How to Clean a Diffuser: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated on January 18, 2023

Just like dehumidifiers, diffusers are a great way to improve the smell of different rooms while boasting an array of other benefits. However, diffusers require proper maintenance. This ultimate guide will show you how to clean a diffuser with easy-to-follow steps.

Why Cleaning Your Essential Oil Diffuser Is Important

It is essential to clean your diffuser to allow it to perform to its best ability. The diffuser can function properly after a deep clean. It can release wonderful odours apart from removing toxins from the air in your home. If your diffuser is not appropriately maintained, it might not release relaxing scents that could relax/energise you, regardless of the essential oil you buy.

How to Clean a Diffuser

Cleaning your diffuser can avoid a build-up of residue. To clean your essential oil diffuser, here is what you need:

• Cotton bud or q tip
• Clean, freshwater
• Vinegar
• Clean, dry towel

Step 1: Unplug the Diffuser

The first step to clean your essential oil diffuser is easy. Begin with removing the diffuser from its power source for safety purposes, and remove any essential oil that’s remaining inside. Ideally, clean your diffuser when the oil has run out, as this will prevent a waste of essential oil.

Step 2: Fill With Clean Water

Fill the diffuser with clean water (tap is fine). Be careful that you don’t fill the water past the water levels. It can pose a safety hazard and affect the diffuser’s effectiveness at cycling the liquid effectively.

Step 3: Add Pure White Vinegar

Next, it is time to add white vinegar to clean water to create an effective cleaning solution. Water can remove particles, but it isn’t effective enough for a thorough cleaning. Pouring vinegar into the diffuser can remove any lingering essential oil or bacteria that built up in the diffuser. It can also help to create a clean slate before adding a new oil diffuser.

Step 4: Use a Cotton Swab

A cotton swab or q-tip can work well to remove any deposits in the diffuser. You can purchase a unique cleaning brush, but a cotton swab is adequate. Ensure that you dip the swab in vinegar before placing it in the diffuser, as this will cut through any leftover deposits. After you’ve done this, use a paper towel to wipe away the residue from the diffuser’s interior.

Step 5: Rinse the Diffuser Afterward

After this, rinse the diffuser with clean water again, making sure that it’s not above the fill line. Allow the water to sit for several minutes and empty it. Dry again with a paper towel to remove any moisture from the interior.

You can then follow up by using a dry cloth on the diffuser’s inside, using a swab to dry hard-to-reach areas. Allow the diffuser to air dry before adding any essential oil.

How Often Should You Clean Your Essential Oil Diffuser?

For the best maintenance, you should rinse your essential oil diffuser after every use or when you are changing oil scents. Depending on how often you use your diffuser, we suggest a deep clean around once a month to prevent dust build-up, which can affect how it works.

Why Your Diffuser Doesn’t Have a Pleasant Smell Anymore

There are many reasons why your diffuser might not be creating a wonderful aroma in your home, one of which may be the build-up of mould. Without regular maintenance, the humid space within the diffuser creates the perfect environment for mould to thrive. Most essential oil diffusers on the market come with instructions on preventing mould growth or coming with specific cleaning products.

Using vinegar is an effective (and natural) solution that kills and removes mould from infected areas. You can try this home cleaning hack.

• Add around 10 drops of vinegar with clean water into the diffuser.
• Run the diffuser for 3–5 minutes before you empty the liquid and rinse it properly.

Some essential oils effectively remove a lot of moulds, including tea tree, peppermint, lemon, cinnamon, basil, clove oil, and much more.

Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Diffuser in Tip-Top Condition

There are many ways to properly care for your diffuser to prevent any maintenance problems by cleaning it all year round. Here are our top tips for an effective and efficient diffuser:

• Use room temperature water in your diffuser. Use tap water if you have to, but ideally, use filtered water because this doesn’t contain minerals that can cause build-up.
• Try to avoid any water on the diffuser’s exterior operating buttons or vents. To empty any excess water, tilt the diffuser to one side while avoiding any electrical components.
• Always follow the water level. You don’t want to overfill your diffuser with water, so use this as a guide.
• It’s okay to clean the lid with soapy water. However, avoid abrasive products such as rubbing alcohol.
• If you own a Young Living diffuser, avoid using vinegar inside. It could damage the ultrasonic plate.
• Don’t leave standing water in the diffuser for long periods.
• Remove any dust surrounding the diffuser. It can impact its effectiveness.
• Use high-grade essential oils that are free from fillers or additives.

Benefits of an Essential Oil Diffuser

If you don’t already own an essential oil diffuser, below are some of the significant benefits of using one in your home:

Improved Sleep

Not all of us get enough good-quality sleep each night. It can lead to:

• difficulty performing tasks
• increased irritability
• decreased concentration
• mood imbalances
• unhealthy food choices
• and more.

Thanks to many essential oils being available in lavender, rose, and more relaxing scents, a diffuser can help you to fall asleep easier at night and stay asleep for longer. The trickling water sounds and buzz of an essential oil diffuser by your bed can help you fall asleep. Many units are available on the market that comes with built-in white noise to increase a calming effect.

Stress Reduction

Nobody likes to feel stressed. Fortunately, an essential oil diffuser can help you feel calmer, have reduced panic or nervousness, and more. An essential oil diffuser in your home can directly affect how your brain operates with anxiety and stress. It also helps to reduce your heart rate and blood pressure so you can relax.

The top essential oils for feeling calmer are lavender, black pepper, arnica, and peppermint. These essential oils have a way of calming the mind and body.

Repels Insects

Nobody likes insects, such as mosquitos, ticks, and bugs, in their home. They can carry diseases that can make people and pets feel unwell. One of the safest ways to free your home of insects so the problem doesn’t arise is by repelling them in the first place.

To repel mosquitos, opt for lemongrass and peppermint oil. For fleas, use cedarwood, citronella and pine. For ticks, use rose geranium, juniper and grapefruit.

Removes Bad Smells From Your Home

Homes can be prone to bad smells, including tobacco, dust, sweat, food, and more. Fortunately, essential oils can eliminate musty smells that are floating in the air or settling on furniture. These oils can kill bacteria and fungi in the air that cause these terrible smells.

For kitchen smells that linger in your home for a long time, opt for citronella, verbena and vanilla. These oils don’t just mask lingering scents around your home but remove them to leave the place smelling fresh.

Increase Energy

Most of us want to have more energy in the day without reaching for caffeine. Many essential oils can increase vitality and reduce fatigue to boost your energy levels—like you’ve had a cup of coffee. Some of the top oils for energy levels include basil, ginger, thyme, rosemary, peppermint, lime, grapefruit, and more.

The Best Place to Keep Your Diffuser

There are many places to keep a diffuser, such as indoors or at the office. As a general rule of thumb, we suggest keeping your diffuser in the room where you spend most of your time. For more people, this is in the kitchen, bedroom, or living room.

Room Guide

A common mistake is placing the diffuser in the corner of the room. Instead, you want to keep it in the centre of the room to allow the oil to spread easily. If this isn’t possible, try to keep diffusers away from the wall.

Floor Guide

There’s no crime in keeping your diffuser on the floor (so long as it’s not on the carpet), but we recommend keeping it at least two feet from the floor. And, if keeping it in your bedroom, place it at least three feet from the bed to not overpower you with oils while you sleep.

Where Not to Place

You should also avoid placing these products too close to direct sunlight, such as near a window. Also, prevent keeping it on top of wood surfaces that are prone to moisture damage. If you must, use a moisture-resistant tray underneath to avoid any issues with mist droplets.

You can smell the oils when you are in a sitting position or positioned in the room.

It Doesn’t Get Greener With Essential Oils

Essential oils offer so many benefits for your overall well-being. In addition to making your home smell good and relaxing, they also help with health issues, particularly anxiety and stress. However, essential oils become ineffective if you do not maintain their diffusers properly.

We hope you enjoyed reading the above steps on how to clean a diffuser. It’s essential to look after your appliances to improve their longevity. In this scenario, the quality of your environment. If you have any additional cleaning tips or functionality advice that you’d like to share, we encourage you to leave your feedback in the comments!