Diffuser Cleaning Tips for Keeping Your Area Smelling Pleasant

Mold exposure can cause coughing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, and that's if you're not sensitive to it. If you have asthma or an allergy, you may experience fever and shortness of breath. 

Needless to say, it's not something you want to be breathing in. 

The thing is, you might inadvertently expose yourself to mold without regular essential oil diffuser cleaning. You see after you use your diffuser, there will still be some water left behind in the reservoir. It creates the ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow and thrive. 

So, if you run your diffuser after not cleaning it for a bit, it's likely that you're dispursing black mold particles into the air. The good news is that you can use the items in your pantry to keep mold out of your home. Check out this guide to learn more. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Diffuser? 

Every time that your diffuser runs out of water, you should take the time to do a basic cleanup. Once or twice a month, you'll do a deeper clean to keep mold and mildew away. 

Some homeowners never have to deal with mold because many essential oils fight against it, but it's not a risk that you should take. Besides, oil residue from your products can clog up your diffuser and prevent it from running correctly.

You should also clean the device before switching oils. If you don't, your home will end up smelling like a combination of several different products.

The last thing you want to smell is a combination of lavender and citrus while you're trying to fall asleep.  

Empty the Diffuser 

To get started, unplug your diffuser and rid it of any water and oil. This process looks a little different for every machine. 

You'll need to grab the instruction manual (or look up your model online if you threw your booklet away) and read up on how to empty it. You may have to take a few extra precautions when taking the machine apart and putting it back together. 

Grab the White Vinegar 

As far as cleaning agents go, you have two choices. The first one is white vinegar. Due to its high acid content, it's a powerful cleaner. 

Grab a bowl and combine equal parts vinegar and water. Dip a cloth into the solution and run it along the inside of the water reservoir. 

Pay special attention to the edges, as this is the area of the machine where you'll find the most oil build-up. When the reservoir is good and clean, dry your diffuser with a cotton ball. If you leave any moisture behind, it could cause mold to grow. 

Use Dishwashing Liquid 

If you don't like the smell of vinegar, you can use dishwashing liquid instead. It will get rid of the excess oil in the machine thanks to its ability to cut through grease. 

Add a few drops of liquid to a cloth and wipe down the inside of the machine. When it comes time to rinse it, you can either run the diffuser under the water faucet or if you don't want to risk getting the outlet wet, use a wet cloth. 

Once you've gotten out all the soap, dry the inside of the machine with a cotton ball. 

Clean the Ultrasonic Plate 

Most machines contain an ultrasonic plate that allows them to diffuse essential oils throughout your home. Without it, the diffuser wouldn't be able to create mist. 

To keep this plate functioning as it should, you've got to keep it clean. Take out a cotton swab and add a dab of rubbing alcohol to it. 

Run the cotton swab along the ultrasonic plate to get rid of any dirt and debris. 

Deep Cleaning the Diffuser

The instructions above will help you with general essential oil diffuser cleaning. Deep cleaning works a bit differently. 

Again, you'll need to perform this chore every one or two months to keep your machine working. 

Pour in the Vinegar 

As with regular cleaning, you'll need to unplug and empty your diffuser. After that, fill the machine halfway with water before adding about a tablespoon of vinegar to it. 

If you don't like the smell of vinegar, citric acid works as well. The instructions are pretty much the same. 

Run the Diffuser

Take your diffuser to the most well-ventilated area of your home and turn it on. You'll want to leave the room while the machine runs because breathing in vinegar vapor will irritate your eyes, throat, and lungs. 

Keep the diffuser going for about 5 minutes. That should be enough time for the vinegar to vibrate around the reservoir and get rid of any debris. 

Unplug and Empty 

Unplug your diffuser and empty out the vinegar solution. From there, it's business as usual. Use a cloth and either vinegar or dish liquid to wipe out the inside of the machine. 

Clean the ultrasonic plate using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab and remove any dust from the outside of the diffuser. 

Diffuser Cleaning Tips to Live By

If you neglect regular diffuser cleaning, your machine could grow mold. Essential oils also leave behind residue that can clog up a diffuser.

On top of breaking the diffuser, the scent of the oil residue will mingle with the fresh oil you put in the machine. By keeping your diffuser clean, you keep your house smelling pleasant. 

Are you looking for oils to put in your diffuser? Go here to check out our collection.