Aroma Oils In Humidifiers: Safe Or Not?

Adding aroma or essential oils to a humidifier is a common practice, especially during the colder months, to enhance the benefits of the device. However, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with this practice. The answer to the question Can I put aroma oil in a humidifier? is not a simple yes or no, but it depends on various factors, including the type of humidifier and the oil used.

Why you shouldn't put aroma oil in a humidifier

As the weather gets colder, you might be tempted to add aroma oil to your humidifier to liven up the odorless mist. However, here are some reasons why you shouldn't do that:

It can damage the internal components of your machine

Humidifiers contain many plastic parts, including the water tank and some machinery. Adding concentrated aroma oils to those parts can erode the plastic and break it down over time.

It can clog the filters

In a cool-mist humidifier, the aroma oils can clog the filters in the wet-wicking system, causing the humidifier to stop working or even break down completely.

It can alter the oil's properties

In a warm-mist humidifier, the high heat can alter the makeup of the aroma oil, changing its scent profile and potential benefits.

It's not what they're designed for

Humidifiers are designed to add moisture to the air, not fragrance. Diffusers, on the other hand, are specifically created to add aromatic oils to the air. If you want to add fragrance to your air, it's best to use a diffuser or a DIY air freshener.

There are safer alternatives

If you're set on using aroma oils with your humidifier, opt for an ultrasonic humidifier that's specifically made to be oil-friendly. These humidifiers have designated essential oil trays, rings, or filters that add the oil to the water mist or steam. Always check the manufacturer's directions to see if your humidifier is compatible with essential oils.

The best aroma oils for health benefits

While it is generally not safe to put aroma or essential oils in a humidifier, you can use them in a diffuser to disperse them into the air and gain their health benefits.

• Lavender: helps with stress, pain, and sleep.
• Lemon: purifies the air, boosts mood, and may improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease.
• Peppermint: helps with irritable bowel syndrome, gastric irritation, and tension headaches. It is also anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal.
• Eucalyptus: opens nasal passages, relieves pain, and fights the herpes simplex virus.
• Wild Orange: serves as a pick-me-up, may purify the air, and may boost the immune system.
• Tea Tree: acts as an antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antifungal. It is often used to treat acne, athlete's foot, and insect bites.
• Bergamot: may lower blood pressure.
• Frankincense: helps with inflammation, mood, and sleep. It may also improve asthma and prevent gum disease.

How to add aroma oil to a humidifier

The short answer is no—it is not safe to put essential oils in a traditional humidifier. This is because essential oils can erode the plastic tank and fan mechanisms, or even clog the wet wicking filter. However, if you're looking to add aroma oil to your humidifier, there are alternatives.

Types of humidifiers

Humidifiers typically come in two different models: cool-mist and warm-mist. Cool-mist humidifiers, or evaporative humidifiers, use a combination of nebulizers and a wet-wicking filter system. The wet-wicking system filters minerals and other extras from your water, so only the pure water turns into a cool mist that disperses into your room. Warm-mist humidifiers, on the other hand, often boil water to release steam and moisture into the air.

Ultrasonic humidifiers

If you're looking to add essential oils to your humidifier, an ultrasonic humidifier is a good alternative. Ultrasonic humidifiers produce a warm or cool mist via a metal diaphragm that vibrates at a high frequency. This produces sound vibrations that emit moisture or oil into the surrounding air. Ultrasonic humidifiers are also quieter than traditional humidifiers because there is no fan built into the technology, and there is no filter included in most models.

How to use a humidifier with essential oils

Before adding essential oils to your ultrasonic humidifier, always check the manufacturer's instructions first to ensure your model is safe for using essential oils. Then, add a few drops of your chosen oils to the humidifier's water tank (5 to 8 drops for a 100ml tank). Turn on your humidifier as normal, and the scents should start to vaporize around the room. For best results, use a cool mist and make sure you're cleaning your humidifier regularly.

Essential oils to try

• Lavender: Creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere, improves sleep patterns, and helps with blemish-prone skin.
• Lemon: Has a positive effect on mood and thoughts and can be used for cleaning surfaces.
• Peppermint: Has a refreshing aroma, can ease stomach cramps and IBS symptoms, and may improve skin and hair health.
• Eucalyptus: A strong, purifying scent that can improve respiration and shift mucus, with anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve tension headaches and sore muscles.
• Orange: Can uplift your mood, making it easier to deal with stress and anxiety, and can help with sleep.

Pros and cons of using aroma oil in a humidifier

Pros

Humidifiers are great for adding moisture to indoor air during the colder months when humidity levels are low. The added moisture can help prevent dry skin, nose and throat irritation, and itchy eyes. It can also help keep colds and flu at bay and alleviate symptoms when you're sick.

Adding aroma oils to a humidifier can bring a pleasant scent to your home and potentially provide additional health benefits.

Cons

However, there are several drawbacks to using aroma oils in a humidifier:

• Most humidifiers are not designed to disperse fragrance, and adding essential oils can damage the internal components of the machine. The oil can erode the plastic tank and fan mechanisms or clog the filters.
• For warm-mist humidifiers, the high heat can alter the chemical makeup of the essential oil, changing its scent and potentially reducing its health benefits.
• It can be challenging to find a safe and effective way to add essential oils to the humidifier without damaging the machine.

Alternatives

If you want to add fragrance to your home along with moisture, it is recommended to use a diffuser designed specifically for dispersing essential oils into the air. Diffusers use a nebulizer or fan to spray the oil directly into the air or create a cool mist. Ultrasonic diffusers, for example, use electronic frequencies to vibrate a plate at the bottom of the reservoir, breaking the water and oil into particles that float out of the diffuser.

Humidifier and diffuser combos

While it is generally not recommended to add essential oils to a humidifier, there are some products on the market that combine the functions of a humidifier and a diffuser. These products are often marketed as "humidifier diffuser combos" or "essential oil diffusers".

• The LEVOIT Humidifier for Bedroom Home is a smart warm and cool mist humidifier that can also be used with essential oils. It features a 4.5L water tank and a custom humidity mode.
• The Raindrop Humidifier for Bedroom is a cool mist humidifier that can be used with essential oils. It features seven LED light colours, four timer settings, and a vaporizer function.
• The Porseme Oil Diffuser is a 3D glass aromatherapy ultrasonic humidifier that can be used with essential oils. It features a 100ml water tank, an auto shut-off function, and a timer setting.
• The InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser is a 150ml ceramic diffuser that can be used as a cool mist humidifier. It features two mist modes and a waterless auto shut-off function.
• The MegaWise Topfill is a 3.5L cool mist humidifier that can be used with essential oils. It features a leak-proof design, a fine mist output, and an auto shut-off function.
• The GoveeLife Smart Essential Oil Diffuser is a 300ml cool mist aroma diffuser that can be controlled via voice app. It features two mist modes and a 24-hour timer.

It is important to note that not all humidifiers are compatible with essential oils. Adding essential oils to a humidifier that is not designed for it can damage the device and may be unsafe. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before adding any substances to your humidifier.

Frequently asked questions