Can I Use Tap Water In My Diffuser? (2024)

So, you have a new ultrasonic essential oil diffuser to enjoyin the comfort of your home. You have a bottle of your favorite essential oil and you are ready for a relaxing evening of aromatherapy. But, what kind of water should you usein your essential oil diffuser? Is it safe to use tap water? Do you need to spend the money ondistilled water? These are all questions we hear often and we hope you findsome answers below.

Can I Use Tap Water In My Diffuser? (1)

First off, we recommend that you follow the directions for your brand and type of essential oil diffuser. Some diffusers require or work best with different types of water. The instructions included in many of today's essential oil diffusers recommend that you use tap water in your diffuser because it includes natural minerals that help the water diffuse into a vapor better thandistilled water.

Greenair says that warm tap water is what they prefer you use in Greenair diffusers. While some diffuser manufacturers, like Airome, recommend that you use distilled water and/or filtered water to lessen the buildup of mineral deposits on the ultrasonic plate and water tank and affect the performance of your diffuser. According to ZAQ, their essential oil LiteMist Aromatherapy diffusers work great with distilled or tap water. They are designed to handle the hardness of tap water but will last longer and run betterwith distilled water.

Can I Use Tap Water In My Diffuser? (2)

Here is somebasic information about the differences between tap water, distilled water and filtered water along with some of the pros and cons of using each in your essential oil diffuser.

Tap Water - Tap water is filtered but contains trace amounts of impurities, minerals and sometimes water treatment additives from your local municipality.

  • Pros
    • It is the cheapest source of water for your diffuser and almost everybody has access to it.
    • More minerals than other water sources which are important in helping water turn into vapor.
  • Cons
    • Any minerals and impurities present in your tap water may bedispersed in the air of your home through the vaporizedmist fromyour diffuser.
    • Mineral build up will happen fastest with tap water which will require more frequent and thoroughcleanings.

Distilled Water- Distilled water goes through a distilling process that removes the water's impurities along with all the minerals.

  • Pros
    • It is the purestsource of water you can use in your essential oil diffuser so your cleaning time will be minimized and diffuser life prolonged.
    • You can rest assured that you will not be breathing in any impurities from the water you use.
  • Cons
    • It is the most expensive water you can use in your ultrasonic diffuser.
    • Distilled water is mineral-less and therefore does not vaporize as well as water with small amounts of minerals present.

Filtered Water - Purified bottled water and tap water that is filtered at your faucet or refrigerator is not as pure as distilled water but contains less impurities and minerals than tap water.

  • Pros
    • Relatively inexpensive water option with very few impurities.
    • The low mineral content helps the water turn into vapor better than distilled water and requires less cleaning than tap water.
  • Cons
    • It is not as pure as distilled water.
    • It costs more than tap water.

As you can see, you can use tap water in your essential oil diffuser but it may not be your best option. We feel that you should use the purest water possiblethat fits within your budget and still allows the diffuser tofunction properly. For most people, filtered water is probably the best option. We hope you found this information helpful. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below.

Can I Use Tap Water In My Diffuser? (2024)

FAQs

What kind of water do you use in diffuser? ›

Many diffusers specifically state that they can only be used with distilled, purified or filtered water, but using distilled water is also safe for a diffuser that can use tap water unless otherwise specified.

Can you use bottled water in diffuser? ›

For all of our Ultrasonic Diffusers, we recommend using tap or bottled water because the natural minerals in the water allow the oil to cling to the particles and disperse further into the air. Water temperature can have an effect on mist output, too!

Can I use hard water in a diffuser? ›

If you have hard water stains in your shower, bathtub, or sinks – absolutely do not pour it into your diffusers! Most manufacturers recommend using distilled or filtered water for diffusing.

Is diffusing essential oils safe for your lungs? ›

There is so much to learn about essential oils and their benefits, but it's always good to know how to use them safely. Oil diffusers are safe for the lungs and, when used correctly, they have many benefits!

Do you have to change the water in a diffuser everyday? ›

After each use, you should empty any remaining water and essential oils from the diffuser, wipe it with a clean cloth and ensure that it is thoroughly dry before replacing the lid and storing your diffuser.

Can I squeeze lemon into my diffuser? ›

as an air freshener – use lemon to get rid of unsavory fragrances in your home. Add a few drops of lemon juice/essential oil to water and diffuse into the air via an aromatherapy diffuser.

How do I make distilled water? ›

The process of distilling is simple: Heat tap water to the point that it turns to vapor. When the vapor condenses back to water, it leaves behind any mineral residue. The resulting condensed liquid is distilled water.

How many drops of oil do you put in a diffuser? ›

Between 3 to 5 drops of an essential oil are recommended to use in a diffuser, if the diffuser's size is 100 ml. So 3 drops is a standard amount that can be used as a trial, if you are using an aroma diffuser for the first time.

Can I run vinegar through my diffuser? ›

Fill the diffuser halfway with plain water and a teaspoon of white vinegar. Run it for 5-10 minutes so the vinegar has a chance to disperse through all components of the system, and then empty the reservoir again.

Can you leave water in diffuser overnight? ›

While there are a few safety concerns which we'll get into below, as long as you're using a high quality diffuser and high quality essential oils, there's likely no problem with sleeping with your diffuser on overnight.

Can you put vinegar and water in a diffuser? ›

Swap your oils for vinegar to cleanse your diffuser. Fortunately, cleaning an essential oil diffuser is easy. All you have to do is diffuse a combination of water and white vinegar, experts say. Fill the diffuser with water, add a teaspoon of vinegar, and then let it run as normal.

Which essential oils are not safe to diffuse? ›

Dr. Block advises against diffusing lavender and tea tree oils because of the potential complications, particularly in children and teens. Pregnant women and people who have hormone-related medical conditions such as diabetes should talk to their doctors before using essential oils topically or with a diffuser.

Can too much essential oil in a diffuser make you sick? ›

Using too much oil can leave you with an overpowering smell that can lead to headaches and respiratory irritation.

Can inhaling too much essential oil make you sick? ›

The inhalation of essential oil vapors is not generally dangerous, but very intensive inhalation for more than about 20 minutes may lead to respiratory distress and/or neurological symptoms, such as headache, nausea, burning of eyes and throat, cough, shortness of breath, or slowed breathing in young children.

How long can water sit in diffuser? ›

How long can fruit-infused water last for? Experienced infusers suggest that, once infused, the water should be kept for no longer than three days if it's refrigerated. If it's not refrigerated, then it shouldn't be kept longer than a day.

Can you put Pine Sol in a diffuser? ›

Buy a set of diffuser reeds. Pour your favorite Pine-Sol® scent into your bottle, then add the reeds. (We recommend Lavender Clean or Mandarin Sunrise Pine-Sol® scents.) Enjoy the fresh clean scent throughout your house from your pretty new diffuser!

Should you empty diffuser after each use? ›

After each use, you should empty any remaining water and essential oils from the diffuser, wipe it with a clean cloth and ensure that it is thoroughly dry before replacing the lid and storing your diffuser. Once a month, you'll need to give your diffuser a deep clean.

Should you open a window when using a diffuser? ›

Don't put reed diffusers near external doors or open windows

It's pretty obvious when you think about it, but putting a reed diffuser near an open door or window will only result in you losing the scent and wasting oil.

Can I put Vicks Vaporub in my essential oil diffuser? ›

A: No, you can only add oils to it.

Is distilled water just boiled water? ›

Distilled water is water that has been boiled to become steam and then cooled to become water again. It's then free of minerals and salts. Distilled water is used in car batteries and in steam irons. Distilled water prevents the iron from getting clogged up inside from minerals.

Can you just boil water to make it distilled? ›

Once the water entirely vaporizes, that vapor is put into a clean container where it condenses back into pure water. So merely boiling the water will not distill it, it will only potentially remove few toxins.

What can I use instead of distilled water in my humidifier? ›

CPAP manufacturers recommend distilled water for optimal humidifier performance. This is because most or all of its minerals have been removed, preventing mineral buildup in the humidifier tub. However, tap or bottled water may also be used.

Why can't I smell my essential oils in diffuser? ›

Potential Problem: Your Essential Oils are too Diluted

A very common cause of diffuser problems is when the oil or blend you're using is too diluted. Double check your recipe, and if necessary, add a few more drops of essential oil to the mixture and see what happens—oftentimes this is enough.

Do you put hot or cold water in a oil diffuser? ›

Most diffusers work best with room temperature tap water because it contains natural minerals that help the oils diffuse into the room. Additionally, it's important to not overfill your diffuser.

Where should essential oil diffuser be placed in bedroom? ›

We recommend placing it in your living room, bedroom or anywhere you like to relax. Place the diffuser on a side table or nightstand, preferably on a tray, at least two feet above the floor. This will help ensure that moisture is properly distributed into the air.

Can you put bleach water in diffuser? ›

After cleaning the humidifier with vinegar, Drake suggests using a bleach solution to kill any lingering bacteria. Mix 1 teaspoon of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of cold water, and fill the humidifier tank about halfway.

What do you put in a diffuser to disinfect the air? ›

The findings reported that cinnamon bark oil and lemongrass oil significantly disinfected the air when diffused into the air.

What absorbs essential oil smell? ›

Baking soda is incredibly absorbent, making it a great material for a DIY diffuser. Mix a few drops of essential oils with a handful of baking soda and put in a decorative dish on a counter or table. You can also scatter the baking soda over carpet or couches, then vacuum it up after a few hours.

Is it safe to have a diffuser in bedroom? ›

If you use a high-quality diffuser and all-natural essential oils, there is probably no danger in your oils diffusers staying overnight. If you wish to take extra precautions, the most basic safety solution is to get a diffuser with an automatic shut-off mechanism.

How often should I wash my diffuser? ›

Ideally, a diffuser should be rinsed clean after every use, especially if you are changing the oil scents. Then, depending on how frequently the diffuser is used, it should be thoroughly cleaned at least monthly to remove dust and build-up that affects how well it works.

Do diffusers use a lot of electricity? ›

Of course, we all have to think about our bills more than ever before but the good news is that electric diffusers don't use up a lot of electricity. The standard wattage of a diffuser is 12W which is low, plus because they're not heating anything up they are fairly energy efficient.

What happens if you don't use distilled water in a diffuser? ›

Any minerals and impurities present in your tap water may be dispersed in the air of your home through the vaporized mist from your diffuser. Mineral build up will happen fastest with tap water which will require more frequent and thorough cleanings.

What does lemon do in a diffuser? ›

When diffused, Lemon oil provides an uplifting environment and promotes a positive mood. Due to the chemical makeup of this oil, it has been shown to help improve mood with an energizing and invigorating aroma. If you want to diffuse Lemon oil, use three to four drops in the essential oil diffuser of your choice.

Do you mix water with essential oils in a diffuser? ›

Remember, you can use multiple oils to create your own blend. Add water to the fill line, usually approximately 1 cup; but be sure to follow your diffuser's directions. Add 5-10 drops of your essential oil into the water. Put the lid back on top, turn on your diffuser and enjoy!

Should diffuser use cold or hot water? ›

Most diffusers work best with room temperature tap water because it contains natural minerals that help the oils diffuse into the room. Additionally, it's important to not overfill your diffuser.

Can you dilute essential oils with water for diffuser? ›

Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile substances. In order to be used safely, they should be diluted in another safe substance, like water, a skin care oil or an unscented lotion or liquid soap.

Is bottled water distilled? ›

Bottled water usually undergoes filtration processes rather than distillation because it contains essential minerals that affect the taste and nutritional value of the water. Distilled water, on the other hand, is entirely pure H20 because distillation removes all of its impurities, including minerals.

How do I make my own diffuser liquid? ›

How to Make Your Own Room Diffuser
  1. Mix the Oil and Rubbing Alcohol. Add 1/4 cup of unscented baby oil, or any other unscented or lightly scented oil such as almond, mineral, safflower, or jojoba oil into to a small bowl. ...
  2. Add Essential Oils. ...
  3. Pour Mixture Into a Bottle. ...
  4. Place Reeds in Mixture. ...
  5. Cut the Reeds.
Oct 17, 2022

Can I leave diffuser on all night? ›

As long as you're using a high quality diffuser and high quality,all natural essential or aroma oils, there's likely no risk to diffusing your oils overnight. However, if you'd like to take extra precautions, the easiest safety solution is to get a diffuser with an automatic shut off feature.

How long can you leave water in a diffuser? ›

It is best to use intermittent diffusion, diffusing for 30 to 60 minutes and then off for 30 to 60 minutes. I think it is important to take note of how you respond to diffusing essential oils.

Where should you not put a diffuser? ›

Once a diffuser is constantly running it disperses into the air in an upwards motion. So it is best not to place the diffuser in an area is close to any surface above it. We have seen damage on mirrors, paintings, cabinets and towel holders from the placement of oil dispensers.

Where should a diffuser be placed in a bedroom? ›

To use your diffuser inside, place it near a plug socket, in a spacious room, as close to the centre as possible. That way, the aroma will spread through the room more easily!

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