A wellness routine that fits into your life is of the essence. Be it simple workouts, hitting the gym, or jogging, the simpler the method, the better. And using an essential oil diffuser is an effortless way of bringing wellness into your living space.
Essential oils have been in use for centuries. Their complex blend of therapeutic benefits and aromas has also seen them play an indispensable role in modern life. Apart from making the room smell better, they have many uses in the food and cosmetic industries.
Research proves essential oils contain a mixture of molecules obtained from plant organs. Leaves and flowers contain the highest concentration of essential oils in a plant. If plants gain this much from essential oils, how much more do you stand to gain? Once you know all that, the next thing is to get the essential oils from the plant to the room, office, or car. So, how do you do that?
Think essential oil diffusers. Whether you use a nebulizer or an ultrasonic diffuser, the principle is constant. Diffusers break down the complex chains of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons of essential oils into small molecules. These molecules then disperse as tiny, breathable particles into your room.
Common types of essential oil diffusers
When it comes down to buying a diffuser, the kind of diffuser you buy will depend on:
- Cost of the diffuser
- Availability of the diffuser type
- Size of your room
- Dispersion capacity of the diffuser
- Your tastes and preference
What to look for when buying an essential oil diffuser
1. Timer
A timer determines the frequency of releasing essential oils. Most diffusers have an interval of 1, 2, or 4 hours. The timer allows the diffuser to run for some minutes or continuously, depending on the type of diffuser.
2. Mist adjuster
An adjuster allows you to determine the number of essential oils you want to diffuse in your room. The button or knob should have an allowance of low, high, or medium setting.
3. Low noise level
A nebulizer diffuser produces a lower noise as compared to an ultrasonic diffuser. The noise comes from the release of the pressured air, which means that you will barely notice it.
4. Wide dispersion capacity
A diffuser should cover the entirety of a room.
5. Lightweight
Since it is an essential item, a diffuser should be cordless, rechargeable, and electric to allow you to carry it with you wherever you go easily.
6. Manufacturer guarantee
A warranty is a standard feature in many diffusers. It ensures that in the event of a malfunction, the manufacturer will repair your diffuser.
The above factors will largely determine the type of diffuser you opt for.
There are two main types of essential oil diffusers on the market right now:
-
Nebulizer diffuser
When you want to buy a silent diffuser, uses no water, and do not produce heat but still look classy, consider acquiring this diffuser. It has no plastic parts, which means that it feels and looks expensive. Its usage is simple because it only requires you to pour pure essential oils into its reservoir. After that, it will work to disperse the essence and aroma of the oil.
It works in the following ways:
- Air under high pressure forces a current through a small tube. The low pressure at the end of the tube reduces the speed and direction of the air.
- The change in pressure, speed, and direction create a sucking force that causes essential oils to rise upwards.
- As the oil is rising, the pressured air separates it into tiny particles.
- The oil particles then rise and are emitted out of the glass container in the form of a dry mist.
- The remaining particles drop back into the container, thus creating a cycle that only ends when the container is empty.
Nebulizing diffusers are low maintenance since they don’t require water or heat. They are a great choice for the environmentally conscious people.
2. Ultrasonic diffuser
This is also known as a humidifying diffuser. It works in the following ways:
- Water dilutes the essential oils to enable the ultrasonic vibrations to work.
- The diffuser generates tiny waves above the human hearing ability. These waves break up the essential oil into fine molecules. The fine particles then create a visible, aromatic mist.
Other than giving your room a fragrance, this diffuser also adds moisture to your room. This makes it a great choice, especially during the cold season. It is important to note, however, that this type of diffuser requires extra attention and care because its plastic parts are prone to corrosion by the oils.
Pro tips on cleaning your diffuser
After reaping the many benefits of owning a diffuser, it is now time for some maintenance. To continue reaping the endless benefits of essential oils, it is important that you take care of your diffuser. The following are some pro tips on how you can clean and maintain your diffuser.
Just like any other appliance that you use at home, diffusers are also prone to catching some dirt. To avoid dirt build-up, regular cleaning is mandatory. There are several methods you can use to clean your diffuser.
Before we review them, however, first things first:
Turn off and unplug the diffuser. As simple as that might sound, it should be the first step you take before you start cleaning your diffuser. This will help avoid accidents such as electrocution and possible damage to your diffuser.
Before commencing the cleaning exercise, it is important to read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps avoid common mistakes that could damage your diffuser. It is worth noting that each diffuser is manufactured differently.
-
Deep cleaning
- Fill your diffuser with clean water. The water should be preferably at room temperatures.
- Add white vinegar. Experts recommend using approximately ten drops. Vinegar breaks down the essential oil particles.
- Switch on your diffuser and let it run for a few minutes. This step allows any oils stuck on the diffuser to break down.
- Flush out the water
- Using a soft cloth, swab or brush, wipe the inside of the tank. Concentrate on the grunge that could be stuck to the sides of the tank.
- Afterward, wipe the outer surface of your diffuser with a clean cloth.
2. Wiping
- Pour out the water in the diffuser. Experts recommend that you do this from the back to avoid damaging the buttons.
- Pour a small amount of dishwashing soap on a piece of cloth or cotton swab.
- Gently wipe the inside and outside of your diffuser.
- Dab persistently on the grime to remove it effectively.
- Use a clean damp cloth to rinse the soap residue. Do this by wiping the inside and outside of your diffuser gently. Repeat this step until there is no soap remaining on your diffuser.
- Clean the ultrasonic chip inside the water tank. To do this, just take a clean cloth, dip it in rubbing alcohol, and gently wipe the chip to avoid damage.
Get Glowing And Radiant Skin With These Fabulous Essential Oils
Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning your essential oil diffuser
- Avoid soggy clothes since they may get water under the buttons and lead to a malfunction.
- Avoid using hard bristles because they may scratch surfaces and cause your diffuser to look old.
- Clean your hands thoroughly before working on the diffuser to avoid getting more grime onto it
- Do not let water and oil sit in the diffuser for long. This makes the diffuser harder to clean.
- Avoid cleaning your diffuser while plugged in.
- Do not use water that has been sitting in the diffuser to clean the diffuser.
- Do not use harsh chemicals. These can harm your diffuser or leave a persistent smell that will affect the natural scent of your essential oil.
- Do not use more soap than needed because it will make the cleaning process longer than necessary.
Final Thoughts on Maintaining a Clean Essential Oil Diffuser
Using essential oil diffusers comes with many benefits. Among them is the fact that they allow you to use our essential oils easily whenever you need to. With enough research backing the use of oils, all you will need is an oil diffuser to enjoy their full benefits. Essential oils promote better sleep, relieve pain, improve skin conditions, encourage digestion, and help you breathe better.
No better way exists of reaping these benefits than using a diffuser. It is affordable, portable, and convenient. Whichever type of diffuser you choose. However, it is necessary that you take good care of your diffuser in the same way it takes care of you.
