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We know air quality problems lead to respiratory problems, allergy attacks, and asthma attacks. So is It Safe to use Essential Oils for Air Purifier? A combination of essential oils and air purifiers can improve the quality of indoor air.
Essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus have antibacterial properties, yet this combination might not be safe.
Research reveals some troubling evidence. Scientists found 188 different VOC gasses from just 24 commercial essential oils. These findings raise safety concerns, particularly in homes with children.
So, medical pros generally say it’s best to avoid using essential oil diffusers around young kids, as there’s a chance it could cause breathing issues.
The idea of mixing air purification with aromatherapy benefits sounds appealing. This piece will show you which air purifiers work safely with essential oils.
You’ll learn about potential risks and the best ways to enjoy both without damaging your air quality or equipment.
Types of Air Purifiers and Their Essential Oil Compatibility
Different air purifier designs handle essential oils in unique ways. You can avoid getting pricey damage and keep your air purifier working at its best by understanding compatibility issues.
HEPA filter purifiers and moisture risks
HEPA filters work amazingly well at capturing airborne particles. These powerful filters remove up to 99.97% of fine particles as small as 0.3 microns. But they have one major weakness – moisture.
Your standard air purifier with HEPA filters only works with dry filters. Essential Oils for Air Purifier in liquid form can damage these filters. Oil moisture breaks down the filter material and reduces its effectiveness at capturing pollutants.
Adding oils directly to a HEPA purifier can clog the filter faster. This reduced airflow makes the filtration less effective.
Activated carbon purifiers and oil absorption
Activated carbon filters do a great job removing odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your air. All the same, they struggle with essential oils in specific ways.
The carbon actively absorbs essential oils, which quickly uses up the filter’s capacity. The manufacturer explains, “Essential oils would be absorbed by the activated carbon, shortening its useful life as a trap for harmful VOCs and odors”.
The filter’s ability to capture other harmful airborne chemicals decreases as oils take up more space in the carbon filter.
Ionizers and essential oil interactions
Ionizers take a different approach than traditional filters. They release negative ions that make airborne particles fall out of the air you breathe.
Some ionizers, like the TEQOYA models, use 100% ozone-free technology that eliminates up to 99.9% of particles. Note that many ionizers produce small amounts of ozone as a byproduct, which can harm your health.
Essential oil molecules might mix with the ionization process in ways we can’t predict. Research hasn’t fully explored how these interactions affect air purification or break down essential oil compounds.
Purpose-built aromatherapy air purifiers
Several manufacturers now make air purifiers specifically designed to work with essential oils. These models come with dedicated compartments or pads for oils.
Models like the MS50 Aromatherapy Air Purifier use “a built-in essential oil sponge” that lets oils diffuse safely without damaging critical components. Miko’s IBUKI air purifier offers a convenient “aroma slot on the top”.
These specialized systems keep oils separate from sensitive filter materials. Many use room-temperature diffusion methods to avoid breaking down oil components through heat.
Read Also: Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier: Which One Saves Your Health and Home?
Risks of Adding Essential Oils to Standard Air Purifiers
There are major risks associated with adding essential oils straight to regular air purifiers. Manufacturers warn against this practice and with good reason too.
Filter damage and replacement costs
Essential oils’ moisture severely damages HEPA filters. These filters need to stay dry to work right. Essential oils’ liquid nature breaks down filter materials and weakens their structure. Your filters will need replacement much sooner than expected.
New filters cost a lot over time. Oil residue clogs up filters and forces you to replace them more often. This leads to extra costs you probably didn’t think about at the time of your original purchase.
Reduced purification efficiency
Your air purifier’s performance drops when essential oils get into the system. Oil residue blocks filter pores and stops proper air flow. The purifier’s cleaning power decreases by a lot.
Research shows air purifiers can remove about 80% of essential oil smells. This defeats the purpose of using both products together. Your air purifier works against your aromatherapy goals, which makes this combination counterproductive.
Warranty voiding concerns
Most manufacturers clearly state that essential oils void their air purifiers’ warranty. Product manuals often warn against this practice specifically. You’ll find these restrictions right in your owner’s manual.
Warranty exclusions usually list “abuse, alteration, misuse” as reasons to void coverage. This category includes using essential oils despite warnings.
Electrical component damage
Essential oil vapors can harm electronic components inside air purifiers. These oils’ volatile compounds react with electrical parts as time passes. Your device could malfunction or completely fail.
Experts say to “avoid vaporizing anything near electronics whether that be smoking, vaping or oils that smell nice”. The risk goes beyond filter damage and affects your device’s core functionality.
Think over purpose-built aromatherapy air purifiers or use separate devices at different times instead. This approach lets you enjoy both clean air and aromatherapy benefits without damaging expensive equipment.
Read Also: Can You Use an Air Purifier for Cigarette Smoke Smell?
Manufacturer Guidelines: Essential Oils for Air Purifier Use
Manufacturers give clear guidelines about using essential oils in their air purifiers. These rules protect your device and keep your warranty valid.
Major brands that prohibit essential oils
Instant Brands states that essential oils should not be used with their air purifiers. The company warns that added fragrances can clog filters and make them less effective over time. Their user manuals make it clear that oils hurt the purifier’s performance.
Most HEPA filter manufacturers don’t allow essential oil use. They worry about filter damage and shorter lifespans. Oil moisture breaks down filter materials and reduces how well they clean the air.
Brands with essential oil-friendly models
Some manufacturers now make purifiers designed for aromatherapy. Levoit has models like the LV-H128 and Core Mini that come with Aroma Pads for essential oils. You just need to add 2-3 drops on these special pads.
The MS50 Aromatherapy Air Purifier comes with a built-in essential oil sponge. Its design lets you add drops to an aroma box that spreads clean air and fresh scents through your room.
Miko sells a HEPA air purifier with a built-in essential oil diffuser. Rabbit Air offers an attachment called Essence that lets you diffuse oils with their purifiers.
How to check your specific model’s compatibility?
Your user manual should be the first place to look. Most manufacturers clearly state if you can use essential oils.
Check if your purifier has special oil trays or compartments. Models that work with oils have features like aroma pads, sponges, or special slots.
You can always reach out to the manufacturer’s customer service team. They’ll tell you exactly what your model can handle.
Note that using oils in purifiers not made for them cancels your warranty. Stick to using essential oils only in purifiers designed for this purpose.
Safe Methods to Use Essential Oils with Air Purifiers
Clean air and pleasant aromas can coexist with the right approach. Your essential oils work safely with air purifier systems without damaging your expensive equipment.
Separate diffuser placement strategies
The right placement helps you get the most from both devices. Your diffuser and air purifier should stay in the same room but not right next to each other. This setup allows good air circulation and stops the purifier from filtering out oil particles too quickly. A raised diffuser helps spread oils better throughout your space. Both devices need space away from walls and obstacles for proper airflow.
Timing your aromatherapy and air purification
Your devices work best when used one after another. Start with the air purifier to clean the air completely. Switch it off and then turn on your essential oil diffuser. This order keeps your purifier from removing the aromatherapy benefits right away. Most people find this method works better than running both at once.
Essential oil diffuser pads for compatible models
Many brands now make special pads just for aromatherapy. The Levoit LV-H128 comes with aroma pads that hold 2-3 drops of essential oil under the cover.
MORENTO HY1800 purifiers include replaceable scent pads in packs of 15.
HoMedics purifiers feature convenient oil trays – just push the tray out, add 5-7 drops of oil, and click it back.
DIY solutions that protect your equipment
A natural air freshener spray offers a great alternative. Mix some water with essential oil drops in a spray bottle. Give it a good shake before spraying around your home. Cotton balls or fabric sachets with diluted essential oils work well too when placed around your space. This simple trick gives you targeted aromatherapy without risking damage to your expensive equipment.
Conclusion
Essential Oils for Air Purifier are appealing to many people. You can use them with standard air purifiers can be risky. Air purifiers perform best without oils or fragrances.
The best solution uses two separate devices. Your air purifier should run first to clean the air. A dedicated essential oil diffuser can work after that. This setup protects your equipment and gives you both benefits.
Specially designed aromatherapy air purifiers might work better for you. These units come with dedicated oil compartments that keep sensitive parts protected.
Your manufacturer’s guidelines should guide your decision. Different needs and equipment require different approaches. Compatible devices or separate units will give you the best outcome.
Clean indoor air is too valuable to risk damaging your purifier. Smart essential oil choices protect your health and equipment effectively.
FAQs: Essential Oils for Air Purifier
Can I use essential oils in my air purifier?
Most standard air purifiers are not designed for use with essential oils. Adding oils directly to your purifier can damage filters, reduce efficiency, and potentially void the warranty. It’s best to use a separate diffuser or choose a purifier specifically designed for aromatherapy.
What are the risks of adding essential oils to a regular air purifier?
Adding essential oils to a standard air purifier can lead to filter damage, reduced purification efficiency, voided warranties, and potential electrical component damage.
The oils can clog filters, compromise their effectiveness, and interfere with the purifier’s ability to clean the air properly.
Are there air purifiers that are compatible with essential oils?
Yes, some manufacturers offer air purifiers specifically designed for use with essential oils. These models typically include dedicated compartments or pads for oils. That ensure safe diffusion without damaging critical components.
Examples include the MS50 Aromatherapy Air Purifier and certain Levoit models with aroma pads.
How can I safely enjoy essential oils and air purification together?
To safely use both, consider running your air purifier first to clean the air, then turn it off and use a separate essential oil diffuser. Alternatively, use purpose-built aromatherapy air purifiers or create DIY solutions like natural air freshener sprays that don’t interfere with your purifier’s function.
Do air purifiers remove the scent of essential oils?
Air purifiers, especially those with activated carbon filters, can significantly reduce or neutralize essential oil scents. Studies show that air purifiers can neutralize approximately 80% of essential oil smells, which may counteract the intended aromatherapy benefits when used simultaneously.
