It is a common story: You meet diffuser. You use your diffuser every day. You start to notice the quality of the scent begin to fade and get muddled. At that point you just through it out, but what if there was another end to this story?
On one hand, it seems inconsistent with a holistic device to add toxic chemicals to your diffuser in order to refresh its aroma. On the other, it is incredibly inconvenient to send a diffuser back to the manufacturer if it breaks down or to have to purchase a new one from lack of maintenance. That is why many people who already use natural products to clean their home wonder how to clean a diffuser with vinegar.
How To Clean a Diffuser with Vinegar?
Cleaning your diffuser should be done regularly. Many manufacturers even recommend cleansing your diffuser after every use, especially if you are using different essential oils to suit your mood and company. While each diffuser is designed differently, most of them work the same way and can be rejuvenated by using vinegar to freshen your diffuser.
Vinegar is great to use as a cleanser with many applications. You can use it to clean surfaces, dishes, windows, and even showerheads without worry that you are exposing yourself to toxic, environmentally-unfriendly cleaners.
By reading this article, you can learn exactly how to use vinegar to clean a diffuser in six simple steps. What is the best part? It actually works!
Instructions for Cleaning your Diffuser with Vinegar
1. Emptying your Diffuser of any Oils
Many users of diffusers think they can leave water and oils sitting until the next use. While this is a common practice, it is not the best. In this step, you want to make sure that you completely empty your diffuser of any excess oils or water before you proceed with cleaning your unit.
2. Half-filling your Diffuser with Water
Most diffusers have a fill line to indicate how much water your diffuser can process and handle. In this step, you want to use that line to show you where to half-fill your diffuser with clean water. After that step is complete, you are ready to add in the diffuser-cleansing vinegar.
3. Adding 10 to 20 Drops of Vinegar
Vinegar is a gentle cleanser, and diffusers are often sensitive devices. In this step, you want to add just enough vinegar to get the job done without threatening the aromatic balance of your diffuser.
You can use a dropper or other device to carefully add a few drops of standard white vinegar to the water. This will create an oil-loosening, dirt-busting solution that your diffuser will use to cleanse itself in the next step.
4. Letting the Diffuser Clean Itself
On most diffusers, the water you add will circulate by itself as it works. This is great for anyone who likes a self-cleaning appliance because, in this step, you simply allow the diffuser to work its own magic by letting the vinegar and water circulate.
By design, the vinegar will start to dilute throughout the water and begin loosening oils from sticking to the mechanics of your diffuser. Any dirt or minerals that have found their way into your diffuser will begin to mix into the water for draining in the next step.
5. Draining your Diffuser
Just as in the first step, you do not want to leave any excess water or vinegar solution sitting in your diffuser. You might think this is safe because, well, it is just vinegar, but vinegar is a powerful cleanser. While it is safe and gentle enough to use on your diffuser, you do not want to take chances.
In this step, you want to completely drain your diffuser of any oil residue or vinegar solution before you continue to dry the unit. You can try placing the unit or the basin upside down if the design allows, letting all the water drip out over a few minutes in the sink.
6. Drying with a Cotton Ball or Cloth
To make sure that no oils or vinegar solution are left in your diffuser, you want to take a cotton ball or soft cloth and wipe down the inside of your diffuser. Make sure to wipe in the corners of the basin to mop up every drop of vinegar or old oils. The last thing you want is the scent of vinegar in your next aromatherapy session!
Final Thoughts
As a reminder, your diffuser needs to be cleaned regularly and, in some cases, after every use (according to your model’s specific instructions). Some users think they can leave the water and essential oils in their diffuser until they use it again in a couple days or tomorrow. That is not the case.
The essential oils that you put into your diffuser are powerful. They can corrode and affect the lifecycle of your diffuser if left to sit for long periods. Additionally, without cleaning out your diffuser regularly, your experience of even the best essential oil blends can be seriously impacted. Do not compromise your oils or diffuser.
Your essential oils are probably specially selected and not to mention expensive. While they help you with cosmetic, emotional, and physical wellness, it is best to make sure that you are diffusing them properly with a clean and fresh diffuser.
Vinegar is a versatile solution which you probably already have stored away in the cupboard. While you may already use it for cleaning your household laundry, dishes, or microwave, you can also add vinegar to your diffuser-cleaning schedule using the simple steps above.
