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September 19, 2020 By Carrie Smith Nicholson

A Simple Guide for How to Clean an Essential Oil Diffuser

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 How to clean essential oils diffuser - The easiest way to begin using essential oils is aromatically with an ultrasonic diffuser. All you need to do is add some water to the reservoir, a few drops of essential oils, put the cover on top and start it up. Within moments you’ll be enjoying the aromatic benefits of your favorite essential oils. While it certainly is easy to start using a diffuser, you will need to give that diffuser a good cleaning once in awhile. Thankfully, it’s not a very difficult task! Let me show you how to clean your essential oil diffuser.

The easiest way to start using essential oils is aromatically using an ultrasonic diffuser. But how do you keep your essential oil diffuser clean?

While it certainly is easy to start using a diffuser, you will need to give that diffuser a good cleaning once in awhile.

Thankfully, it’s not a very difficult task! Let me show you how to clean a diffuser.

Tips for cleaning an essential oils diffuser

Notice problems with your diffuser

The standard ultrasonic diffuser includes a reservoir area for the water and oil mixture that includes a small disc at the bottom and a lid that goes over the reservoir.

After using a diffuser on a regular basis you may notice that residue starts to build up and the the reservoir can look a bit dingy inside.

This could be from hard-water build up (if you’re using tap water) or the residue from the oils you’ve been diffusing.

You may also notice the diffuser isn’t releasing as much mist or it’s sounding louder. Those are also signs that it’s time for a good cleaning.

How to properly clean a diffuser

No matter what kind of diffuser you have at home to use with essential oils, here are some common tips for properly cleaning a diffuser.

1. Turn off and unplug

Before learning how to clean a diffuser start by turning off and unplugging it. You do not want to hurt yourself or cause any mechanical issues during the cleaning process.

Don’t forget to empty out any remaining water and oils so the reservoir is completely empty before cleaning.

2. Use warm water

Simply wipe out the outside with a warm, wet cotton cloth to clean any gunk or other build-up.

But remember that the base of the diffuser cannot be submerged in water. There’s a motor inside and lots of mechanical bits that should not get wet!

3. Clean with rubbing alcohol

While the outside shouldn’t be submerged in water, you can give the inside of the reservoir a good cleaning.

Dab a cotton swab or cotton towel with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar, and wipe down the inside and outside of the diffuser.

4. Rinse and wipe clean

After wiping everything down with alcohol give it a good “rinsing” with a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining build-up or product.

5. Wipe down regularly

Keep your diffuser clean on a regular basis by giving it a good wipe down each time you use it.

Whenever you refill the diffuser give the reservoir a quick wipe with a damp paper towel. This will keep some of the build-up from forming!

Then, once every month or two, give it a deeper cleaning. You can clean it with a mixture of vinegar and water or purchase a special cleaning solution.

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An alternative to quickly clean a diffuser

1. Fill your diffuser like normal

Fill the reservoir of the diffuser with water like you normally would when diffusing oils.

2. Mix in pure white vinegar

Add 8-10 drops of pure white vinegar, or about a tablespoon or so of white vinegar (no need to measure, just pour some into the water).

3. Turn on and run the diffuser

Run the diffuser for 5-15 minutes depending on how much cleaning is needed. Turn off the diffuser and let the mixture sit in the diffuser for an hour or two.

4. Clean as needed

If the ultrasonic plate (the small disc at the bottom of the reservoir) still looks dirty, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently wipe it clean.

The lid is usually the easiest part to clean — soapy water and a good rinse will do the trick.

If the outside needs a cleaning, wipe it down with a damp cloth (remember: don’t submerge the base in water).

5. Drain & wipe down thoroughly

Finally, empty the diffuser and wipe it out with a damp rag or paper towel.

If you want to skip the vinegar mixture, you can purchase a cleaning solution that’s made specifically for cleaning an ultrasonic diffuser.

Tip: when there seems to be an odor that won’t go away, wipe out the reservoir with some imitation vanilla (which should neutralize the odor on the plastic) and then diffuse water to remove the odor completely.

how to clean a diffuser


A method for cleaning a nebulizing diffuser

Instead of filling a reservoir with water, a bottle of essential oil is attached directly to a nebulizing diffuser, giving you a very strong mist of oil. That also means it’s a bit harder to clean.

If you’ve diffused thicker or stickier oils, they may clog the diffuser or impede the performance if you don’t give them a good cleaning once in awhile.

Take the pieces apart as much as you able and soak (the non-mechanical bits) in a bowl of water with a tablespoon of vinegar added. The outside of the base and other parts can simply be wiped down with a damp cloth.

Evaporative diffusers vary so be sure to check the guidelines that are included with yours for any special care and cleaning tips.

Properly cleaning an evaporative diffuser

Cleaning an evaporative diffuser is very simple since they’re usually aren’t any small parts to fiddle with. Remove the scented pad and wipe everything down with a damp cloth.

Re-insert the pad and you’re ready to diffuse!

One last tip:

If you have a diffuser from DoTerra or Young Living, DiffuserDoc might be able to help you out with replacement discs.


Related Content:

How to Diffuse Essential Oils

Must-Have Essential Oil Accessories

How to Diffuse without a Diffuser

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aromatic Usage, Essential Oil Tips

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About Me

Carrie Smith Nicholson

Hi there, I'm Carrie and I'm an Aromatherapist in training who has been using essential oils for 4 years! After working for over a decade as a small business accountant, I developed debilitating migraines on a weekly basis. That's when I discovered essential oils as a way to naturally treat sore muscles, headaches and even eye strain. Read More…

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