Putting essential oils in a humidifier, also known as aromatherapy humidification, can be an appealing way to spread essential oil aromas through your home. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before adding oils to your humidifier.
Page Contents
- 1 Quick Answers
- 2 Which Humidifiers Can Safely Diffuse Essential Oils?
- 3 Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils in Humidifiers
- 4 Benefits of Essential Oil Humidification
- 5 Potential Dangers of Essential Oils in Humidifiers
- 6 Best Essential Oils for Humidifiers
- 7 Tips for Using Essential Oils in Your Humidifier
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8.1 How many drops of essential oil should I add to my humidifier?
- 8.2 Can I add essential oils directly to the humidifier filter or basin?
- 8.3 Which essential oils should never go in a humidifier?
- 8.4 How often should I clean my humidifier when using essential oils?
- 8.5 Can essential oils in a humidifier be harmful to pets?
- 8.6 Why is my humidifier making weird noises with essential oils?
- 8.7 How do I know if I’m having a reaction to an essential oil in my humidifier?
- 8.8 Is it safe to leave a humidifier with oils running in a child’s room overnight?
- 9 Conclusion
Quick Answers
– It depends on the type of humidifier. Ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers can safely diffuse oils, while some others may be damaged by oils.
– Oils should always be added to water, not directly to the humidifier.
– Only use 100% pure, high-quality essential oils intended for aromatherapy.
– Use oils sparingly – 2-3 drops per cup of water is usually sufficient.
– Citrus and pine oils may damage plastic parts in humidifiers.
– Clean humidifiers frequently to prevent oil buildup.
– Never leave a humidifier running unattended with oils, and keep out of reach of children and pets.
– Discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
Which Humidifiers Can Safely Diffuse Essential Oils?
Humidifiers work in different ways, and not all types are suitable for essential oil diffusion:
Ultrasonic Humidifiers
Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency vibrations to create microfine water droplets that diffuse into the air. This atomization makes them excellent for dispersing essential oils. Ultrasonic models designed for aromatherapy often have a specific essential oil tray or aromatherapy mode.
Evaporative Humidifiers
Evaporative, or wick humidifiers draw water up a wick filter and blow air through it to evaporate the water. The open design makes these safe to add oils to the water tank. Just avoid direct contact between the oils and wick filter.
Warm Mist Humidifiers
Warm mist humidifiers boil water, so any oils would be evaporated very quickly before the steam is emitted. This means they are generally safe for essential oil use. Just avoid dropping oils directly into the heating chamber.
Impeller Humidifiers
Impeller or cool mist humidifiers use a high-speed rotating disk to fling water droplets into the air. The hot spinning disk and lack of atomization mean oils may not diffuse well. Plastic parts may also be damaged by essential oils.
Steam Vaporizers
Steam vaporizers heat water into steam in a chamber, so oils would likely stick to the hot surfaces instead of diffusing. The oils could break down into harmful compounds at high heat. Steam vaporizers are not recommended for essential oils.
Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils in Humidifiers
When used carefully, essential oil humidification can be safe. Keep these tips in mind:
Only Use Oils Intended for Aromatherapy
Ensure any essential oils you use are 100% pure, therapeutic-grade oils specifically intended for inhalation. Lower quality oils may contain harmful additives.
Choose Oils Wisely
Some oils like cinnamon, clove, thyme, tea tree, and oregano are too strong and may irritate airways. Start with gentler options like lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and lemongrass.
Use Sparingly
Only 2-3 drops of essential oil per cup of water in the tank is usually sufficient for aromatherapy benefits. More may cause sensitivity.
No Citrus or Pine Oils in Plastic Humidifiers
The compounds in citrus and pine oils can degrade plastic. Use these only in humidifiers with metal or ceramic interiors.
Don’t Add Oils Directly to Humidifier
Always mix oils into water first before pouring into the tank. Dropping directly into the humidifier may damage parts.
Clean Regularly
To prevent buildup of oils and microbes, clean humidifiers frequently according to manufacturer directions. Change water daily.
Monitor Use
Never leave a humidifier running unattended with oils. Turn off at night or when leaving the house.
Keep Humidifier Out of Reach
Place the humidifier somewhere safely out of reach of children and pets to avoid ingestion.
Stop Use If Irritation Occurs
If any respiratory irritation, coughing, or discomfort occurs, stop diffusing oils and use the humidifier without oils.
Benefits of Essential Oil Humidification
Adding essential oils to humidifiers can offer a variety of benefits when done safely:
Aromatherapy
Inhaling diffused essential oils stimulates the olfactory system and influences the brain. Oils like lavender and eucalyptus promote relaxation and easier breathing.
Moisturized Air
Humidifying with essential oils moisturizes dry air to prevent congestion, itchy skin, chapped lips, and other winter problems.
Air Purification
Some essential oils added to humidifiers help cleanse the air of odors, bacteria, mold, and allergens.
Set a Mood
Pleasant essential oil aromas like citrus and vanilla can energize and uplift moods. Others create a calm, relaxed ambiance.
Respiratory Relief
Diffusing mentholated essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary helps clear congestion and ease coughs.
Sleep Aid
Humidifying lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang, and other relaxing oils promotes sleepiness and more restful sleep.
Potential Dangers of Essential Oils in Humidifiers
Used incorrectly, essential oils in your humidifier can cause the following problems:
Respiratory Irritation
Too much essential oil or very strong oils may bother sensitive airways, especially in those with breathing problems like asthma.
Allergic Reactions
Some people may experience allergy symptoms from inhaled essential oils, like sneezing, coughing, or skin rashes.
Harm to Pets
Oils like tea tree, cinnamon, peppermint, and wintergreen are highly toxic to cats. Eucalyptus is also unsafe for dogs. Never diffuse these oils in homes with pets.
Skin Irritation
Small oil droplets emitted from the humidifier may irritate sensitive skin on the face, especially around the eyes and mouth.
Excess Moisture
Too high humidity from diffused oils can promote mold and bacteria growth in the home.
Damaged Humidifier Parts
Some essential oils and buildup of residue may degrade plastic and rubber components over time.
Unsafe Ingestion
Essential oils can be toxic if ingested, especially concerning for children and pets.
Fires and Burns
Oils may clog ultrasonic nebulizers and cause them to overheat and catch fire or burn skin.
Best Essential Oils for Humidifiers
When used properly at safe dilutions, these gentle essential oils are among the best choices for humidifier aromatherapy:
Lavender
| Benefits | Relaxing, sleep aid, antiseptic |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Floral, herbaceous, sweet |
Eucalyptus
| Benefits | Congestion relief, antimicrobial |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Medicinal, minty, camphorous |
Lemon
| Benefits | Energizing, mood booster, antimicrobial |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Zesty, citrusy, sparkling |
Tea Tree
| Benefits | Antimicrobial, purifying |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Herbaceous, medicinal |
Chamomile
| Benefits | Soothing, sleep aid |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Floral, fruity, herbaceous |
Peppermint
| Benefits | Congestion relief, headache remedy, energizing |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Minty, cooling |
Bergamot
| Benefits | Stress reduction, mood lifting |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Citrusy, floral, sweet |
Rosemary
| Benefits | Purifying, mental clarity, respiratory aid |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Herbaceous, pine, camphor |
Frankincense
| Benefits | Spiritual, relaxing, anxiety relief |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Woody, spicy, earthy |
Ylang Ylang
| Benefits | Reduces stress and anxiety, romantic |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Sweet, floral, exotic |
Tips for Using Essential Oils in Your Humidifier
Follow these best practices when adding essential oils to humidifiers for safety and effectiveness:
Start with Clean Tank
Always fill the tank with fresh water and clean it thoroughly before adding oils. This prevents microbe growth.
Use Proper Oils
Ensure you use 100% pure essential oils intended for inhalation, not cheaper fragrance oils.
Mix Well Before Use
Add oils to water and agitate the tank to mix thoroughly before turning on the humidifier.
Try Skin Test First
Rub a diluted drop on your arm before diffusing to check for allergic reaction.
Start Low
Begin with 1-2 drops per cup of water to test sensitivity and increase gradually as needed.
Limit Diffusion Time
Run your humidifier with oils for short periods only, not exceeding an hour or two at once.
Rotate Oils
Change up which essential oils you diffuse to prevent too much buildup of any one oil.
Turn Off at Night
Don’t run your humidifier all night with oils as you sleep. The mist settles on surfaces.
Keep Pets Away
Ensure humidifiers diffusing oils are safely out of reach from curious pets.
Watch for Reactions
Discontinue use if you or your children experience any negative effects like breathing problems or rashes.
Clean Regularly
Follow all manufacturer guidelines for cleaning and maintenance to prevent buildup of microbes and oil deposits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many drops of essential oil should I add to my humidifier?
As a general guideline, 2-3 drops of essential oil per cup of water in the tank is sufficient. Limit it to 1-2 drops per cup if diffusing for the first time or using a potent oil.
Can I add essential oils directly to the humidifier filter or basin?
No, you should always add essential oils to the water first before pouring into the tank. Dropping directly into the humidifier may damage plastic parts over time.
Which essential oils should never go in a humidifier?
Avoid using clove, cinnamon, oregano, thyme, and other very strong, irritating oils in your humidifier. Citrus and pine oils may damage plastic parts.
How often should I clean my humidifier when using essential oils?
Clean your humidifier at least every 3 days when using essential oils. Oils can leave residue and promote microbe growth. Follow all manufacturer cleaning recommendations.
Can essential oils in a humidifier be harmful to pets?
Yes, oils like tea tree, wintergreen, peppermint, eucalyptus, and cinnamon are toxic to many animals. Never use them in homes with pets and cats especially.
Why is my humidifier making weird noises with essential oils?
If you hear odd gurgling, rattling, or buzzing when diffusing oils, it likely means some oil residue has built up in the nebulizer. Stop using oils and clean the humidifier.
How do I know if I’m having a reaction to an essential oil in my humidifier?
Signs of sensitivity include respiratory irritation, coughing, headache, nausea, rashes, or eye/nose/throat discomfort. Turn off the humidifier and discontinue those oils.
Is it safe to leave a humidifier with oils running in a child’s room overnight?
No, you should never run a humidifier with essential oils in a child’s room unattended. Oils may irritate their respiratory tracts. Also risk of unsafe ingestion.
Conclusion
Adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils to a humidifier can be a great way to enjoy aromatherapy benefits. However, take care to properly dilute the oils and use only gentle types suitable for inhalation. Clean and monitor humidifiers frequently when diffusing essential oils, and discontinue use if any negative reactions occur. Following safety precautions helps ensure you safely reap the soothing, uplifting benefits of essential oil humidification.