The Science Behind Fragrance Lamps: Do They Work?

Fragrance lamps, also known as perfume lamps, effusion lamps, or catalytic lamps, are a type of lamp that disperses scented alcohol using a catalytic combustion wick. The wick is made of cotton threaded through a natural, porous stone. The catalytic combustion process 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 process destroys bacteria in the air and increases oxygen levels. The lamp works by igniting the stone burner at the mouth of the lamp, which is then extinguished after two minutes by blowing it out. The heated burner then releases the combusted alcohol and any added aromatics into the room.

How to use a fragrance lamp

A fragrance lamp, also known as a perfume lamp, effusion lamp, or catalytic lamp, is a lamp that disperses scented alcohol. 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. The lamp's process is initiated by igniting the stone burner seated at the mouth of the lamp. After two minutes, the flame is extinguished by blowing it out. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a fragrance lamp:

• Remove the cap and fill your fragrance lamp 2/3 full with your chosen lamp fragrance. Wipe away any spilled fragrance.
• Insert the wick and stone back into the fragrance lamp, then replace the snuffer cap. Let the wick soak in the fragrance for 20 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, remove the snuffer cap and light the catalytic stone. Let it burn for 2-3 minutes only, then blow out the flame.
• Replace the decorative cap, and enjoy as the fragrance fills the room!
• When you'd like to end the fragrance, simply replace the snuffer cap.

Some safety precautions to keep in mind:

• Make sure the fuel container is in perfect condition and not leaking.
• When not in use, make sure the airtight cap is on at all times to prevent evaporation.
• Do not leave unattended during operation.
• Do not use in an unventilated room.
• Do not inhale, ingest, or use the lamp fuel in any other manner.
• Take extreme caution while refilling the fragrance lamp. Make sure there is ventilation, and that there is no open flame.
• In case of any spillage, wipe the area carefully before lighting the lamp.
• Do not fill lamps on wooden furniture or use a lamp without a dish underneath it. The fuel will damage the furniture.

How long to use a fragrance lamp for

The ideal amount of time to use a fragrance lamp to purify and fragrance the air in an average-sized room is one minute per cubic metre. This works out to 20 minutes of use in a 20sq metre (215sq ft) room.

For the ultimate home scent experience, it is recommended to use your lamp for up to 45 minutes at a time. Using the lamp for any longer than this can cause issues with the wick and stone assembly, impacting its ability to light again.

If you would like to use your lamp for longer periods, it is recommended to use the lamp for 30 minutes, snuff it out and leave it to re-prime for 30 minutes before lighting again. This cycle of 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off can be repeated as frequently as you like, however, it is not recommended to use the lamp more than twice a day.

It is important to note that the lamp does not show an obvious flame or smoke, so it is possible to forget that it is on. If you fill your lamp and forget it is on, it will keep working until all the oil is exhausted.

How to clean a fragrance lamp

To clean a fragrance lamp, you will need to clean the stone/wick assembly and the outside of the lamp.

Cleaning the stone/wick assembly:

• If your wick won't light, won't get hot, won't remain lit for 2-3 minutes, or you're not receiving a good fragrance throw, your wick could be blocked.
• Take your stone/wick assembly out of your lamp and put it into a ceramic bowl/cup. Be careful when doing this as your wick will be soaked with lamp fragrance. Ensure the surface underneath is covered.
• Pour your lamp fragrance into your bowl/cup and fill it until it is 2-3cm full.
• Cover with cling film and put it into a cool, dark place. Leave it for 24 hours.
• Place the wick back into your lamp, being careful of any dripping as the rope part of the wick will be soaked in lamp fragrance.
• Replace the snuffer cap and leave for 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, light the wick. Use caution as the flame will initially be quite high (up to 3 inches).

Cleaning the outside of the fragrance lamp:

• To clean the outside of the lamp, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and allow it to dry.
• You can polish it with a proprietary furniture or glass polish.
• For safety reasons, do not do this while the lamp is in use and always ensure the lamp has fully cooled before cleaning it.

How to change the fragrance in a fragrance lamp

To change the fragrance in a fragrance lamp, follow these steps:

• Remove any remaining fragrance oil from the lamp and pour it back into its original bottle using the provided funnel. This prevents fragrance evaporation and avoids wasting oil. Alternatively, you can burn the lamp until it goes out by itself to use up all the remaining fragrance.
• Take out the stone/wick assembly and let it air-dry overnight on a piece of kitchen paper. This step is crucial to ensure that the previous fragrance oil doesn't mix with the new one.
• If you want to eliminate any residual scent, fill the lamp with around 50ml of un-fragranced neutral oil. Allow the lamp to prime, and then let it burn until all the un-fragranced oil is used up. Now, your lamp is ready for a new fragrance.
• Fill your lamp with the new fragrance oil of your choice, ensuring it is no more than 2/3 full.
• Insert the dry stone/wick assembly back into the lamp.
• Replace the snuffer cap and let the wick absorb the new fragrance for about 20 minutes.
• Remove the snuffer cap and light the catalytic stone. Let the flame burn for 2-3 minutes, and then blow it out.
• Place the decorative cap back on, and enjoy the new fragrance as it fills the room!

Note: It is recommended to use the same wick for different fragrances. However, if you prefer, you can also get separate wicks for each fragrance or even separate lamps for different fragrances.

The history of fragrance lamps

In the late 1800s, French inventor and pharmacist Maurice Berger improved upon this design, patenting it in 1897 or 1898 and founding the company Lampe Berger. Berger's version of the lamp used methyl alcohol, while modern lamps use isopropyl alcohol. Berger's dream was to make his product a common household appliance, and he succeeded in making them available to the general public. The original models were made of crystal or glass, but in the 1920s, designers were commissioned to create more aesthetically pleasing bottles for private consumers.

Over time, the use of scented oils and more decorative designs became popular, and today, fragrance lamps are available in a wide array of colours, shapes, designs, and scents. They are now marketed as a way to make your home smell beautiful, without the need for sprays or plug-ins.

Frequently asked questions