Antonio Mcgowan
A fragrance lamp, also known as a perfume lamp, effusion lamp, or catalytic lamp, is a lamp that disperses scented alcohol using a catalytic combustion wick. 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 works by pulling fragrance up through the wick to a burner, which releases the fragrance and saturates the room. The fragrance lamp's process is initiated by lighting the stone burner at the lamp's mouth. After two minutes, the flame is blown out, but the stone remains active, fuelled by the oil in the bottle, and diffuses the combusted alcohol and any added aromatics throughout the room.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Perfume lamp, effusion lamp, catalytic lamp |
| Composition | Catalytic combustion wick, cotton wick, natural porous stone |
| Function | Disperses scented alcohol, purifies air, perfumes air |
| Process | Stone burner is ignited, flame is extinguished after two minutes, heated burner diffuses combusted alcohol and aromatics |
| Safety | Safer than scented candles due to lack of open flame, highly flammable alcohol vapour/air mixture |
| Filling | Fill lamp 2/3rds full with fragrance, fill small/large lamps according to bottle size |
| Maintenance | Cover stone with airtight cap when not in use to prevent evaporation and clogging |
| Pet Safety | No negative impact on cats, dogs, and birds reported, but contains isopropyl alcohol |
| Pregnancy Safety | No adverse effects reported, but check with a healthcare professional |
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What You'll Learn
History of fragrance lamps
The history of fragrance lamps, also known as perfume lamps, effusion lamps, or catalytic lamps, dates back to the mid-1800s. The core technology of a fragrance lamp is its catalytic burner, which consists of a porous stone with a cotton wick that draws up an alcohol-based fuel.
The early history of fragrance lamps was primarily focused on their functional use for air purification, particularly in hospitals and mortuaries. In the early 1800s, German scientist Justus Von Liebig and French chemist Charles Frederick Gerhardt developed the catalytic burner system, which was later improved upon and patented by French pharmacist and inventor Maurice Berger in Paris in June 1898. The original lamp was named "Lampe Berger". His intention was to create a lamp that could purify the air, reduce the spread of airborne bacteria, and increase oxygen levels in medical settings.
Initially, Berger focused his fragrance lamp business on the commercial industry, but he soon recognized the potential for making his product a household appliance. He began selling his lamps in department stores in Paris, offering consumers a way to improve their air quality and eliminate germs and odours. In the 1920s, designers were commissioned to create aesthetically pleasing bottles suitable for private homes, and the fragrance lamp began to evolve from a utilitarian invention to a luxurious and elegant way to fill homes with delightful aromas.
Today, fragrance lamps have become increasingly popular, with many companies offering a variety of beautiful lamps with the same air-purifying catalytic process as the original design. The dual-purpose functionality, safety, and efficiency of fragrance lamps continue to make them a favourite choice among fragrance lovers.
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How fragrance lamps work
A fragrance lamp, also known as a perfume lamp, effusion lamp, or catalytic lamp, is a lamp that disperses scented alcohol using a catalytic combustion wick. The lamp consists of a cotton wick threaded through a natural, porous stone burner. 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.
To use a fragrance lamp, first fill the lamp with fragrance oil. The decorative cap is then removed, and the stone burner is ignited. After two minutes, the flame is blown out, but the stone remains hot, fuelled by the oil in the lamp, drawing the oil up through the wick. This flameless operation makes fragrance lamps safer than scented candles. The lower operating temperature also ensures that the aromas in the oil are efficiently diffused into the air without being burnt.
Fragrance lamps are designed to purify, cleanse, and perfume the air in a wide area. They actively work to remove common odours in the home, including cooking smells and pet odours. The lamp exchanges fragrance for unwanted odours in the air, releasing the fragrance and saturating a room more quickly and efficiently than other fragrance products. The lamp does this without a continuous flame, making it safer than candles.
When filling a fragrance lamp, it is recommended to fill the lamp two-thirds full with fragrance. It can be difficult to determine how full the lamp is due to its design, so when opening a new bottle, the following amounts of liquid are suggested: for a large lamp, a 250ml bottle should be used entirely, a 500ml bottle should be just over half full, and a 1000ml bottle should be about one-third full. For a small lamp, a 250ml bottle should be filled just over halfway, a 500ml bottle should be about one-third full, and a 1000ml bottle should be about one-sixth full.
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Safety precautions
A fragrance lamp, also known as a perfume lamp, effusion lamp, or catalytic lamp, is a lamp that disperses scented alcohol using a catalytic combustion wick. The lamp's process is initiated by igniting the stone burner at the mouth of the lamp. After two minutes, the flame is blown out, but the stone remains active as a heated burner fuelled by the oil in the bottle, drawing the oil up through the wick. This flameless operation makes the lamps safer than scented candles.
- Always ensure the lamp is placed on a stable and level surface.
- Do not place the lamp on a wooden or finished surface as the alcohol can damage the finish if spilled.
- Ensure there is good ventilation in the room.
- Do not leave the lamp unattended during operation.
- Do not touch the shade to avoid scalding when the lamp is lit.
- Do not use the decorative shade while the flame is burning.
- Do not use the lamp in an unventilated room.
- Do not inhale, ingest, or use the lamp fuel in any other way.
- Take extreme caution when refilling the fragrance lamp.
- Ensure there is no open flame nearby when refilling.
- Wipe up any spillage carefully before lighting the lamp.
- Do not fill the lamp on wooden furniture or without a dish underneath it.
- Do not leave fuel in the lamp between lightings to prevent the wick stone from building up fragrance.
- Always use the snuffler cap to extinguish the flame.
- Do not attempt to put the crown on a lit lamp.
- Allow the lamp to reset for 30 minutes between uses.
- If you are pregnant or have pets, consult a healthcare professional before using the lamp.
- Use only the recommended fragrance with the lamp to avoid damaging the wick and stone assembly.
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Filling and maintaining fragrance lamps
Filling and maintaining a fragrance lamp is a simple process, but one that requires care and attention to safety. Fragrance lamps, also known as perfume lamps, effusion lamps, or catalytic lamps, are a great way to disperse scented alcohol and purify the air without the risks of an open flame. Here is a step-by-step guide to filling and maintaining your fragrance lamp:
Filling Your Fragrance Lamp:
- Place your fragrance lamp on a level, stable, and protected surface. Ensure there are no flammable materials nearby.
- Remove the decorative cap and the solid snuffer cap.
- Fill the lamp with fragrance oil. It is recommended to fill the lamp about two-thirds full. Do not overfill as this may impact the lamp's functionality.
- Allow the wick stone to absorb the fragrance oil. This typically takes around 20 minutes.
- If you are using a new wick stone, or if your stone has dried out, you may need to soak it for 20-30 minutes before use.
- Replace the solid snuffer cap and allow the wick stone to absorb the fragrance for another 20 minutes.
Lighting Your Fragrance Lamp:
- Remove the snuffer cap and light the stone burner at the mouth of the lamp.
- After two to four minutes, blow out the flame. The stone burner will remain hot and will continue to diffuse the fragrance without the open flame.
Maintaining Your Fragrance Lamp:
- Always ensure the airtight cap is on when the lamp is not in use to prevent evaporation and spillage.
- If you won't be using the lamp for an extended period, pour any remaining fragrance back into the bottle using the provided funnel.
- If the stone becomes clogged with fragrance, clean it with a paper towel or isopropyl alcohol.
- The wick assembly may need to be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on usage.
- Always exercise caution when refilling the lamp, and avoid open flames or wooden surfaces.
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Fragrance lamp designs
Today, fragrance lamps come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. Some lamps have simple and elegant designs, while others are more ornate and decorative. The decorative cap, which is removed before use, can feature intricate patterns and details. The bottles that hold the fragrance oil can also vary in design, with some featuring colourful or patterned glass.
The size of the lamp will determine how much fragrance oil it can hold. Large lamps can hold up to 1000ml of oil, while small lamps typically hold around 250ml. It is recommended to fill the lamp to about two-thirds full with fragrance oil and to use an airtight cap to prevent evaporation when not in use.
Fragrance lamps use a catalytic combustion wick, which consists of a cotton wick threaded through a natural, porous stone. The stone burner is ignited, and after two minutes, the flame is blown out. The heated stone then continues to diffuse the fragrance oil without an open flame, making it safer than scented candles.
It is important to note that fragrance lamps should not be left unattended during operation and should not be used in an unventilated room. While they can be used with pets in the house, it is recommended to avoid using them if your pet is sensitive to isopropyl alcohol, a common ingredient in the fragrance base.
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Frequently asked questions
A fragrance lamp, also known as a perfume lamp, effusion lamp, or catalytic lamp, is a lamp that disperses scented alcohol using a catalytic combustion wick. 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.
After filling the bottle with fragrance oil, the decorative cap is removed, and the stone is lit. After about two minutes, the flame is blown out, but the stone remains heated and diffuses the oil throughout the room. This flameless operation makes fragrance lamps safer than scented candles.
It is suggested to fill your lamp so that it is 2/3rds full with fragrance. However, as it can be difficult to determine how full your lamp is, you can use the following amounts of liquid if opening a new bottle:
- Large lamp: 250ml bottle — use the entire bottle; 500ml bottle — use just over half; 1000ml bottle — use about 1/3.
- Small lamp: 250ml bottle — use just over 1/2; 500ml bottle — use about 1/3; 1000ml bottle — use about 1/6.
While we are passionate about not testing our products on animals, we cannot say with certainty how our lamps and fragrances will affect your individual pet. However, we haven't been made aware of any negative impact on cats, dogs, and birds. Our lamps only require a small percentage of fragrance, so we wouldn't expect there to be any issues. However, if your pet is sensitive to isopropyl alcohol, we recommend not using the lamp or using it in a separate room.
