Using essential oils in humidifiers has become a popular practice for many people looking to enhance the benefits of humidification. The gentle diffusion of essential oils into the air can create an aromatherapeutic environment and provide additional health benefits beyond basic humidification. However, not all humidifiers are designed to work with essential oils. Using the wrong type of humidifier may result in issues like oil leaks, clogged filters, and damage to the humidifier. So it’s important to choose a humidifier specifically made for essential oils.
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What to look for in an essential oil humidifier
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an essential oil humidifier:
- Ultrasonic technology – Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency vibrations to create micro-fine mist that can disperse essential oils effectively. This is the preferred type of humidifier for essential oils.
- Water tank with oil tray – The humidifier should have a separate tray or compartment to hold the essential oils, away from the main water tank. This prevents oil from getting into the water and causing potential issues.
- Adjustable mist output – Look for a humidifier with settings to adjust the mist intensity. Lower mist is better for essential oils to prevent over-diffusion.
- Easy to clean – As oils can leave behind residue, choose a humidifier with dishwasher-safe parts that are simple to clean and maintain.
- Auto shut-off – An auto shut-off safety feature is useful in case the water tank runs low or the unit is tipped over.
Additionally, consider factors like tank capacity, runtime, coverage area, noise level, and appearance based on your needs and preferences.
Top picks for essential oil humidifiers
Based on the criteria above, here are some top-rated humidifier models that work great with essential oils:
URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser
This ultrasonic cool mist humidifier has a separate essential oil tray and a large 400ml tank capacity. It runs whisper quiet for up to 10 hours and automatically shuts off when water runs low. The URPOWER diffuser has 2 mist settings, an optional night light with 7 colors, and a sleek wood grain exterior design.
InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser
With a 300ml tank and coverage for rooms up to 215 sq. ft., the InnoGear ultrasonic diffuser provides up to 10 hours of runtime. It has separate compartments for water and oils along with 2 mist settings. This diffuser also has an auto shut-off function and intuitively designed one-touch button controls.
VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser
Featuring a stylish wood grain design, the VicTsing ultrasonic humidifier has a large 300ml tank capacity and ultra-quiet operation. It provides 10 hours of cool mist along with a soft night light. The VicTsing diffuser has an auto shut-off function, easy one-touch controls, and a detachable power cord for portability.
Asakuki Premium Essential Oil Diffuser
With multiple mist and lighting modes, the Asakuki diffuser provides a customized aromatherapy experience. The 300ml tank capacity delivers up to 16 hours of runtime. It has an essential oil tray, easy one-button controls, auto shut-off, and a simple waterless shut-off design to prevent spills. The Asakuki diffuser comes in a variety of colors.
How to use essential oils in a humidifier
Once you have a suitable essential oil humidifier, using the oils is simple. Just follow these steps:
- Choose your essential oil or oil blend and put 5-10 drops in the oil tray or reservoir.
- Fill the water tank with cool, clean water as directed. Do not overfill.
- Turn on the humidifier as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Adjust the mist intensity if desired. Lower settings are ideal for essential oils.
- Refill the water tank and add more oils as needed based on runtime.
- Routinely clean the humidifier according to directions to prevent buildup.
When using multiple essential oils, it’s best to stick to 2-3 at once so the scents don’t conflict. Always place oils in the proper compartment, never directly into the water tank. Monitor the diffuser closely and shut off if there is any leakage or improper functioning.
Benefits of essential oil humidifiers
Adding essential oils enhances regular humidification in the following ways:
- Aromatherapy benefits – Essential oils can promote relaxation, uplift mood, reduce stress and anxiety, boost energy, and provide other therapeutic effects through aroma.
- Air purification – The antimicrobial properties of many essential oils help cleanse and purify the air of bacteria, mold, dust, and other pollutants.
- Dry skin and sinus relief – The dispersed essential oils can provide added moisture and comfort for dry skin, sinuses, and nasal passages.
- Safer scent diffusion – Humidifier diffusion is gentler than methods like candle or reed diffusers, as the mist prevents over-concentration of oils.
- Versatile uses – Oil diffusers allow the aroma benefits of essential oils to be enjoyed easily around the home, office, or other environments.
Precautions when using essential oils in humidifiers
While essential oil humidifiers provide many benefits, there are also some precautions to keep in mind:
- Perform a skin patch test before diffusing a new oil, as some people may be sensitive or allergic.
- Do not exceed the recommended number of drops – more is not better with essential oils.
- Only use 100% pure essential oils designed for aromatherapy use.
- Citrus and pine oils may cause plastic damage over time, so monitor for any cracking or pits.
- Eucalyptus, menthol, and similar oils can be irritating to sensitive individuals.
- Turn off the humidifier if any discomfort, leakage, or odd smells occur.
- Keep humidifier usage brief in small rooms and monitor humidity levels.
- Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be handled with care, especially around children and pets.
FAQs about essential oil humidifiers
Can I put essential oils in any humidifier?
No, you should only use essential oils in a humidifier specifically designed for it. The oils can damage humidifiers not meant for aromatherapy purposes.
Where do I put the essential oils in the humidifier?
Check for a separate essential oil tray or tank in the humidifier to hold the oils. Never place directly into the main water reservoir.
How many drops of essential oil should I use?
A good starting point is around 5-10 drops per use. Monitor scent diffusion and adjust oil amount as needed. Do not over-saturate.
How often do I need to change the oils?
Plan to swap out the oils every 1-2 days for best results. The aroma of oils will fade over time and oil buildup can occur.
Can I mix multiple essential oils together?
Yes, you can combine complementary essential oils, just limit it 2-3 at a time. Some good blends are eucalyptus/peppermint, lavender/lemon, or orange/frankincense among others.
How do I clean an essential oil humidifier?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Typically involves draining water, wiping down tanks with mild soap and a soft cloth, rinsing thoroughly, and fully air drying all parts.
Conclusion
Using essential oils in specially designed humidifiers is a safe, effective way to enhance the benefits of humidification. Look for an ultrasonic cool mist model with an oil compartment, adjustable settings, auto shut-off, and other key features. Top choices include options from URPOWER, InnoGear, VicTsing, and Asakuki among other brands. Follow proper usage and care guidelines to get the most out of your essential oil humidifier.