Fragrance Lamps: Are They Safe To Use?

Fragrance lamps, also known as perfume lamps, effusion lamps, or catalytic lamps, are a great way to enjoy home fragrances. They are strong-smelling and hold the integrity of their fragrance throughout their use. But are they safe? The catalytic combustion wick was developed and patented by Maurice Berger, a French pharmaceutical dispenser, in 1898 as a means of purifying the air in hospitals and mortuaries. It is claimed that this catalytic oxidation process destroys bacteria in the air and increases oxygen levels. The lamp does not operate with an open flame, making it much safer to operate than scented candles. Its lower operating temperature also means that, unlike scented candles, the aromatics are diffused very efficiently into the ambient air without being burned.

Are fragrance lamps safe for children and pets?

Fragrance lamps can be used safely in homes with children and pets, but it is important to take certain precautions.

Firstly, it is crucial to keep the lamp out of reach of children and pets, and to ensure it is placed in a secure location where it cannot be knocked over. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for use. If your child or pet has allergies, it is advisable to monitor them for any reactions.

In addition, the type of fragrance used in the lamp can have an impact on safety. Some fragrances contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the respiratory tract and mucous membranes of both children and pets, leading to coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Certain fragrances may also contain synthetic chemicals such as phthalates, parabens, and benzene, which can contribute to indoor air pollution and cause allergic reactions. Therefore, it is recommended to use natural fragrances that are free from these harmful substances.

When it comes to essential oils, some varieties such as tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, citrus, cinnamon, and pine are considered unsafe for pets and can cause respiratory distress or allergic reactions. However, other essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and cardamom are generally safe for both children and pets and offer calming and non-toxic properties. It is always advisable to research the specific essential oil and its potential effects before use.

Furthermore, it is important to note that even if a fragrance is safe for humans, it may not be safe for pets. Cats, in particular, are often more sensitive to the toxic effects of essential oils and other scents than dogs. Therefore, it is crucial to take into account the unique sensitivity of your pet when choosing fragrances for your lamp.

By taking these precautions and choosing fragrances wisely, you can safely enjoy the benefits of a fragrance lamp in your home while ensuring the well-being of your children and pets.

What precautions should be taken when using fragrance lamps?

When using fragrance lamps, there are several important precautions to be aware of to ensure safe usage. Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that the fuel container is in perfect condition, tightly sealed, and not leaking. Always use an airtight cap when the lamp is not in use to prevent evaporation and the formation of a flammable alcohol vapour/air mixture. Never leave the lamp unattended while it is operating, and do not use it in an unventilated room.

Extreme caution is necessary when refilling the lamp. Ensure there is adequate ventilation, and never refill near an open flame. In the event of any spillage, carefully wipe the area before lighting the lamp. Avoid filling the lamp on wooden furniture, and always use a dish underneath to prevent fuel damage to surfaces. Additionally, do not inhale, ingest, or use the lamp fuel for any other purpose.

For optimal performance and safety, it is recommended to use the lamp for up to 45 minutes at a time, with a 30-minute reset between uses. To reset, apply the snuffer cap to re-prime the fragrance. It is also advised to only use the lamp up to twice a day. Regularly inspect the collar of the stone/wick assembly to ensure it is fully inserted into the lamp, as improper insertion can lead to fragrance evaporation. Always use the included silver/gold snuffer cap to cover the stone when the lamp is not in use to prevent clogging and facilitate efficient lighting.

When lighting the stone, allow it to burn for 2-3 minutes before blowing out the flame. If the stone is not lighting properly, ensure that the wick is fully submerged in the fragrance and allow 30 minutes of prime time with the snuffer cap on before attempting to light again. If the stone is dark in colour and will not light, it may be clogged with fragrance due to improper storage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the stone.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for usage and maintenance, and only use the recommended fuel and fragrance types.

How do fragrance lamps work?

Fragrance lamps, also known as perfume lamps, effusion lamps, or catalytic lamps, use a catalytic combustion technique to combine impactful fragrance release with air purifying properties. They are sometimes called crystal fragrance lamps because of their beautiful designs.

The process of the fragrance lamp begins by igniting the stone burner at the mouth of the lamp. The stone burner is fuelled by oil or alcohol, which is absorbed by a wick and then lit. After two minutes, the flame is blown out but the burner remains active and diffuses the fragrance throughout the room. The lamp does not use an open flame, making it safer than scented candles. The lower operating temperature also means that aromatics are efficiently diffused into the air without being burned.

The catalytic stone, warmed by the flame, draws in air, neutralising and reducing malodor molecules. The perfume of the oil is then released as purified air, freshening the room. This process is known as catalytic combustion or catalytic oxidation, which claims to destroy bacteria in the air and increase oxygen levels.

Fragrance lamps are strong and can hold the integrity of their fragrance throughout their use. They are an excellent way to enjoy home fragrances and are said to be safer than candles.

What are fragrance lamps made of?

Fragrance lamps, also known as perfume lamps, effusion lamps, or catalytic lamps, have been used for over a century. They are made of various materials, including glass, porcelain, and crystal, and are often designed with aesthetic bottles to decorate the home.

The original catalytic lamp was invented by Maurice Berger, a French pharmaceutical dispenser, in 1898. The lamp used a catalytic combustion wick, consisting of a cotton wick threaded through a natural, porous stone. The wick was placed in the mouth of the lamp and ignited, with the flame being extinguished after two minutes. The heated burner then remained active, diffusing the combusted alcohol and added aromatics without the use of an open flame, making it safer than scented candles.

Modern fragrance lamps typically use isopropyl alcohol, while the original Berger lamp used methyl alcohol. Perfumes or essential oils can be added to enhance the fragrance. The catalytic combustion process is claimed to destroy bacteria and increase oxygen levels, making it ideal for purifying the air in hospitals and mortuaries.

Today, fragrance lamps are commonly used in homes to remove unwanted odours and add a pleasant scent to the air. They are considered safer than scented candles due to their lower operating temperature and flameless diffusion process. However, it is important to take precautions when using fragrance lamps, such as ensuring proper ventilation and keeping them out of the reach of children and pets.

How long should a fragrance lamp be used for?

Fragrance lamps are a great way to enjoy home fragrances. They are strong, smell wonderful, and hold the integrity of their fragrance throughout their use.

For the ultimate home scent experience, it is recommended to use your lamp for up to 45 minutes at a time. Any longer than this can cause issues with the wick and stone assembly, which may impact its ability to light again. The ideal usage is up to twice a day, with a 30-minute 'reset' between uses. To reset the lamp, simply apply the snuffer cap to re-prime the fragrance before lighting the lamp again.

The typical use of an effusion lamp is about 3 hours. The fragrance is unique, refreshing, and will linger even after you cap your stone. Effusion lamps can scent a 3,000 square foot home in less than an hour. At that point, the lamp can be capped off and the fragrance will remain for several hours. These lamps are not designed to be “on” all the time.

The fragrance lamp's process is initiated by igniting the stone burner at the mouth of the lamp. After 2 minutes, blow out the flame. The heated burner remains active, and the flame-less catalytic combustion process diffuses the combusted alcohol and aromatics throughout the room.

Frequently asked questions