How to clean an essential oil diffuser to keep it working great and not putting germs into the air.

I use my essential oil diffuser almost daily, especially since we've been sick the last few weeks.  I just go through the motions of putting water and a few drops of oils in and turn it on.  

Now before we move on, you have to know that my house is surrounded by trees and there's almost no natural light in the house.  There are corners that are dark even at noon.  

So when I moved my essential oil diffuser to a new spot with better lighting, don't judge me that I didn't notice that it was kind of gross.

To be honest, I had never thought about cleaning my diffuser.  Until I saw it.  

Then I learned real quick how to clean an essential oil diffuser without vinegar.

HOW TO CLEAN AN ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER WITHOUT VINEGAR

Now before we move on to the directions, I want to say that this may void your warranty.  I am currently using two inexpensive diffusers that I got for about $12 each.  I'm not worried about their warranty.

This is the exact diffuser that I bought from Amazon a few years ago.  I found my second one at a discount store.  It's a different brand name, but they are the exact same thing.


It's a great basic model.  I like the color changing feature because I use that to remind me that it's on so I can turn if off if I leave the house while I'm using it.  

If you are using an expensive diffuser or don't want to take the risk, then check with the manufacturer before trying to clean your essential oil diffuser.

Your diffuser should have come with an instruction book that will tell you how to clean it.  If it didn't or if you lost it, you should be able to find it online or call the manufacturer.

Most people recommend using vinegar to clean your essential oil diffuser.  I use vinegar a lot for cleaning, but I don't like the smell.

I use liquid castile soap to clean my diffuser instead of vinegar.  It's very gentle and has no odor, so it won't make your diffuser smell like vinegar or contaminate the scent of your oils.  

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER?

Obviously more often than I have been!  

You should do a quick clean on your diffuser each time you change oils.  Then you won't have residual oils mixing with the other oils.

Essential oils can also break down plastic.  It may take years for your to see the effects, but it's still a good idea to clean your diffuser after each use to prevent this.  

I am guilty about not doing this.  I have one diffuser set up almost exclusively for Breathe Easy, but I do change out the oils in my other one regularly.  

But now that I know better, I have been doing a quick clean each time I use my diffuser.  

You should plan to deep clean your diffuser about once a month, depending on how often you use it.  I use mine almost daily, so I've added it to my beginning of the month chores.

CAN YOU USE TAP WATER IN A DIFFUSER?

Technically you can, but I don't recommend it.  We have well water with a lot of solids.  I buy distilled water or use my Zero Water filter to fill my diffuser now.

WHY IS MY ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER NOT MISTING?

Your essential oil diffuser might not be misting for one of several reasons.  Some units won't work if the water is too cold.

It might be a faulty diffuser unit that you will need to replace.  Or it could be due to a dirty diffuser.  I would unplug it and try cleaning it before replacing.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED TO CLEAN MY ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER?

Personally, I could see grime in mine.  You might also notice that your diffuser isn't working as well as it used it.

If you notice one of the following, it's probably time for a deep clean:

• It isn't letting off any mist.
• Mist comes out in spurts or unevenly.
• It makes an odd noise.
• It becomes really loud.

HOW TO QUICK CLEAN YOUR ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER

Do a quick cleaning every time you use your diffuser and when you change oils.  This will help prevent your old oil from blending with the new oil, which can change the scent or the effects.

You don't want to diffuse an awake blend along with your nighttime blend!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• microfiber cloth
• cotton swab
• rubbing alcohol

STEP #1

Unplug your diffuser.  

STEP #2

Pour out any water that's in the reservoir tank.

STEP #3

Use a microfiber cloth or cotton cloth to wipe out the inside of the diffuser.  

STEP #4

Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the plat that's on the bottom of the diffuser.

STEP #5

Finish by cleaning the outside of the diffuser with a microfiber or cotton cloth.  

HOW TO DEEP CLEAN YOUR ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER

Plan to deep clean your essential oil diffuser once a month for best results.  If your diffuser isn't working properly or is making loud noises, then you should do a deep clean.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Liquid castile soap
• Microfiber cloth
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton swab
• Lemon essential oil (optional)

STEP #1

Unplug your diffuser.

STEP #2

Remove all pieces from your diffuser and clean them separately.  

STEP #3

Add a few drops of liquid castile soap to a few cups of warm water in a bowl.  Use a microfiber cloth or a soft cotton cloth to wash all external pieces.  Be careful not to get the cord or the base submerged in water.

STEP #4

Use a clean toothbrush or a cotton swab to get into the crevices and the bottom to get it clean.  Clean the plate on the bottom of the reservoir with a cotton swab to get it clean.

STEP #5

If there are stubborn areas, use a drop of lemon essential oil to get the grime off.

STEP #6

Wipe down all parts to dry them.  Let dry and then reassemble and use as normal.

Now it looks brand new again!

 If there is a lingering odor, I've heard that wiping it with imitation vanilla will help.  The alcohol will help dissolve the oils, and vanilla is a good deodorizer.  I haven't tried it, but it sounds like it should work.

You can also clean the inside of your diffuser with a special tablet.  Just run it with the tablet, and it cleans itself.

Learning how to clean an essential oil diffuser without vinegar will help extend the life of your device.  Get into the habit of doing a quick clean each time you use your diffuser and a deep clean once a month.

Whether you are new to essential oils or have been using them for a while, here are some posts that I think you'll enjoy:

• The Best Essential Oil Diffuser And How to Use It
• Must Have Essential Oil Accessories
• Essential Oil Hacks
• DIY Essential Oil Storage Box