How to Clean a Diffuser for Essential Oils

November 12, 2024•3 min read

You've got your diffuser running with your favorite essential oil blend and life is good. In fact, if you are like me (#essentialoilobsessed), you are likely running multiple diffusers frequently around the home. But, are you cleaning them??

Not taking care of your essential oil diffuser can lead to gunky build-up, mold, mildew or even bacterial growth, and could possibly shorten its life. Learn how to clean a diffuser with these 3 simple steps.

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How to clean a diffuser

This tutorial is specific to the ultrasonic diffusers for essential oils. They are super easy to clean, the hard part is remembering to do it weekly.

I suggest you pick a day of the week and maybe align the cleaning of your diffuser(s) with another weekly chore to make it a habit.

You should definitely clean your diffuser immediately if:

Your diffuser is not diffusing oils as effectively.
Your diffuser is not dispersing as much mist as before.
Your diffuser is slowly getting louder.
Your diffuser is making grinding noises.
Your diffuser is visibly grimy on the inside and the outside.

Note: Before you clean your diffuser, take a quick look at the instructions manual to make sure these steps are compliant with your diffuser.

How to clean a diffuser for essential oils

Step 1

Unplug the diffuser. Pour the remaining water from the tank into the sink. Make sure you pour it out from the opposite side where buttons are located.

Step 2

Fill the reservoir of the diffuser about halfway with clean water. Add about a Tablespoon of distilled white vinegar (no need to measure, a rough estimate is good enough).

Run the diffuser for 15 minutes, turn it off, and let the mixture sit in the diffuser for a few hours.

Step 3

Empty the diffuser and wipe it out with a clean damp rag or paper towel.

If the ultrasonic plate (the small disc at the bottom of the reservoir) still looks dirty, dip a Q-tip or cotton ball in isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe it clean.

The top of the diffuser is the easiest, simply wash with warm soapy water, rinse and dry.

Remember - NEVER submerge the base in water! You can wipe down the outside with a damp cloth if needed.

Repeat this process weekly.

Pro Tip: If you want to skip the smell or vinegar or like alternative methods then get some of these diffuser cleaning tablets.

Clean diffuser = clean aromatherapy

With these 3 easy steps on how to clean a diffuser weekly, there should be no excuses anymore! If you can't bear to part with your diffuser for a couple hours while it cleans, then get a second diffuser!!

With a clean and well-functioning essential oil diffuser you will be able to enjoy clean aromatherapy. No one wants lavender, lemon, and mildew blends coming from their diffuser, right??

Happy cleaning,

P.S. Looking to buy an essential oil diffuser? This one is one of the most highly rated ones on Amazon. Or, talk to me about getting set up with a whole essential oils home starter kit - with a diffuser and 10 top starting oils.

get started with an essential oils kit for your family

Leah Vachani

Certified Nutritionist & Menopause Expert, Metabolism Coach

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Medical disclaimer

A quick note from me: I'm a certified nutritionist and menopause specialist, but I'm not your doctor — and this podcast isn't a substitute for personalized medical care. The information here is meant to inform and empower you, not replace a conversation with your healthcare provider. Always check in with your team before making changes to your diet, supplements, or lifestyle. Take what serves you, leave what doesn't, and trust yourself.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This information is not intended to replace a one on one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Leah Vachani encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. The entire contents of this document are based upon the opinions of Leah Vachani, unless otherwise noted. I have teamed up with businesses and products that I love and may receive compensation for products I review on this site at no additional cost to you.