Can You Put Essential Oils In A Humidifier?

Are you looking to improve the air quality in your home with the benefits of essential oils but are you unsure if you can use a humidifier? Look no further!

In this article, I will address the common question of whether or not you can use essential oils in a humidifier and what you need to know to do so safely. This information is perfect for anyone who owns a humidifier and wants to enhance the experience with the natural benefits of essential oils.

I  will provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision on whether to use essential oils in your humidifier and how to do it safely.

Why would you want to put essential oils in your humidifier?

Using essential oils in a humidifier can provide a variety of benefits. It can be used for aromatherapy, to improve air quality, to alleviate cold and flu symptoms, to improve sleep, and to enhance the fragrance of the air in your home.

Some people also use essential oils in humidifiers to help with respiratory issues such as dry skin, cold, flu symptoms, and other respiratory issues. However, it is crucial to be aware of the risks and to use essential oils safely when adding them to a humidifier.

Can I put essential oils in my humidifier?

No, using essential oils in a humidifier is generally not recommended. However, using essential oils in a humidifier is possible if the humidifier is specifically designed for this purpose and equipped with an essential oil diffuser tray.

This is because essential oils may be trapped in the humidifier’s wicking filter, reducing the humidifier’s efficiency and potentially releasing harmful substances into the air. It is also crucial to ensure that the essential oils used are compatible and safe for use with your humidifier. So, don’t use it if your humidifier can’t handle oils.

Ensure that you are in the recommended quantity. Some humidifiers have an essential oil tray where you can put the oil, and the fragrance will be released into the air.

It is always advisable to consult the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations before incorporating essential oils into your humidifier.

Which humidifier can be used with essential oils?

I have selected 3 humidifiers that can be used with essential oils:

• LEVOIT Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier (small and affordable)
• LEVOIT OasisMist 450S Smart Cool and Warm Mist Humidifier (dual mist)
• HuPro PRO-771 Warm Mist Humidifier & Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier (large dual mist)

Can you put essential oils in Humidifier With Essential Oil Tray?

Yes, it is possible to put essential oils in a type of humidifier with an essential oil tray, like Everlasting Comfort 50-Hour Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier.

Essential oils can be used in humidifiers with an essential oil tray designed to be used with essential oils. They can safely disperse the oils into the air without damaging the humidifier or the wicking filter.

It’s vital to ensure that the essential oils you use are safe for use with your humidifier and that you are using them in the recommended amount per the manufacturer’s instructions.

It’s always recommended to check the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines before adding essential oils to your humidifier and make sure you are using it safely.

Can you put essential oils in a cool mist humidifier?

No, you can not use essential oils in a cool mist humidifier.

In a cool mist humidifier, there is a nebulizer at the base. This creates vibrations that cause the water to become droplets and then spread out as mist via the mist chamber and through the humidifier’s mist lid.

However, if you were to add a few drops of essential oil, it would clog the nebulizer. As a result, it will not allow the humidifier to produce the mist, and so this will cause cracks in the humidifier’s water tank.

Can you put essential oils in a warm mist humidifier?

No, you cannot add essential oils to a warm mist humidifier.

Boiling water in a warm mist humidifier produces unfavorable conditions for using essential oils. You shouldn’t heat an essential oil to the boiling point to get the most out of it in terms of aroma or health benefits.

Furthermore, the oil’s composition will change. And might change the aroma and cause the therapeutic characteristics to disappear and can create harmful substances.

Can you put essential oils in Humidifier and Diffuser Combo?

Yes, it is possible to put essential oils in a humidifier and dif user combo device. Humidifier and diffuser combo devices like the Pure Enrichment PureSpa are designed to manage the humidity and diffuse essential oils into the air.

It provides aromatherapy benefits and improved air quality. And has essential oil diffusers for this very reason.

It’s vital to ensure that the essential oils you use are safe for use with your device and that you are using them in the recommended amount per the manufacturer’s instructions.

It’s always recommended to check the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines before adding essential oils to your humidifier and diffuser combo device and make sure you are using it safely.

Why you should not put essential oils in a humidifier?

There are several reasons why you should not put essential oils in your humidifier.

Risk of Damaging Humidifier

One of the main risks of putting essential oils in a humidifier is the potential for damage to the humidifier. Essential oils can cause damage to the wicking filter of the humidifier, which is responsible for absorbing water and releasing it into the air as a mist.

A damaged wicking filter can reduce the efficiency of the humidifier and can also release harmful substances into the air.

Additionally, essential oils can also cause a buildup of residues inside the humidifier, clogging the nozzle and creating a blockage that can cause the humidifier to malfunction or stop working altogether. This not only shortens the lifespan of the humidifier but also makes it difficult to clean.

Another risk associated with using essential oils in a humidifier is the potential for damage to the water tank and nebulizer. Essential oils can cause corrosion and discoloration of the water tank and nebulizer. It can also cause them to become less effective or even stop working altogether.

Essential oils can also cause the humidifier’s plastic parts to degrade, making them more fragile and prone to cracking or breaking.

Risk of Changing Properties of Essential Oil

Another risk of putting essential oils in a humidifier is the potential for changing the properties of the essential oil. Essential oils are complex mixtures of different chemical compounds, and they can be sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and pressure.

When essential oils are added to a humidifier, they can be exposed to these changes, which can cause them to degrade or change in composition. This can alter their scent, color, and overall effectiveness.

Additionally, when essential oils are added to a humidifier, they can be exposed to heat, which can cause the oils to vapor more quickly and lose their therapeutic properties.

Making Humidifier Dirty

Putting essential oils in a humidifier can make the humidifier dirty. Essential oils can leave a residue on the water tank, nebulizer, and other humidifier parts, which can be challenging to clean.

It can lead to a buildup of bacteria and mold, creating unpleasant odors and posing a health risk. Additionally, essential oils can leave a film on the surfaces of the humidifier, which can attract dust and other debris.

It can make the humidifier look dirty and can also affect its performance of the humidifier.

@sircandleman Replying to @no_1uno__ trying an essential oil diffuser for the first time #homedecor #diffuser #mejuri #vitruvi ♬ original sound – Sir Candle Man

What to do if you have used essential oil in your humidifier?

Suppose you have used essential oils in your humidifier. In that case, it is vital to take steps to clean the humidifier properly to remove any residue and prevent the growth o bacteria or mold.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Unplug the humidifier and empty any remaining water from the tank.
2. To ensure that any residue is completely removed, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the water tank and all other parts of the humidifier using warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Scrub all surfaces with care to effectively eliminate any remaining traces. To clean the nebulizer and other little humidifier components, use a toothbrush or small brush.
3. Thoroughly rinse the water tank and all other components of the humidifier with fresh water and dry them completely before using them again.
4. Gently clean the exterior of the humidifier using a damp cloth.
5. Clean the filter if your humidifier has one, or replace it if it’s disposable.
6. Reassemble the humidifier and refill it with clean water.
7. To ensure all residue is effectively removed, run the humidifier for several minutes prior to using it again.

To remove all traces of oils, I suggest you regularly clean your humidifier with vinegar.

It’s also important to note that essential oils can damage the plastic of the humidifier, so it’s important to keep an eye on the condition of the humidifier after using essential oils.

Suppose you notice any damage or performance issues. In that case, it’s best to stop using essential oils in that humidifier and consider getting a humidifier specifically designed to be used with essential oils.

Final Thoughts

While using essential oils in a humidifier may seem like a great idea, we recommend not putting essential oils in your humidifier. Essential oils can damage the humidifier, change the properties of the oil, and create a dirty and potentially harmful environment.

Instead, there are special humidifiers explicitly designed for use with essential oils, such as ultrasonic humidifiers or humidifiers and diffuser combos, which have separate trays for adding essential oils.

If you have already used essential oils in your humidifier, it is important to clean it thoroughly to remove any residue and prevent the growth o bacteria or mold.

It’s also important to check the condition of the humidifier and consider getting a humidifier specifically designed to be used with essential oils if you notice any damage or performance issues.