{"id":6357,"date":"2022-05-04T20:47:58","date_gmt":"2022-05-05T03:47:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/?p=6357"},"modified":"2022-05-04T20:48:01","modified_gmt":"2022-05-05T03:48:01","slug":"do-diffusers-cause-mold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/do-diffusers-cause-mold\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Diffusers Cause Mold? (Quick Facts)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Essential oil diffusers are a health and wellness tool used daily in many homes. Diffusing oils can reduce anxiety symptoms, boost your mood, improve respiratory health, and more. But can diffusers also release mold spores into the air?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a diffuser is cleaned regularly, it is unlikely to develop mold. But neglecting to care for your diffuser can lead to mold growth. If you\u2019ve gone days or weeks without cleaning your diffuser, that needs to change.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, I\u2019ll share why you want to keep your diffuser clean, how to go about doing it, and possible alternatives to water-based diffusers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Do<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Inhaling Mold Is Not Okay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It seems counterintuitive to diffuse essential oils to improve your health, but neglect to prevent mold growth, which can cause illness. But that\u2019s what so many people do, often unintentionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mold and mildew are actually pretty common. We come in contact with them in some way daily. It\u2019s not until they begin to accumulate in one area that they potentially become a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mold loves to grow in damp, dark places<\/a>. <\/strong>Whether it\u2019s clothing, plants, wood, drywall, carpeting, or almost any other moist surface, mold will spread so long as there\u2019s oxygen and the temperature isn\u2019t too cold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once these spores begin to grow, they can cause irritations and\/or allergic reactions<\/a> when touched or inhaled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If inhaled, it can cause eye irritation, runny nose, sneezing, and possibly red eyes. It can even trigger an asthma attack in those with asthma who are allergic to mold.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why it\u2019s important to prevent mold from growing in your oil diffuser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the Difference Between Mold and Mildew?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mildew is a form of mold<\/a> and they\u2019re both a type of fungi. Mildew is what you\u2019ll probably notice in the early stages of mold growth. It only takes a day or two for mildew or mold spores to begin to reproduce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although one leads to the other, there are some differences in their appearance and the extent to which they cause harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mildew appears flat and looks powdery white or gray.<\/strong> Although it thrives in moisture, mildew will look dry. It can have a mild musty smell and is often found on surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mold is often raised and fuzzy or slimy.<\/strong> It\u2019s got a wider color range including green, black, red, and blue. Mold\u2019s odor is more stenchy, you can\u2019t mistake it for anything else. It can sink into surfaces, making it harder to locate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of health, mold, especially black mold, can cause more severe illness than mildew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Clean an Essential Oil Diffuser <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So you can see why maintaining your diffuser is so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people avoid sanitizing their diffusers regularly, but luckily, most diffusers are easy to clean. Keeping it clean is not only good for your health, but it prolongs the use of your diffuser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Here are some simple steps to follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. First, you want to open and empty out your diffuser<\/strong>. If you notice mold beginning to grow, pour rubbing alcohol onto a disposable cloth and wipe the interior of your reservoir. Clean any areas where you see the mold.<\/li>
  2. Next, rinse and fill the reservoir with fresh water<\/strong>. Add one teaspoon of vinegar. I dislike the smell of white vinegar, so in addition to the vinegar, I would add one or two drops of lemon essential oil. But it\u2019s up to you.<\/li>
  3. Diffuse<\/strong> this solution for at least an hour.<\/li>
  4. Once the cycle is complete<\/strong>, your diffuser should be fresh and clean. Wipe it down and allow it to air dry.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If necessary, repeat the steps once more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    This water-vinegar solution also prevents bacterial buildup and discourages dust mites from making their home in your diffuser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Often Should You Clean Your Essential Oil Diffuser? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You can find the best answer to this question in the user manual that arrived with your diffuser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Generally, it\u2019s good practice to diffuse the water\/vinegar solution every three days if you use your diffuser daily. <\/strong>The longest I might go without cleaning it would be one week, but that\u2019s a stretch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you only use your diffuser occasionally, then it\u2019s best practice to clean it after every third use in order to prevent mildew growth<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Else Can You Prevent Mold Growth In Your Diffuser?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In addition to maintaining a cleaning regimen, there are a few things you can do to prevent mold from growing in your diffuser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Don\u2019t allow water to sit in your diffuser for days on end. <\/strong>If you know that you won\u2019t be using the machine for a while, empty it. Allow it to air dry, or use a towel to absorb any water before closing the lid again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Diffuse antifungal essential oils from time to time.<\/strong> This is a preventative measure that can help keep your machine in a good condition in between cleanings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some antifungal essential oils include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n