Aroma Diffusers: Why Less Mist Is More

Aroma diffusers are a popular way to add essential oils to your home. However, sometimes they may not be working properly and emit less mist. There are several reasons why this could be happening. Firstly, check if the diffuser is out of water or if there is a problem with the water level. The water level should be slightly below the maximum fill line as overfilling can cause internal leakage and damage the electric board. Secondly, the unit might be overloaded and processing too much water. Using too much water will result in a diluted solution that will not affect the smell of the room. Thirdly, the water-to-oil ratio might be incorrect. Oil diffusers are designed to work with specific amounts of water, and using too much or too little can create clogs. Fourthly, the water might contain too much mineral content, which can clog up the diffuser's pump. Lastly, the diffuser might need cleaning as oil and scent buildup can affect its performance.

Water level too high

If your aroma diffuser is emitting less mist, one possible reason is that the water level is too high. Filling the diffuser with too much water can cause internal leakage in the compartment, leading to serious damage to the electric board. The ultrasonic plate will also have to work harder to produce mist.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended to fill the water slightly below the maximum fill line. Check your diffuser's user manual for the correct water level, as different models may have specific requirements. Overfilling the diffuser can also increase the risk of water entering other compartments if the unit is bumped or moved while full. Therefore, it is important to avoid disturbing the diffuser once it is filled with water.

Additionally, using the wrong type of water can also affect the misting function of your diffuser. Some diffusers recommend using distilled water, while others suggest filtered, tap, or spring water. Always refer to the user manual for the recommended water type to ensure optimal performance.

Unit not on a hard, flat surface

If your aroma diffuser is not emitting a strong mist, one possible reason is that the unit is not placed on a hard, flat surface. Here are some tips to address this issue:

• Ensure that the diffuser is placed on a level, hard surface. Avoid placing it on soft surfaces such as towels, mats, or carpets. These soft surfaces can absorb the ultrasonic vibrations, reducing the effectiveness of the diffuser.
• Check that the lid of the diffuser is secure and sitting correctly on the base of the unit. A misaligned lid can cause leaks and damage to the internal components.
• Avoid bumping or moving the diffuser while it is full to prevent water from entering other compartments and affecting its performance.
• Regularly clean and maintain your diffuser to prevent oil and mineral buildup, which can impact its functionality over time.
• If your diffuser still emits a weak mist after trying these steps, consider contacting the manufacturer for further troubleshooting or replacing the unit.

Unit placed under a fan

If your aroma diffuser is placed under a fan, it may emit less mist. This is because the fan could be dispersing the mist, preventing it from accumulating and resulting in a weaker mist.

It is recommended to keep the diffuser away from fans or air vents to ensure the mist is not dispersed before it has a chance to spread. By placing the diffuser on a hard, flat surface away from any airflow, you can maximise the mist output and create a more concentrated aroma in the desired area.

Additionally, ensure that the diffuser is not overfilled, as this can also reduce the strength of the mist. It is generally advised to fill the water slightly below the maximum fill line, as indicated in the user manual or marked on the diffuser itself. Overfilling can cause internal leakage and damage the electrical components, while underfilling may cause the mechanism to stop working altogether.

Therefore, to optimise the performance of your aroma diffuser, ensure it is placed on a stable, flat surface away from any fans or vents, and fill it with water according to the recommended level.

Water temperature is too low

If your aroma diffuser is emitting less mist than usual, it could be because the water temperature is too low.

Cold water is denser than warm water, as its molecules are packed tightly together, leaving little space for them to move around. This means that it takes more energy to vibrate the water and create mist. Warm water, on the other hand, is less dense, allowing its molecules to bounce apart and rise above colder water.

Using tepid or lukewarm water in your diffuser, especially in colder climates or during cold weather, can help to improve mist emission. This is because the warmer water requires less energy to excite the molecules and create mist.

It is also important to note that the type of water used can affect mist emission. Some diffusers recommend using distilled water to reduce mineral buildup, while others suggest filtered tap water or spring water. The mineral content in the water is important because the ultrasonic plate uses these minerals to vibrate the water molecules. Water with a higher mineral content generally produces more vapour because the ultrasonic disc can vibrate it more effectively.

Water contains too many minerals

If your aroma diffuser is emitting less mist, it could be because the water you're using contains too many minerals.

Different diffusers require different types of water to work effectively. Some diffusers recommend using distilled water to reduce the buildup of mineral deposits on the ultrasonic disc. However, most diffusers instruct you to use only filtered, tap, or spring water.

The mineral content in the water affects diffusion because the ultrasonic plate uses the minerals to vibrate the water molecules. Water with a higher mineral content will usually produce more vapour because the ultrasonic disc can vibrate it more effectively.

If you're unsure about the mineral content of your water, check your user manual for the recommended type of water. If in doubt, use filtered water and see how it goes.

Using water with too many minerals can clog up your diffuser's pump over time. To reduce the number of minerals, consider boiling off any excess moisture before storing water.

Frequently asked questions