Can You Put Essential Oils to a Humidifier? 3 Dangers of Adding Essential Oils
Are you a happy humidifier owner and confused can you put essential oils to a humidifier? Worry not, you are in the right place! Humidifiers prevent dryness in indoor spaces by releasing moisture into the air. Therefore, using this device to diffuse these oils is only recommended if you’re guided by expert tips.
Like many others, I have lost humidifiers by simply using them to diffuse these oils. This loss enlightened me on how to safely and effectively put the oils into a humidifier. Let’s dive into this article and explore my insights that will boost your humidifier’s durability and efficiency while using these oils!
There is only one type of humidifier to which you can add essential oils, and that is the so-called 2-in-1 device. For other devices, I strongly advise against this due to the following reasons:
The machinery and parts of the humidifiers are made of plastic material. Therefore, concentrated liquids like essential oils destroy this device by eating away the plastic components.
The heat produced by the warm mist humidifier will change the oil’s nature, altering its scent profile and effectiveness.
So how can you get around this limitation and what are these 2-in-1 devices? Keep reading and you will learn the features of this humidifier under the microscope, I will recommend 3 types of humidifiers to which you can add essential oils effortlessly. I’ll also tell you about 13 types of essential oils that will both help you relax and boost your mood. Fasten your seatbelts, there’s a lot more to come!
Humidifiers vs Diffusers
Although humidifiers and diffusers share various matching components and operate similarly, they mainly differ in their functioning and what they add to the air. Humidifiers increase humidity levels in your room by converting water into moisture.
On the other hand, diffusers don’t make moisture, but they add fragrance to your room by dispersing essential oils. Conventional humidifiers aren’t designed to diffuse these oils. Unlike some humidifiers though with dual functionality, the diffusers are only designed to disperse essential oils.
Types Of Humidifiers: Are All of Them Suitable for Atomizing Essential Oils?
As I mentioned above, there are different types of humidifiers, and not all of them are equally suitable for adding essential oils to them. If you don’t want to ruin your appliance, then check out the 4 main types of humidifiers and see if you can put essential oils into them or not. Let’s get started!
1. Evaporative Humidifiers
The evaporative humidifiers are suited for expansive rooms and are energy efficient, but not for dispersing essential oils. These devices work by blowing air through a wet-wicking filter using a fan, causing water droplets to evaporate and humidify in the air.
2. Warm Mist Humidifiers
These humidifiers are a must-have for people with respiratory congestion but they cannot disperse essential oils. These devices release fresh and clean air by heating water and cooling the steam before releasing it.
3. Cool Mist Humidifiers
Cool mist humidifiers increase moisture levels by producing a cool mist without increasing the room temperature. This device is recommended for homes with pets and kids, and diffuse essential oils.
4. Ultrasonic Humidifiers
Ultrasonic humidifiers turn water into a fine mist using ultrasonic vibrations. Some types of these humidifiers are available as 2-in-1 devices and can be used as both a humidifier and an essential oil diffuser at the same time.
However, adding essential oils to a container of water is still not allowed. These models have a special compartment for adding essential oils.
Important! To avoid spoiling the device, read the operating instructions before adding essential oils and make sure it is safe to do so.
Humidifiers Designed to Disperse Essential Oils: My Top-3 Recommendations
Never assume every humidifier is suitable for dispersing these oils. Only specific models can effectively do this task without malfunctioning. I recommend the following humidifiers for this:
GENIANI Essential Oil Humidifier creates a soothing indoor atmosphere with its dual functionality as an essential oil diffuser and an air humidifier. This 220 ft range device comes with on/off auto features, a night light feature, and a 3-mist mode function that will maintain your preferred humidity levels indoors.
Pharata Essential Oil Humidifier doubles up as an oil diffuser and humidifier that creates a fragrant and pleasant spa experience in your home. It has a 2.5L water tank that produces clean mist for up to 28 hours, an automatic on/off function, an adjustable mist output, and a quite diffusing operation of 23dB.
The LEVOIT 4L Humidifiers Essential Oil Diffuser is a great addition to your bedroom as it provides 40 hours of mist output, as it has a 4L water tank while diffusing essential oil through its unique aromatherapy tray. Besides its auto features, its dual rotating nozzles release 300ml of mist each hour.
What Are The Advantages Of Diffusing Essential Oils With A Humidifier?
Humidifiers create a pleasant and comfortable indoor indoor environment. When used with essential oils, these appliances provide the following benefits:
Supports Healthy Breathing: Oils like peppermint and eucalyptus contain properties that offer respiratory relief by easing breathing, especially when you’re experiencing seasonal discomforts.
Makes Your Home Fragrant: The humidifier disperses oil particles and water vapor in your indoor space. It spreads a pleasant aroma indoors that enhances stress relief and relaxation.
Improves Sleep Quality: Chamomile and lavender have sleep-inducing properties that help can eradicate insomnia. Usually, I diffuse any of these oils before bedtime, using a humidifier to get a good night’s sleep.
The Downsides of Using Essential Oils In A Humidifier
Dispersing essential oils using a humidifier also comes with its fair share of risks. Ignoring these risks will result in costly losses through device repairs or replacements because the oils will corrode the plastic components of these devices, leading to permanent damage or malfunction.
Here are other downsides of diffusing oils with a conventional humidifier:
Reduction of Air Quality: Dispersing essential oils using an incompatible humidifier will release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into your room. If inhaled, these compounds will cause respiratory problems, especially in individuals with sensitivities and allergies.
Difficulty in Cleaning: Essential oils will leave residues in your humidifier that can cause the growth of molds and bacteria if not cleaned well. You must clean this device thoroughly and frequently if you’re using it to disperse essential oils.
Essential oils are beneficial in promoting a sense of well-being if diffused using a compatible humidifier. Always verify compatibility to prevent problems.Dr. Axe, Doctor of Natural Medicine
13 Essential Oils You Can Disperse Through Humidifiers
The available essential oils have unique properties that serve different purposes. Therefore, you must identify your needs to pick the right oil for your home. Here, I have created a list of popular essential oils you can use in diffusers and humidifiers2-in-1 for quality aromatherapy:
1. Get Stress Relief By Diffusing Patchouli Oil
Patchouli oil comes from the leaves of the patchouli plant, which is closely related to mint, lavender, and sage. It has an earthy, musky aroma that is quite distinct. Patchouli oil can have many beneficial effects when diffused into the air using an essential oil diffuser or humidifier.
One of the main advantages of patchouli oil is its ability to relieve stress and anxiety. It is known for its calming, grounding scent that soothes the mind and body. So, if you are feeling overwhelmed with stress or tension, turn to patchouli oil for an all-natural solution. Discontinue its use immediately if you experience adverse side effects like:
Skin irritation;
Headaches;
Respiratory issues.
2. Enjoy Mental Clarity With Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is known for its incredibly fresh, minty scent. It instantly stimulates and makes you feel more awake and alert. Beyond smelling good, peppermint oil has proven mental benefits when diffused into the indoor air.
Usually, I find its crisp scent helpful:
To heighten my focus and improve my attention span;
To undertake a long study session.
3. Enhance Your Moods With Lemon Oil for Mood Enhancement
Lemon oil is renowned for its fresh, vibrant citrus scent that boosts mood instantly. Science shows that smelling lemon oil triggers neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin, which are responsible for regulating emotions.
Given its biochemical impact, it’s no wonder I prefer using lemon oil to enhance my mood through aromatherapy.
Cedarwood essential oil is often used as a natural sleep aid due to its soothing sedative properties. Derived from different cedar trees, this oil has a rich aroma that promotes relaxation. Several studies confirm cedarwood oil helps induce drowsiness, reduces insomnia, and results in higher-quality sleep.
So, if you or a loved one struggles with falling asleep, look to cedarwood as an all-natural, aromatherapeutic solution.
5. Enhance Mental Awareness With Rosemary Oil
With its crisp, herbaceous scent, rosemary essential oil is renowned for its brain-boosting abilities. When diffused into the air, the refreshing aroma of rosemary has been shown to enhance several aspects of cognitive function.
Aim to diffuse 3-4 drops in your workspace, classroom, or any environment where you want to maximize awareness and zero in on the task.
6. Use Lavender Oil for Quality Sleep And Relaxation
With its sweet, floral aroma and calming properties, lavender oil is one of the most versatile essential oils. It has been used for centuries to aid sleep and induce relaxation. The soothing effects of lavender essential oil make it an excellent natural remedy for insomnia or frayed nerves.
Lavender is a great choice because of its calming properties, suitable for:
Improving sleep quality;
Bringing a calming effect.
7. Create A Romantic Ambiance With Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang-ylang oil is famed for its sweet, floral aroma and beguiling properties that ignite the senses. Of all the essential oils, it is one of the best for setting the mood for romance. What makes ylang ylang so effective at sparking passion is its ability to reduce anxiety and mental distress. At the same time, it acts as a mild sedative while uplifting mood.
8. Get Respiratory Relief With Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a highly effective essential oil for easing breathing issues and clearing congestion. It is derived from eucalyptus tree leaves and has a strong, menthol-like aroma and powerful medicinal compounds. Whenever I feel signs of chronic sinuses, I add several drops to my ultrasonic humidifier and breathe in the medicinal vapor.
9. Purify Your Indoor Air With Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has potent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory abilities, making it perfect for purifying indoor air. It is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree plant, native to Australia. The fresh, herbal aroma contains powerful cleansing compounds.
Inhale the clarifying aroma and breathe easy, knowing tea tree oil is hard at work protecting your indoor atmosphere.
With its sweet, herbaceous scent, chamomile oil is renowned for its gentle sedative properties. It contains compounds that instill deep calm and relaxation in the body and mind.
For centuries, chamomile tea has been used for health purposes, but diffusion of the essential oil provides optimal benefits. A few drops of chamomile in your humidifier will create the perfect indoor environment for relaxation after a hectic day.
11. Use Sandalwood Oil for Grounding
With its rich, sweet, woody aroma, sandalwood oil is essential for cultivating a calm presence and inner stillness. Substantial scientific evidence supports its use for relaxation, heightened mindfulness, and improved focus.
The compounds in sandalwood oil influence parts of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and attention. If you feel confused, release Sandalwood oil through your humidifier to feel more connected to the present moment.
12. Meditate With Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil has been used in spiritual rituals for thousands of years and is renowned for its earthy, uplifting aroma. When you add a few drops to your diffuser during meditation, frankincense promotes inner peace, heightened awareness, and even mystical insight.
13. Get Emotional Balance With Geranium Oil
If you feel overwhelmed or confused and need to regulate your emotions, consider using geranium oil in your home with a humidifier. This versatile oil can lift the mood while reducing anxiety, anger, depression, and other negative mind states.
Creating a unique blend as shown in this video link by combining drops of several oils. Follow this video and customize the oils to your liking.
Diffusing essential oils with the right humidifier will offer you better humidity levels and a great fragrance.Daniel Glynde, Senior Writer at Verywellhome
What To Consider When Diffusing Essential Oils With Humidifiers
So, can you put essential oils in a humidifier? The answer is yes, but remember, diffusing oils in a humidifier incorrectly never ends well. Based on my experience, I share vital points to consider before you put essential oils into the water reservoir of your humidifier:
Investing in high-quality oils: Although they are cheaper, low-quality oils produced by unknown brands will quickly damage your humidifier. So, opt for the costly, pure, and therapeutic-grade oils from renowned brands to reduce adverse reactions and damage to the humidifier.
Selecting a Compatible humidifier: Using the right equipment will guarantee better results and minimize losses. I advise using a nebulizing or ultrasonic humidifier to diffuse essential oils.
Frequent and Thorough Cleaning: Develop the habit of cleaning your humidifier immediately after use. This culture will hinder the build up of residue and promote air quality.
Diluting Essential Oils: Mixing the oil with water before adding it to the humidifier’s tank is helpful. The water effectively hinders the oil from contacting the components of the humidifier directly. This will greatly minimize the risk of damage.
“Putting essential oils in a humidifier will spread a pleasant aroma in your room. To stop potential damage, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.” Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Educator
Frequently Asked Questions
What will occur if you put essential oil in a humidifier?
If you put essential oils in a conventional humidifier, it will increase the wear and tear forces, making it depreciate at a faster rate.
Can I use a humidifier as an essential oil diffuser?
No. You cannot use a regular humidifier as an essential oil diffuser. However, models like ultrasonic humidifiers are essential oil-friendly.
How can I mix essential oils in a humidifier?
When you mix, essential oils in a humidifier, add several drops of these oils to the special device’s compartment.
How many drops of essential oil humidifier?
The number of drops you put into the humidifier is determined by its capacity. For a 200 ml humidifier, you can put 6 to 10 drops of essential oils, a 300 ml device can take 9 to 12 drops, a 400 ml capacity can handle 12 to 15 drops, and a 500 ml capacity can accommodate 15 to 20 drops.
Conclusion
As stated in this article, it is risky to diffuse essential oils with a regular humidifier. However, you can use ultrasonic humidifiers, as they come with dual functionality. This two-in-one humidifier can provide great humidity levels in your home and still diffuse oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree.
The best way to disperse oils in your home is by using a diffuser. However, you don’t need a diffuser when you can get devices such as the GENIANI Essential Oil Humidifier that can improve humidity in your home and still diffuse your desired essential oils.
Danny is a passionate writer who loves to share his knowledge about air purifiers. He’s been writing for 10 years, and he’ll share all that experience with Very Well Home viewers to help you make the best decision when it’s time to buy an appliance!
