How to Clean Your Stone Essential Oil Diffuser – A Complete Guide

Appellation Stone Essential Oil Diffusers

Appellation's stone essential oil diffusers are beautiful and functional, but just like any device, they need some occasional love and attention

So you've bought a beautiful new diffuser and are loving your new ritual of diffusing essential oils in your space. It smells amazing. You feel amazing. But maybe you've been a little too busy to give it a proper clean? No judgement here. 

However, regular cleaning is essential to maintain performance, prevent residue build-up, and ensure your essential oils are dispersed efficiently into the air. Proper maintenance not only protects your diffuser, but also ensures you experience the full aromatic and therapeutic benefits of your oils.

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Essential Oil Diffuser

Regular cleaning helps to:

  • Prevent mould and mildew from forming inside the water reservoir
  • Remove essential oil residue that can affect performance
  • Maintain optimal ultrasonic mist output
  • Prevent scent contamination between different oils
  • Extend the lifespan of your diffuser

If you diffuse daily, especially without emptying the water reservoir after each use, aim to clean your diffuser at least once a week. We recommend:

Oils That Require More Frequent Cleaning

You might have noticed that certain essential oils, like myrrh or Desert Rosewood can also be troublesome, leaving a sticky residue and even hardening around the bottle lid as they oxidise. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. It is still possible to diffuse these stunningly scented oils, so long as you take care to clean regularly between diffusions.

It's also best to clean after diffusing an intensely aromatic oil, like patchouli (found in both The Salutation and The Night Journey), as its scent tends to linger a little longer than a citrus essential oil, for example.

How to Clean an Ultrasonic Stone Diffuser – Step-by-Step

 

To give your Appellation diffuser the gentle clean it deserves, all you need is a soft cloth, some Q-tips (cotton buds), plain vinegar, some mild dishwashing liquid (or for an intensive clean, an alcohol-based cleaner, such as isopropyl or ethyl alcohol) and follow these simple steps:

STEP 1 – Disconnect and Disassemble

Disconnect the power supply and remove the cover and reservoir lid.

 

STEP 2 – Clean the Reservoir

Mix a teaspoon of white vinegar mixed with some water and some mild dishwashing liquid. Gently swirl inside the reservoir, wipe with a soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly.
When pouring out water, avoid allowing liquid to enter the air valve on the side. You can place a finger over the valve as a precaution. 

 

STEP 3 – Optional Internal Rinse Cycle

For a deeper clean, run the diffuser for 20 minutes using only water and a teaspoon of vinegar. Empty and rinse afterwards.

 

STEP 4 – Remove Sticky Oil Residue

If the reservoir still feels oily:

  • Add 1 teaspoon undiluted isopropyl or ethyl alcohol (hand sanitiser can also work).
  • Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
  • Use a cotton bud or soft cloth dipped in alcohol to gently wipe away residue.
  • Rinse thoroughly.
  • Alcohol effectively dissolves hardened essential oil build-up.

 

STEP 5 – Clean the Ultrasonic Plate

The ultrasonic plate is the small circular indent inside the reservoir. Residue build-up here can reduce mist output.

  • Use a cotton bud dipped in vinegar or rubbing alcohol
  • Gently wipe the plate. Be very gentle – this component is delicate
  • Rinse carefully and allow to air dry.

STEP 6 – Clean the Stone Cover

As for the stone shell cover, use a lint-free cloth to wipe away dust. If it needs a more thorough clean, give it a bath in hot soapy water, then pat dry with a soft lint-free towel.

How Often Should You Clean Your Diffuser?

  • Daily users: Light clean weekly
  • After resin-based oils: Clean immediately
  • Between different scents: Rinse to avoid scent mixing
  • If mist output reduces: Check the ultrasonic plate

And that's it! These steps should keep your Appellation diffuser pristinely clean and emitting beautiful, mood-enhancing scent throughout your space. 

To learn more about our diffusers or how to scent your space, go here or read our FAQs.

If you need any further advice, please don’t hesitate to email us or send a message via our social channels – we’re here to help.

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