Can You Put Essential Oils In Humidifiers?

Answers to questions like, “Can you put essential oils in humidifiers?”

A question we are asked a lot at Saje is whether or not you can add our essential oils, like single notes or diffuser blends, into a humidifier. The answer is complicated in that there are many factors that could impact whether or not this is a safe and effective idea for the humidifier you have in your home. Because we specialize in ultrasonic diffusers that are carefully built to withstand the use of essential oils and water in their tanks, it’s important to first understand the difference between a diffuser and a humidifier.

Answers to questions like, “Can you put essential oils in humidifiers?"

Question: What is the difference between a diffuser and a humidifier?

In a recent blog post you can find here we discuss the major differences between diffusers and humidifiers. One of the primary differences is in water tank size. Because a humidifier's primary purpose is to put moisture into the air, they are often built with large water tanks, and are used to add moisture to large spaces, including the entire floor of a home. Diffusers on the other hand can add a small amount of moisture to the air as a secondary benefit, while they are primarily used to scent the home through the customized use of essential oils, and to refresh the air in your space. Their water tanks are typically significantly smaller than those of a humidifier, explaining why added moisture is a secondary benefit.

Next, it’s important to understand the materials from which a humidifier is constructed. When designing our diffusers at Saje, we know that the materials we use to build the inner tanks like BPA-free plastic are able to withstand frequent essential oil usage without any corrosion or breaking down of the materials. It would be important to check with the manufacturer of your unit prior to adding essential oils, or any liquid other than water, to the unit to ensure it is made of materials that would not be negatively impacted by the addition of essential oils. In their design, most humidifiers are not constructed for use with essential oils; as with diffusers that have an ultrasonic vibrating disk, humidifiers make use of a fan. In a worst case scenario, this could cause the essential oils to break down the plastic in the device, causing damage to the humidifier.

Other factors include whether or not you are using a cool or warm mist humidifier. Though a cool mist unit is most common, warm mist humidifiers would be less ideal for using essential oils, as heat changes the chemical composition of essential oils and can actually negate some of their beneficial effects. It’s also possible that essential oils can clog a humidifier and cause the unit to malfunction, which can result in a crack in the water tank.

To err on the side of caution, it’s always important to speak to the manufacturer of a humidifier before using essential oils in the tank. At Saje, our preferred method of distributing fine, cool particles of essential oil mist into the air would be through the use of a diffuser.

Answers to questions like, “Can you put essential oils in humidifiers?”

Question: Which diffuser is the best?

The answer to the question ‘which diffuser is best’ is actually quite simple; the unit that you like the most is the best one. Because they are so similar in function, a lot of the major differences in diffusers are aesthetic. Each tank has a vibrating disk that breaks down essential oils and water into fine, cool mist. The aesthetic differences are often in color, materials used to make the outer cover, features like timers and lights and the size of the unit.

Here are some of our most popular diffusers and a bit about them.

Aroma Om White diffuser with a run time of between 3-6 hours based on a continuous or intermittent setting, this beautiful ceramic diffuser is our most pleasing design. A medium sized unit with an optional LED light, this diffuser is perfect for a home office or a small bedroom.

Aroma Om Deluxe Stone diffuser: our largest diffuser is well suited to large, open concept spaces like living or dining rooms and large bedrooms. This unit has a low or high setting that can run between 11-22 hours, with other features like a sleek cement cover and an optional LED light band in bright or dim.

Answers to questions like, “Can you put essential oils in humidifiers?”

Question: What type of essential oils can I put in my diffuser?

Another common question we are asked here at Saje relates to the quality of the essential oils that are safe for use in a diffuser. Are all essential oils created equally? The answer is no. It is very important that only 100% pure, unadulterated essential oils are used in any of our diffusers. What ‘adulterated’ means when it comes to essential oils can mean a few things; namely, it means the oils have been diluted (mixed with another thin, odorless liquid) or have had a carrier oil like grapeseed or jojoba added to the formula. While adding a carrier oil for example may not be harmful when it comes to topical application (in fact, the safest way to use essential oils on our bodies is while blended with a carrier oil), this is not a safe practice when it comes to diffusers.

The ultrasonic vibrating disc of a diffuser is very sensitive, and is only capable of creating fine, cool mist from the combination of water and pure essential oils that are low in viscosity, which means thickness. When we introduce higher viscosity (thicker) oils like grapeseed or jojoba, this can cause the disk to clog and the unit to malfunction. At Saje, we are 100% confident that our diffuser blends are 100% pure, thus safe and effective for use in our diffusers. Here are some of the most popular diffuser blends we offer that are well loved by our Community:

Liquid Sunshine diffuser blend: this bright and cheerful blend, bursting with top notes of grapefruit, bergamot and lime is our #1 crowd pleaser. Diffuse this cheerful blend during the daytime when you want your space to smell fresh and you want to feel refreshed.

Refresh diffuser blend: speaking of refresh, diffuse this exhilarating blend of boosting oils like eucalyptus, lemon and spearmint anytime you want your home to feel revitalized. As a bonus, this blend does an awesome job of neutralizing odors in the home, like those from kids, cooking and pets.

Unwind diffuser blend: for the ultimate in relaxation, try diffusing this serene blend of lavender, bergamot and cinnamon. The warm and comforting notes of this balancing blend will leave you de-stressed and feeling at peace.

Answers to questions like, “Can you put essential oils in humidifiers?”

Question: Which essential oils can I use when I want to feel relaxed?

When you want to feel peaceful and calmed in your space, there are many oils you can reach for that are known in aromatherapy to induce feelings of relaxation and tranquility. Here are some of our favorite diffuser blends to help you feel harmonized:

Goodnight diffuser blend: wind down and relax with this rich, warm blend of sandalwood, roman chamomile and vetiver.

Tranquility diffuser blend: feel calmed and promote feeling rested with this herbaceous and floral blend of marjoram, ylang ylang and lavender.

Daydream diffuser blend: when you want to drift away to the land of daydreams, diffuse this relaxing and peaceful blend of geranium, neroli and patchouli.

Answers to questions like, “Can you put essential oils in humidifiers?”

Question: Which essential oils can I use when I want to feel uplifted or invigorated?

When we want our home to feel uplifting and vibrant, we reach for essential oils that are known for their properties as revitalizing and invigorating. Here are some of our favorite blends to help you feel boosted all day long:

Energy diffuser blend: for days you want to feel sharp and stay stimulated, look no further than this blend of bright and uplifting essential oils like lemon, rosemary and peppermint.

Elevate diffuser blend: let the zesty and zippy essential oils of lemongrass, mandarin and yuzu make you feel boosted and uplifted throughout the day.

Mountain High diffuser blend: this fresh and woodsy blend of balsam fir, pine and a touch of spearmint will make you feel like you’ve just taken a deep breath in the forest.

Answers to questions like, “Can you put essential oils in humidifiers?”

Our final answer is that we believe essential oils are best suited to the units they were created for, which are our whisper quiet, heat-free and ultra versatile ultrasonic diffusers. You can add diffusers to your space knowing the materials and design of each unit have accounted for 100% pure blends of essential oils like orange, lavender and eucalyptus to be used safely and effectively.