How could I forget this! I write SO much about ways to live more healthy, but I neglected one part. How to keep the tools we use clean! After a month of all those recipes, I’ll bet your diffuser could use a cleaning.

Jodi Phinney is the Owner and Founder at Maine Doulas, as well as the manager there. She’s passionate about women’s health and Young Living oils and products. She’s written a GREAT article about how to keep tools clean and ‘in good health’!

Jodi writes..
We diffuse essential oils in multiple rooms, every day, all day long. They put in long hours! Taking time to clean our diffusers keeps them up and running so we can enjoy the many benefits of essential oils — without interruptions! You want to get the most out of your essential oils and your diffusers.

Cleaning your essential oil diffuser regularly is one way to extend the life of your diffuser, and ensure it’s running properly. Skipping this important step could lead to build-up, odor, and even malfunctions. Follow along as I discuss how to clean a diffuser, and why you can’t skip this important step.

When I first got my Premium Starter Kit, I could not wait to open it up and get it going. I quickly unboxed it, plugged in the desert mist diffuser, and threw away the box and operation manual. After a few months of daily use, it started making loud sounds and shutting off intermittently. I contacted Young Living and they walked me through some troubleshooting to get it going again. It turns out, I had not been cleaning it properly. The ultrasonic plate had a good amount of build-up and it was clogged. I followed the directions on the operation manual and my diffuser was back to its original glory. I still have this diffuser, two years later. And it still works!

CARING FOR A YOUNG LIVING ULTRASONIC DIFFUSER

I have a variety of diffusers including small, travel-sized ones, and most of mine are Young Living. The designs are sleek and stylish and they go well with my decor. The Lantern is one of my all-time favorites! (interruption from Pam – THIS IS MY FAVORITE TOO!) The quality of these diffusers is not only superior, but Young Living diffusers come with a warranty. If your diffuser malfunctions within the first 12 months of the original purchase date, they will replace it. The warranty will not protect your diffuser if you have damaged it or failed to care for it properly. The metal ultrasonic plate is one of the most delicate (and important) parts of your diffuser, so be sure to handle it with care.

WHY YOU SHOULD CLEAN YOUR DIFFUSER REGULARLY

  • Prevents build-up – certain oils leave behind a residue after running through a diffuser cycle. Over time, oil can build up on the ultrasonic plate, the lid, and even the misting eyelet (hole). This will affect its functionality, and may not be emitting the proper stream into the air.
  • Counteracts unpleasant scents – it’s important to remove any excess oil left behind in the water reservoir so you aren’t accidentally combining non-complementary scents. Stress Away, for example, is quite thick with a dark green color and it leaves a light green film left behind. You wouldn’t want to blend it with a spicy oil like Thieves.
  • Prolongs the life of a diffuser – wiping your diffuser out after each use is fine for daily care. Use a soft cloth so you don’t scratch the ultrasonic plate. You should do a deep clean about every 4 weeks, or as needed.
  • Keeps the warranty valid – if your diffuser breaks within its first year, you can send it back to Young Living for a replacement. They will replace it only if it has been cared for properly.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR DIFFUSER

  • Unplug your diffuser. Empty any excess water from the reservoir.
  • Wipe the inside of the reservoir with a paper towel or a microfiber cloth, avoiding the ultrasonic plate.
  • Wash the lid and cover with warm water and soap. Dry thoroughly before replacing
  • Using a Q-tip or cotton swab, gently clean the ultrasonic plate with rubbing alcohol.
  • Finally, rinse the plate off clean with water on a cotton swab. Let dry.
  • Fill your clean diffuser to the fill line, plug it back in, and let it run one time through with plain water.

TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR DIFFUSER HEALTHY

  • Use room temperature distilled or purified water in your diffuser. Tap water contains minerals that may increase build up.
  • Avoid getting water on the exterior operating buttons or air vents. Tilt the diffuser to the side to empty any excess water, avoiding the electrical components.
  • Don’t overfill your diffuser with water. Use the fill line as a guide.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents. The lid can be cleaned with mild soap and water
  • Do not use vinegar in your Young Living diffuser. It will harm the ultrasonic plate and void your warranty.
  • Be sure to not leave any standing water in a diffuser for a long period of time.
  • Regularly dust the top and bottom of the diffuser, paying special attention to the air vents.
  • Always align the lid to the base so there is a secure fit. If the lid is off-center it will overflow and leak out of the sides (leaving a giant puddle).
  • Use only pure, Young Living therapeutic-grade essential oils to avoid any fillers or additives.