Who doesn’t want their home or office space to smell like fresh flowers or vanilla ice cream or lemon or anything you like. Aroma diffuser can help you achieve this and much more. Whether you use your aroma diffuser for aromatherapy or increase your focus at work, it is important to keep your electric aroma diffuser clean so that it can work effectively and there is no build up of bacteria or mold.
In this blog, we’ll go through the easy steps of cleaning an aroma diffuser, all the materials you need to clean, why it is important to clean an aroma diffuser, how often you should clean your electric aroma diffuser and what should be avoided while cleaning.
Materials You’ll Need to Clean Your Aroma Diffuser
To clean your aroma diffuser, you just need a few simple household items:
- Cotton swabs or a soft cloth
- Distilled water (recommended to avoid mineral build-up)
- White vinegar or rubbing alcohol (for deeper cleaning)
- A bowl (optional)
- Paper towels or a soft dry cloth
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Aroma Diffuser
Now that we know what all you need to clean your aroma diffuser, let’s go over the cleaning process itself. Follow these simple steps below to clean your aroma diffusers for home perfectly:
Unplug and Empty the Diffuser
When handling an electric aroma diffuser, the first thing you should keep in mind is to unplug your electric diffuser. This will not only protect your diffuser from any damage but also ensures that there are no electrical mishaps that could potentially hurt you. Empty the water tank to remove any leftover essential oil or water from your previous use.
Wipe Down the Water Tank
After removing all the leftovers, clean the inside of the water tank with a soft cloth to remove any excess moisture, dust or oil residue. Don’t scratch the surface too hard, be gentle in the process.
Clean the Ultrasonic Plate
If your diffuser doesn't need deep cleansing, it is best to just clean the ultrasonic plate. Most diffusers use ultrasonic vibrations to disperse the essential oils. When used for a long time, this plate can accumulate oil residue.
Here is what you should do to clean it:
- Prepare a mixture of distilled water and white vinegar in equal parts, dip a cotton swab or soft cloth into it. (If white vinegar is not available, you can just use distilled water).
- Now, start by gently rubbing the ultrasonic plate in a circular motion carefully so that you don’t put too much pressure on the plate.
Deep Clean with Vinegar or Alcohol (Optional)
If your ultrasonic diffuser is not cleaned for a while and you have been noticing built-up oil, it’s high time to deep clean your aroma diffuser.
Follow these steps to deep clean:
- Start with adding 1-2 teaspoons of white vinegar into the water tank.
- Fill the rest of the tank with distilled water. (Make sure that you don’t overfill the diffuser as it can lead to damage).
- Now lug in the diffuser and rub it for 5-10 minutes without any essential oils in it. This will help in breaking down any stubborn residue inside the tank and on the ultrasonic plate.
- After 5-10 minutes, turn the diffuser off and unplug it. Now drain all the cleaning solution from the diffuser and empty the tank.
- Now using a cleaning brush or a clean cotton swab, clean the inside of the diffuser so that any remaining oil deposit lingering on your diffuser can be cleaned out completely.
Clean the Exterior
Once the inside of your aroma diffuser is clean, move to the outer parts of the diffuser. To clean the exterior, take a damp cloth and wipe down the outer surface. Try not to use any chemicals or any hard scrubbers that could damage the surface.
Dry Thoroughly
Once the interior is clean, give everything a final wipe with a dry cloth or paper towel. Leave the lid off and allow the water tank to air dry completely before using it again. This helps prevent mold and mildew growth inside the diffuser.
Reassemble and Enjoy
Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble your diffuser. Add fresh water and your favorite essential oils, and you’re ready to enjoy a fresh, fragrant atmosphere once again.
Why is Cleaning Your Aroma Diffuser Important?
Cleaning a diffuser can seem like an unnecessary or tedious task and we often forget to clean it. However, it is very important to keep your electric diffuser clean to prevent blockages and to diffuser oil uses for a long time.
Here are some reasons why your aroma diffuser need proper cleaning:
Improved Performance
If you use your aroma diffuser on a daily basis and don’t pay much attention to cleaning it, it can lead to decrease in performance, causing your essential oils to not diffuse as effectively. Over time essential oils can build up, causing blockage that can interfere with the mechanism of the diffuser. To avoid any blockage, timely maintenance is important.
Prevents Mold & Bacteria Build-Up
Essential oils can leave behind residue in your diffuser. If not cleaned regularly, this residue can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. So, deep cleaning is important to prevent any mold or bacteria growing inside your diffuser.
Prolongs the Life of the Diffuser
Proper cleaning and maintenance can increase the lifespan of your aroma diffuser as it helps maintain the internal components of your essential oil diffuser.
Keeps the Aroma Fresh
Essential oils such as rose, camomile, sandalwood are prone to leave behind residue as they have high viscosity. Even if you empty and refill it, the smell is still there. A clean diffuser makes sure that you don’t get any stale or mixed fragrances, so you can enjoy your favourite essential oil and receive the benefits.
How Often Should You Clean Your Aroma Diffuser?
Even though there is a hard and fast rule for how often you should clean your an oil diffuser. It depends on how often you use the diffuser but the general guidelines are:
- Weekly: If you use your diffuser regularly, it is best that you clean it every week to maintain good performance.
- After Every Use: If you love using different essential oil every time, it is a good idea to rinse the tank with water after each use.
- Monthly Deep Clean: You can deep clean your aroma diffuser every month to completely remove any residue or buildup from previous uses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Washing the Diffuser
To get the most out of your diffuser, here are a few things to avoid:
- Never Use Tap Water: Always opt for distilled water to avoid mineral build-up, which can damage the ultrasonic plate.
- Avoid Leaving Essential Oils in the Diffuser: If you don’t clean your diffuser regularly, the oils can mix and spoil, causing the scent to become unpleasant.
- No Harsh Chemicals: Avoid bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals as they could damage the internal components or leave harmful residues behind.
Conclusion
Cleaning your diffuser can seem like a lot of work, but it is quite simple and it can make a big difference in the performance of your ultrasonic aroma diffuser. It not only maintains hygiene but also improves the quality of scent. By following these easy steps, you can continue enjoying a peaceful, aromatic environment in your home for months or even years to come.