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Using a diffuser is a great way to disperse your chosen blend of essential oils around your home,making your home smell great whilst offering a whole host of health benefits. Whether you love therelaxing scent of lavender or the uplifting aromas of bergamot, maintaining your diffuser correctly isessential to keep it working efficiently.
Georgia Melbourne
Jul 29, 2021·
If you fail to maintain your diffuser correctly, you could shorten the lifespan of your diffusersignificantly, leading to an expensive repair bill, or even a replacement being necessary. Cleaningyour diffuser regularly is the best way to keep it operating effectively. But how do you practice proper diffuser maintenance and why is it so important? In this article, wewill tell you everything you need to know about maintaining diffusers, helping you to get the mostout of your essential oil diffuser.
Content/Quick links
- Do you really need to clean your diffuser after every use?
- The benefits of diffuser maintenance
- How to clean a diffuser with vinegar step-by-step
- How to clean oil diffuser without vinegar
- Troubleshooting your diffuser
- To sum up
Do you really need to clean your diffuser after every use?
You might notice that your diffuser instructions advise you to clean your diffuser after every use.This may seem a little bit excessive at first, especially if you plan to use it again tomorrow. You areprobably wondering whether you really need to clean your diffuser every single time. However, regularly cleaning your diffuser is essential for its efficient operation. If you don’t cleanyour diffuser according to the manufacturer instructions, you may find that your diffuser doesn’twork as efficiently, and its performance will begin to decline. After each use, you should empty any remaining water and essential oils from the diffuser, wipe itwith a clean cloth and ensure that it is thoroughly dry before replacing the lid and storing yourdiffuser. Once a month, you’ll need to give your diffuser a deep clean. This can be done either withor without vinegar, depending on your personal preferences.
So, after each use of your diffuser, be sure to fully empty it of all water and oil and give it a goodclean.
The benefits of diffuser maintenance
It can be easy to forget to clean your diffuser, especially if you use it regularly. It might seem like atedious, unnecessary task, especially if you’re using it every day. However, it is important to clean your diffuser after every use to keep it in the best possiblecondition. This will help to prevent blockages within the diffuser as well as ensure that the aroma ofyour oils remains pure. Here are three definitive reasons to properly maintain your essential oil diffuser: 1. Prevent corrosion of diffuser 2. Prolong diffuser lifespan 3. Improve aroma of essential oils
Certain essential oils such as lemongrass, citronella and oregano oil can be corrosive due to theirhigh levels of acidity. If you leave them sitting in your diffuser after use, they can damage thediffuser. Emptying and cleaning your diffuser after every use will help to prevent corrosion, keepingyour diffuser in full working order.
It goes without saying that if you look after your diffuser, it will be less prone to breakdowns. This isbecause essential oils can quickly build up, causing blockages within the mechanisms of the diffuser.That’s why properly maintaining your diffuser according to the manufacturer’s instructions is soessential for prolonging the life of your diffuser.
Essential oils have a high viscosity, especially oils such as patchouli, rose, camomile and sandalwood.These oils are prone to leaving behind residue within your diffuser, even if you empty and refill it.These leftover residues will affect the scent of the next oil you diffuse, potentially impacting thebenefits that you receive from that scent. For example, if you are diffusing relaxing lavender oil thatis tainted by leftover uplifting grapefruit oil, it could make it more difficult for you to relax.
Top tips for keeping your diffuser healthy
Here are some of our top tips for getting the most out of your diffuser. ● Don’t overfill your diffuser with water. If you exceed the maximum fill line, your diffusercould overheat. ● Try to use distilled or purified water in your diffuser wherever possible. Tap water containsminerals that could build up in your diffuser, damaging the internal mechanisms. ● Only use pure essential oils, avoiding any additives or fillers. These can build up in yourdiffuser, causing long-term damage. ● Be sure to keep exterior buttons and air vents dry when emptying and filling the diffuser, aswell as during the cleaning process. ● Avoid leaving water sitting in your diffuser for long periods of time. This can cause bacteriato grow, damaging your diffuser. ● Keep away from abrasive cleaners and solvents. Stick to natural products such as essentialoils, distilled water and pure white vinegar.
How to clean a diffuser with vinegar step-by-step
We have already discussed why it is important to clean your essential oil diffuser regularly. But howexactly do you clean a diffuser? The most effective way to clean a diffuser is with vinegar. However,it’s important to ensure that you choose pure white vinegar for this. Follow the simple steps below to clean your diffuser with vinegar. 1. Unplug and empty diffuser 2. Fill with water and vinegar solution 3. Run your diffuser 4. Drain diffuser 5. Clean residue 6. Rinse and dry diffuser 7. Clean cover
First things first, make sure that you unplug your diffuser before you begin the cleaning process. Notonly will this avoid any damage to your diffuser, but it will also help to keep you safe too. You’ll alsoneed to empty it of any leftover water or essential oil that may remain in the reservoir.
Next, add distilled water to your diffuser reservoir until it is around halfway full. Ensure that youdon’t reach the max fill line in this step to avoid damage to your diffuser. Then, add ten drops ofpure white vinegar to the reservoir. Whilst water is sufficient to remove particles from the interior,vinegar will help to remove any oil residue that remains on the walls.
Plug in your diffuser, turn it on and allow it to run for up to five minutes. This will allow the waterand vinegar solution to flow through the diffuser and clear any residual oil from the internalmechanisms.
After the cleaning solution has been running through the diffuser for around five minutes, turn offthe diffuser and unplug it. You can then drain the cleaning solution from the diffuser, leaving itempty.
If your diffuser came with a cleaning brush, this is where you’ll use it. Otherwise, a clean cottonswab can also be effective. Take your cleaning brush or cotton swab and dip it into pure whitevinegar. This will help you to cut through any oil deposits that may still be lingering on your diffuser.Use the swab to clean the corners and tight spots within the diffuser, ensuring that all oil is removed.
Now that any residual oil has been removed from the diffuser, it’s time to wash away the vinegar. Todo this, add distilled water to your diffuser and allow it to run through the diffuser for a fewminutes. This will remove the vinegar, leaving your diffuser clean and fresh.You can then use a microfibre cloth to carefully dry your diffuser. Alternatively, you can allow yourdiffuser to air dry. Whichever method you choose, it’s important to ensure that your diffuser is fullydry before replacing the cover for storage.
Finally, you can move onto cleaning the exterior cover of your diffuser. It’s important to follow themanufacturer’s instructions here, as how you will clean the cover will depend on the material it ismade from. For some diffusers, cleaning the exterior cover with a damp cloth will be sufficient,whilst others may permit a small amount of dishwashing detergent.
How to clean oil diffuser without vinegar
If you prefer to avoid using vinegar to clean your diffuser, there is another effective option. To followthis method, you’ll need a cotton swab, rubbing alcohol and a clean microfibre cloth. Here are the simple steps to follow for cleaning your essential oil diffuser without vinegar. 1. Unplug and empty diffuser 3. Clean away any residue 4. Run your diffuser 5. Clean diffuser cover
Begin by unplugging your diffuser from the power supply and emptying any water and oil thatremain in the reservoir.
2. Wipe the reservoir
Next, use a clean microfibre cloth to wipe around the inside of the diffuser reservoir, removing anyremaining water and essential oils. After completing this step, the reservoir should be dry.
Then, take a clean cotton swab or the cleaning brush that came with your diffuser and dip it inrubbing alcohol or orange essential oil. Use the cotton swab to clean the interior of your diffuser,including the fan inlet and the ultrasonic plate. This should remove all traces of any leftover essentialoils.
Next, top up your diffuser with distilled water and allow it to run for a few minutes. This will ensurethat the rubbing alcohol is removed from your diffuser. After a few minutes, switch off the diffuserand empty out the remaining water.
Finally, clean the exterior cover of your diffuser. You’ll need to follow the manufacturer’sinstructions for this, as different materials will require different cleaning techniques. Some diffuserswill require you to only use a damp cloth, whilst others may permit a small amount of dishwashingdetergent.
Troubleshooting your diffuser
Despite regular maintenance, sometimes you might find that your diffuser runs into problems orbegins to operate below maximum efficiency. Cleaning is often the answer, but sometimes thismight not solve the problem. Here are some of the most common issues that people experience with diffusers, along withactionable steps you can take to resolve them. 1. Diffuser won’t power on You will also need to ensure that the reservoir contains the right amount of water, not exceeding themaximum fill line. If your diffuser still won’t power on, turn it off, empty it and wait a few days for itto fully dry out before trying again. This will enable any internal components the chance to dry out ifthey have become wet during cleaning or regular use. 2. Water overheats in diffuser If you find that the water in your diffuser is overheating without being overfilled, it’s likely that thereis a problem with the fan intake. Ensure that the fan isn’t being obstructed by a towel or cloth andlook for any hairs that may be stuck in it. Unplug the diffuser and allow it to cool before refilling andrestarting. 3. Poor diffusion 4. Indicator light flashes but diffuser does not start
If your diffuser won’t power on, there are a few things you’ll need to check. Firstly, ensure that thepower plug is connected to the electrical outlet and that the outlet is turned on. Then, ensure thatthe power supply is plugged into the diffuser itself.
The most common cause of water overheating in a diffuser is often that it has been overfilled withwater. If this is the case, you will need to turn off and unplug the diffuser from the power supplybefore emptying the water. Leave the diffuser to cool down completely before refilling to the correctlevel and trying again. If the diffuser won’t start after being emptied and cooled, it is likely to havebeen damaged by overfilling and will require repair or replacement.
If your diffuser is not as powerful as usual, or there is very little diffusion, there are a few things youwill need to check. First, ensure there is enough water in your diffuser. If the water level is too low, itmay be unable to operate. If there is enough water in your diffuser, the fan inlet may be blocked bydried essential oils. Try cleaning your diffuser with a clean cotton swab, then run a solution ofdistilled water and a few drops of pure white vinegar through your diffuser to clean the inlet andclear the blockage.
If your diffuser doesn’t start despite the indicator light flashing, it’s likely that a fault has beendetected or that the diffuser has malfunctioned. Unplug the diffuser, empty the water from thereservoir and allow it to cool down. When it has fully cooled, refill the reservoir and restart thediffuser. If the diffuser still fails to start, it will need to be professionally repaired or replaced.
To sum up
Essential oil diffusers serve a multitude of purposes, from invoking a sense of relaxation and calm tosetting a particular atmosphere for guests to boosting your energy and giving you the motivation toget the most out of life. However, to achieve the maximum lifespan out of your diffuser, a littleeffort goes a long way in maintaining and cleaning your diffuser. It’s always best to read the manufacturer’s instruction manual that came with your diffuser toensure that you’re following the best practices for your individual diffuser. This includes cleaningyour diffuser after each use and ensuring that you follow the instructions carefully to preventdamage from occurring. Maintaining diffusers can be annoying and time-consuming, but it can help to prevent costly damagefrom occurring and prolong the life of your essential oil diffuser. With a little TLC and some regularmaintenance, diffusers can offer you many years of delightful aromas and relaxing scents for yourhome.
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As a seasoned aromatherapy enthusiast and essential oil advocate, I have delved deep into the world of diffusers, exploring their mechanisms, benefits, and the intricate details of maintenance. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as I have hands-on experience with various diffusers and have witnessed firsthand the impact of proper maintenance on their performance.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article on maintaining essential oil diffusers:
1. Importance of Diffuser Maintenance
The article underscores the significance of regular diffuser maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Failing to clean the diffuser properly may lead to a decline in efficiency, potential corrosion, and a shorter lifespan. It emphasizes the necessity of cleaning after each use and provides a monthly deep-cleaning schedule.
2. Benefits of Diffuser Maintenance
The piece outlines three essential benefits of proper diffuser maintenance:
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Preventing Corrosion: Certain essential oils with high acidity can be corrosive, potentially damaging the diffuser. Regular cleaning prevents corrosion, ensuring the diffuser's longevity.
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Prolonging Lifespan: Accumulated essential oils can lead to blockages within the diffuser, affecting its mechanisms. Proper maintenance is crucial to preventing breakdowns and prolonging the diffuser's lifespan.
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Improving Aroma: Residue from previous oils can impact the scent of subsequent oils. Thorough cleaning enhances the aroma of essential oils, preserving their purity and therapeutic benefits.
3. Top Tips for Diffuser Health
The article provides practical tips for maintaining a healthy diffuser, including avoiding overfilling, using distilled water, choosing pure essential oils, and keeping external components dry. These tips contribute to preventing common issues associated with diffuser usage.
4. Cleaning with Vinegar
A detailed step-by-step guide on cleaning a diffuser with vinegar is presented. This method involves unplugging the diffuser, creating a water and vinegar solution, running the diffuser, draining, cleaning residue, rinsing, and air drying. Vinegar is recommended for its effectiveness in removing oil residue.
5. Cleaning without Vinegar
For those averse to using vinegar, an alternative cleaning method is suggested. This involves unplugging the diffuser, wiping the reservoir, cleaning residue with rubbing alcohol or orange essential oil, running the diffuser with distilled water, and cleaning the exterior cover. This method offers an effective option for individuals with preferences against vinegar.
6. Troubleshooting Diffuser Issues
The article addresses common diffuser problems such as failure to power on, water overheating, poor diffusion, and indicator light issues. It provides actionable steps for troubleshooting each problem, emphasizing the importance of checking water levels, cleaning the diffuser, and ensuring proper functioning.
7. Testimonials and Product Promotion
The conclusion includes customer testimonials and a promotion for Volant essential oils and diffusers. Positive experiences from users are highlighted, creating a sense of trust and credibility. The TrustScore and reviews contribute to building confidence in the brand.
In essence, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for both novice and experienced users, offering valuable insights into diffuser maintenance and ensuring an enriching aromatherapy experience.
