Katrina Rosales
Catalytic fragrance lamps, also known as perfume lamps, effusion lamps, or simply fragrance lamps, have been used for centuries. They are a safe and effective way to disperse scented alcohol and purify the air. The lamp uses a catalytic combustion wick, which consists of a cotton wick threaded through a natural, porous stone burner. To use a catalytic fragrance lamp, first fill the lamp with your chosen fragrance, leaving some space at the top. Insert the wick and stone, and if it's your burner's first use, let the wick soak for around 20 minutes. Next, ignite the stone burner and let it burn for around two minutes. After this, blow out the flame and place the protective top on the lamp. The lamp will now be purifying the air and fragrancing your room.
How to use a catalytic fragrance lamp
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Remove the blanking cap and fill the lamp with the selected fragrance for catalytic lamps |
| Step 2 | Insert the wick so that the stone is on top of the lamp and replace the cap |
| Step 3 | Wait about 20 minutes, then remove the cap and ignite the stone for about 2 to 3 minutes |
| Step 4 | Blow out the flame and put the decorative cap back on |
| Step 5 | When you want to stop using the lamp, put the blanking cap back on the lamp |
| Precautions | Make sure the fuel container is in perfect condition, perfectly tight 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 |
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What You'll Learn
Filling the lamp with fragrance oil
Filling a catalytic fragrance lamp with oil is a simple process, but it requires caution and attention to safety. Firstly, it is important to note that the lamp should not be overfilled. The manufacturer's instructions should be consulted, but as a general rule, the lamp should be filled to a maximum of two-thirds full. Some sources suggest that filling the lamp halfway is best.
Once the desired amount of fragrance oil has been added, the next step is to insert the wick and the stone burner securely into the lamp. If this is the first time the burner is being used, it is important to allow the wick to soak up the oil. Again, the manufacturer's instructions should be consulted, but this process usually takes around 20 minutes.
After the wick has had time to absorb the oil, the stone burner can be ignited. The flame should be allowed to burn for approximately two minutes, or until the stone reaches the correct operating temperature. At this point, the flame should be carefully blown out, but the stone will remain active as a heated burner, continuing to draw up the oil through the wick.
The lamp will now be diffusing fragrance and purifying the air through a process known as catalytic combustion. This process is self-sustaining as long as there is a constant supply of fuel and oxygen. The fragrance lamp does not operate with an open flame, making it safer than scented candles.
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Inserting the wick and stone
To insert the wick and stone of a catalytic fragrance lamp, follow these steps:
Firstly, remove the blanking cap from the lamp. The catalytic stone should be attached to the wick, which is placed inside the lamp. Ensure that the stone is positioned at the top of the lamp, with the wick threaded through it. This setup allows the fragrance to be drawn up through the wick and into the stone, where the catalytic process occurs.
After filling the lamp with your chosen fragrance, insert the wick and stone assembly. The wick should be secure and fully immersed in the fragrance liquid. If this is the first use of the burner, or if you are using a new fragrance, allow the wick to soak in the fragrance for about 20 minutes. This initial soaking ensures the wick is thoroughly saturated, improving the performance of the lamp.
Once the wick has absorbed the fragrance, you can light the burner. The heat from the flame will activate the catalyst (usually platinum) on the stone, initiating the catalytic reaction. Allow the flame to burn for approximately two minutes. This duration ensures that the stone reaches the optimal operating temperature for the catalytic process to function effectively.
Finally, after two minutes, blow out the flame. The stone will remain hot and continue to function as a heated burner, fuelled by the oil in the lamp. The flame-less operation of the lamp enhances safety and allows for efficient diffusion of the fragrance without burning the aromas.
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Igniting the stone
To ignite the stone of a catalytic fragrance lamp, start by removing the blanking cap and filling the lamp with your chosen fragrance oil. Insert the wick so that the stone sits on top of the lamp and replace the cap. Allow the wick to absorb the oil for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the cap and ignite the stone. Let the flame burn for around two minutes—this is to ensure the burner reaches the right temperature. After two minutes, blow out the flame and place the decorative cap back on. The stone will now be acting as a heated burner, fuelled by the oil in the bottle, and will continue to burn the solution, fuelling the catalytic process and diffusing the fragrance.
It is important to note that the catalytic burner will be hot. If the protective cap is not replaced, the lamp will continue to operate. When switching fragrances, it is recommended to empty any remaining oil and burn a neutral oil for about 20 minutes to clean the burner and prepare it for a new fragrance. Regular maintenance of the burner will prolong its life.
To extinguish the lamp, place the stopper cap on the catalytic burner. This will block oxygen to the burner and allow it to cool. Always keep the lamp sealed when not in use to prevent evaporation. It is also recommended to remove the burner from the lamp if you do not plan to use it for several weeks. Allow the burner to air-dry and store it in a dry place.
Take precautions to avoid hazards when using a catalytic fragrance lamp. Ensure the fuel container is in perfect condition and not leaking. Do not leave the lamp unattended or use it in an unventilated room. Do not inhale, ingest, or use the lamp fuel in any other way. Take extreme caution when refilling the lamp.
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Extinguishing the flame
After about two minutes, the flame of a catalytic fragrance lamp should be extinguished. This is done by blowing it out—the heated burner will remain active, fuelled by the oil in the lamp's bottle, drawing the oil up through the wick. This flameless operation is what makes catalytic fragrance lamps safer than scented candles. The lower operating temperature also means that the aromas in the oil are efficiently diffused into the air without being burned.
To extinguish the lamp, put the decorative cap back on. This will stop the diffusion process by blocking oxygen to the burner and allowing it to cool. If you are using a Lampe Berger fragrance lamp, this is called the "snuffer cap". If you do not plan to use your lamp for several weeks, it is best to remove the burner from the lamp, let it air-dry, and store it in a dry place until the next use. Keep the lamp empty of fragrance and cover it with the snuffer cap. This prevents the metal parts from oxidizing through contact with perfume.
If you are using a Lampe Berger fragrance lamp, it is recommended that you empty any remaining fragrance oil and burn Lampe Berger Neutral oil for about 20 minutes when you switch to a new scent. This will clean your catalytic burner so that it is ready for use with the new fragrance oil. Regular maintenance of your catalytic burner will prolong its life. If your burner becomes dark and doesn't seem to work, you may need to clean it using Neutral oil. Light the burner and let the flame stay lit for a while to burn off some of the accumulated soot.
Always use only Maison Berger Paris-branded catalytic lamp refills. Using other products in your lamp can damage the wick.
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Maintaining and cleaning the lamp
Maintaining and cleaning your catalytic fragrance lamp is important to ensure it works effectively and has a long life. Here are some key instructions to follow:
Firstly, always ensure you use the correct fuel for your lamp. Fragrance lamps require a special fragrance fuel, which is fragrance oil suspended in an isopropyl alcohol base. Using any other type of fuel or homemade fragrance can ruin the stone burner wick. It is also important to keep the fuel container in perfect condition, with no leaks, and to always keep the airtight cap on when not in use to prevent evaporation and potential hazards.
When filling your lamp, do not overfill it. It is recommended to fill the lamp to a maximum of two-thirds full, and some sources suggest that half full works best. Allow the wick to soak up the fragrance oil for at least 20 minutes before lighting the lamp.
After using your lamp, it is important to clean the stone burner regularly to prevent a build-up of fragrance oil, which can clog the wick. If your burner becomes dark and stops working efficiently, you can clean it by burning neutral oil or unscented wick cleaner in your lamp for about 20 minutes. This will burn off the soot and clean the burner.
If you are not going to use your lamp for an extended period, remove the stone burner and wick after it has cooled down and place them on a clean paper towel. Allow the towel to soak up any excess fuel. Then, clean the burner and wick by swishing them in a bowl of 4-in-one solution or 99.5% isopropyl alcohol. Finally, discard the solution and store the burner and wick in a safe place.
By following these maintenance and cleaning instructions, you can ensure your catalytic fragrance lamp remains in good condition and functions effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
First, fill your lamp with your chosen fragrance oil, leaving some space at the top to prevent overfilling. Insert the wick and stone into the lamp, and let the wick soak up the oil for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the cap and ignite the stone. Let the flame burn for 2-3 minutes, then blow it out. The stone will continue to heat up and diffuse the fragrance without the need for an open flame.
To stop the catalytic process, place the snuffer cap back on the burner to block oxygen and allow it to cool down.
Always keep the lamp sealed when not in use to prevent evaporation of the fragrance. Do not leave the lamp unattended during operation, and do not use it in an unventilated room. Take caution when refilling the lamp, and ensure that the fuel container is tightly closed when not in use.
