Diffusers are such a fantastic way to use essential oils! Not only do they disperse your beloved oils throughout a whole room, but now they come with other awesome features like a nightlight, timer settings, and even a Bluetooth speaker. If your diffuser gets as much love and use as ours does, then it might be time for a good cleaning.
Regularly cleaning your diffuser is always a good idea, but if yours is giving you any of the following problems, it’s time to clean it ASAP:
- Diffusing poorly.
- Lack of mist.
- Strange noises.
- Louder than usual.
So before you start panicking that your diffuser is toast, give it a good clean first and see what happens.
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Cleaning 101
Even though all diffusers will come with instructions on how to clean them, nobody (including us) actually kept those. Not to fret, it’s easier than you’d think. All you’ll do is fill the tank with a solution of half vinegar and half water. Then let it sit overnight. If you can’t let it sit that long, a few hours should do the trick. Once it’s been sitting for a while, take a rag, wipe it out, and admire your freshly cleaned diffuser! You can also take a cotton ball dipped in vinegar and clean the small, tight spots that might not have rinsed away. And don’t forget to dry it thoroughly with cotton swabs or a clean towel after you empty the cleaning solution.
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Clean It Regularly
It’s necessary to keep your diffuser in good shape by cleaning it on a regular basis. While this might seem like a pain at first, it will soon become part of your regular household cleaning routine. And the good news is that cleaning it only takes a few minutes. Think of your diffuser as an investment in your health and wellbeing. The better you take care of it, the better it will take care of you. And if keeping it clean means you don’t have to worry about repairs or replacement, then it will be totally worth it.
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Double Check Your Warranty
It’s always a good idea to check the cleaning recommendations specific to your diffuser. If you don’t have the manual on hand, chances are you can look it up online or check with customer service where you bought it. Also, take note of the specifics of your warranty as some diffuser warranties may become void if you use vinegar to clean.
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Clean It Every Time
Some diffuser brands recommend cleaning after every use. And while that may seem excessive, it’s important to remember that some oils can be corrosive or leave a residue (I’m looking at you Vanilla Oleoresin). If you want your diffuser to have a long life and work at its top performance level, empty it and give it a wipe-down after each use.
You can also inadvertently affect the experience of new oils if there are leftover oils with a different scent that linger from the last blend you used. A few other tips to keep your diffuser working at its best are to avoid placing it in direct sunlight or right next to a fan. Make sure to unplug it before you clean it and give the top a wipe down when it gets dusty. Take care of your diffuser and give it regular cleanings to maximize your investment.
For more tips and tricks regarding all things essential oils, don’t forget to check out our Safe Essential Oil Recipes (SEOR) Facebook Group.