How to Clean an Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential oil diffusers use a heat source to break down the components of essential oils to fill a room with scent. The oils can add to a calm and relaxing atmosphere, a clean essence to your home like doTerra's abode line, or create a boost of energy in workspaces, all depending upon the type of oil used. To keep any diffuser working its best, regular cleaning is a must.

How Often to Clean an Essential Oil Diffuser

Ideally, a diffuser should be rinsed clean after every use, especially if you are changing the oil scents. Then, depending on how frequently the diffuser is used, it should be thoroughly cleaned at least monthly to remove dust and build-up that affects how well it works.

What You Need

Supplies

• All-natural dishwashing detergent
• Water
• Rubbing alcohol

Tools

• Soft cotton or microfiber cloth
• Cotton swab

How to Clean an Essential Oil Diffuser After Every Use

1. Unplug the Diffuser

   Never clean a diffuser or any small appliance while it is still turned on and plugged into a power source.

2. Empty and Clean the Reservoir

   Pour out any water and oil mixture that remains in the diffuser reservoir. Water that is left standing for a period of time can develop mold and mildew spores.

   Wet a soft cloth with plain water and dot with just a tiny amount of all-natural dishwashing detergent. Use the cloth to wipe out the water reservoir. Rinse out the cleaned reservoir with plain water and dry completely.

3. Clean the Ultrasonic Plate or Chip

   The ultrasonic plate or chip breaks down the oils into base molecules and then uses water as a transference mechanism to disperse them into the air. What looks like steam is caused by the ultrasonic vibrations causing the the separation of oil molecules and creating an ultra-fine mist.

   To work properly, the ultrasonic chip must be cleaned regularly. Simply dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and rub it over the chip to remove excess oil build-up.

4. Reassemble the Diffuser

   After reassembling the diffuser, it is ready to refill and use again.

How to Deep Clean an Essential Oil Diffuser

At least monthly, the diffuser should be given a thorough cleaning to keep it working at an optimum level.

What You Will Need

Supplies

• Water
• Distilled white vinegar
• Rubbing alcohol

Tools

• Soft cloth
• Cotton swab

1. Empty Any Standing Water

   Before doing a deep cleaning of the diffuser, unplug the appliance and empty any standing water and essential oils. Never submerge any part of the diffuser in water or get excess moisture into any control buttons.

2. Fill the Diffuser With the Cleaning Solution

   Fill the diffuser with plain water to approximately half full. Add 10 drops of distilled white vinegar to help clean and disinfect the reservoir tank.

   Do not use any other type of vinegar or cleaner in the tank.

3. Run the Diffuser

   Plug-in the diffuser and allow it to run for 10 to 15 minutes. This will give the vinegar and water solution time to cut through any built-up oils in the tank.

4. Unplug and Empty the Reservoir

   Unplug the diffuser and empty the vinegar and water solution. Use a soft cloth to wipe down and dry the reservoir.

5. Clean the Ultrasonic Chip

   Give the ultrasonic chip or plate a wipe down with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to ensure that it is completely clean and oil-free.

6. Wipe Down the Outside

   With the diffuser still unplugged, use a cloth dampened with plain water to wipe down the exterior of the appliance. Reassemble the diffuser and it is ready for the next use.

Troubleshooting Diffuser Problems

If your diffuser is not working properly, a simple cleaning may solve the problem. If not, give these tips a try:

No Power Light

• Check that the power plug is fully connected to the electrical outlet.
• Check the power supply to the electrical outlet.
• Make sure the diffuser is filled with water to the correct level.
• Empty the diffuser and allow it to dry out for at least 24 hours, refill, and try again.

Low Diffusion

• Check water levels. Water may be too low.
• Clean ultrasonic plate and dispersion outlet and remove oil build-up

Diffuser Feels Hot to the Touch

• Check that the water levels are not too high.
• Unplug and empty the reservoir. Allow the diffuser to cool and refill correctly.
• Check to be sure the fan intake is not obstructed or dirty.

Tip to Keep Your Essential Oil Diffuser Clean Longer

Your essential oil diffuser can last longer if maintained properly. After each use, empty the diffuser out, wipe out with a paper towel dampened with vinegar, and wipe it out again with a dry paper towel. Doing this will not only keep any leftover oil from mixing in with the next one you use, but will also help prevent any corrosion on the diffuser's parts.