How Do You Clean A Yankee Candle Oil Diffuser?

Oil diffusers are devices that disperse essential oils into the air to provide aromatherapy benefits. They utilize ultrasonic waves or heat to break down the essential oils into a fine mist that can be dispersed evenly throughout a room. Oil diffusers allow you to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree by infusing your indoor air with the lovely and uplifting aromas.

Because oil diffusers work by combining water and essential oils, they can get dirty over time. Buildup from the essential oils and contaminants in the water can get left behind and gunk up the interior. Hard water stains and mineral deposits may also occur. That’s why it’s important to clean oil diffusers regularly, about once every 1-2 weeks. Cleaning helps remove any oil residue, bacteria, mold, and mineral deposits that may accumulate. This keeps the diffuser working efficiently to disperse the essential oils properly. Cleaning also helps extend the life of the diffuser and ensures the therapeutic benefits and lovely scents continue.

Assembling Cleaning Supplies

Before you start cleaning your Yankee Candle oil diffuser, gather the necessary cleaning supplies. You’ll need:

• Dish soap – Use a small amount of mild dish soap. Dish soap helps cut through oil and grease.
• White vinegar – Vinegar is a natural disinfectant. It will help sanitize the diffuser.
• Water – Use warm water to rinse away soap and vinegar after cleaning.
• Soft cloth or brush – Use a soft cloth or brush to gently scrub away residue without damaging the diffuser.

Make sure to have all these supplies ready by the sink before disassembling your diffuser to make the cleaning process quick and easy.

Unplug and Remove Lid

Before cleaning your Yankee Candle oil diffuser, it’s important to unplug it from any power source. This ensures the diffuser will remain powered off throughout the cleaning process for safety. Gently remove the lid from the top of the diffuser. Be careful when handling the lid, as dropping it may cause cracks or breaks.

Empty Old Water and Oils

When it’s time for a deep clean, the first step is to empty out any old water and fragrance oils that have accumulated in the basin of the diffuser. Tilt the diffuser upside down over the sink to pour out all the liquid inside. You may need to gently shake or swirl the diffuser to get all the residue out. Any lingering droplets or oil buildup will make it harder to fully clean and disinfect the diffuser.

Be sure to wipe the rim and underside of the diffuser with a paper towel to remove any drips or spills after emptying it out. It’s important to fully empty and dry the basin before refilling for the next use. Letting old water and oil sit stagnant in the diffuser creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

Wash With Soap and Water

After emptying the water and oils from your diffuser, it’s time to wash it. For this step, you’ll need some dish soap and warm water.

Fill your sink or a bowl with warm water and add a couple squirts of dish soap. Using a soft cloth or sponge, wash the inside basin of the diffuser to remove any oil residue. Pay special attention to the ultrasonic plate at the bottom, as oil can build up there.

Next, use the soapy water to wash the exterior of the diffuser, including the lid. The warm soapy water will cut through any oil and dirt on the surface. Take care not to submerge the entire diffuser body in water or get any electrical components wet.

Scrub all surfaces gently but thoroughly to lift away grime. The dish soap will help dissolve any oil and cleanse the diffuser. Make sure to get into crevices and along seams using either your cloth, sponge, or a small scrub brush.

Rinse Thoroughly

After washing the diffuser with soap and water, it’s important to thoroughly rinse away any soap residue. Leftover soap can leave a film on the diffuser and affect its performance. Use clean, fresh water to rinse the entire interior of the diffuser.

Run water through the diffuser until the rinse water runs clear. Pay close attention to any nooks, crannies and hard to reach spots where soap residue may linger. You may need to rinse multiple times to remove all traces of soap. Thorough rinsing prevents soap buildup and ensures your diffuser is clean for its next use.

Disinfect with Vinegar

To thoroughly disinfect the oil diffuser basin and prevent buildup, fill the basin with equal parts water and white vinegar. The acetic acid in the vinegar will help break down any oil residue or mineral deposits left behind from regular use.

Fill the basin with the vinegar solution until it reaches the maximum fill line. Let the vinegar solution sit in the basin for 10-15 minutes. This will give the vinegar time to dissolve any oil or mineral buildup in the basin.

The vinegar will not harm the basin or other diffuser components. However, you may notice a slight vinegar scent at first when running the diffuser after cleaning. This will dissipate within a few minutes of use.

Rinse and Dry

After allowing the vinegar solution to sit for a few minutes, empty the basin again and rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining vinegar. Make sure to rinse all surfaces of the basin. You don’t want any vinegar residue left behind, as this can affect the scent of future oils.

Once rinsed, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the entire basin completely dry. Don’t leave any moisture behind, as this can contribute to buildup and growth of mold or bacteria over time. Take your time and carefully dry all crevices and corners of the basin. A toothbrush can help scrub any tough to reach spots. The basin should look shiny and new again once completely dried.

Clean Diffuser Cover and Filter

The diffuser cover and filter also need to be cleaned periodically to keep your oil diffuser working properly. Here are the steps:

Use a small brush and mild dish soap to gently scrub any built-up oils or residue from the cover vents. Take care not to damage the diffuser. Rinse the cover thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap.

Remove the filter from inside the diffuser. Rinse the filter under running water until it is free of debris and buildup. Make sure to remove any residual oil or dirt. You may need to gently brush the filter with a small brush.

Once fully cleaned, allow the diffuser cover and filter to air dry completely before reassembling the diffuser.

Reassemble Diffuser

Once the diffuser is completely dry, it’s ready to be put back together.

Carefully replace the filter and cover it with the lid. Make sure the filter is securely in place and the lid aligns properly before locking it into place.

Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the filter area. Refer to the oil diffuser’s manual for guidance on how much oil to use. More is not necessarily better.

Fill the reservoir with clean water up to the fill line. Avoid overfilling.

Before turning the diffuser back on, review some key safety tips:

• Always keep the diffuser out of reach of children and pets.
• Only use the diffuser in well-ventilated areas.
• Never add flammable oils like tea tree, eucalyptus or peppermint.
• Place on a stable, level surface away from heat and moisture.
• Unplug when not in use for extended periods.

Once reassembled properly, plug back in and enjoy your refreshed, clean diffuser.