alcohol into the micro-tubes. This pressure is usually enough to dislodge a clog and helps to keep the small tubes clean as well.
5. Gentle Shake
Shake the reservoir gently to help break up any residue, or viscous build-up on the sides of the glass that may have accumulated from the oils.
6: Finish with a Swirl
Gently Swirl the alcohol in the glass reservoir to clean-up the sides. Depending on how long it's been since your last clean and how regularly you use your diffuser, you may have to empty the alcohol and add a few more drops. Just rinse and repeat.
If you do this with each clean, there is no need to really try to wipe inside the glass, the alcohol and swishing action should do the trick for you.
7. Dry:
Sit your glass reservoir aside and let dry thoroughly before replacing it back to its base. Your ready to go!
How to Deep Clean your Nebulizing Aromatherapy Diffuser
(Unlike general cleaning, deep cleaning only needs to be performed 1/month)
1. Safety
Because with deep cleaning you'll be using hot water (140-190F), make sure to take any safety precautions.
2. Heat up your Water
Heat up your water. You can use a thermometer to monitor temperature. (This may be something you want to refer to your owners manual for exact temperature range(s).
3. Remove the Reservoir
Just like in regular cleanings, remove the reservoir from the wooden base of the diffuser. Place the glass reservoir in a container or small bucket to soak and help with keeping the area clean.
4. Mix
Add a small amount of dish soap (like dawn) to the hot water. Pour this mixture into the same container as you have your glass reservoir. Make sure you have some sudsy-like build-up from the soap and water.
Again, depending on the severity of the oil build-up it may require more or less soap, continue to add hot water over a period of 30 minutes - 1 hour.
5. Let Sit
I usually like to let the hot water sit for a while. There really is no set amount of time. If you are consistent with this type of cleaning 1-2x/month and depending on how often you use your diffuser, it should only need to sit for roughly 20-30 minutes.
6. Dry
Allow some time to dry thoroughly. Replace the glass reservoir and you're all set!
That's it on How to Clean your Essential Oil & Aromatherapy Diffusers. We hope this gives you some insight on some good tips and tricks for keeping that soothing aroma all year round and going strong! Till next time, have a great day! Be sure to share our post and any products you like on Social Media!