If you’re looking to add a touch of fragrance to your home or freshen up an old-smelling humidifier, you may be wondering if you can put perfume in a humidifier.
A humidifier is a device that increases the humidity in a room by releasing a fine mist into the air.
So, it makes sense that you should be able to put something in the water to spruce up the scent in your home, right?
But can you add perfume to the water in your humidifier to make the mist smell good?
Here is what we know and some best practices:
Contents
What Does a Humidifier Do?
A humidifier is a device that increases the humidity in a room by releasing a fine mist into the air.
Humidifiers are often used to help alleviate dry air conditions, such as dry skin, static electricity, and respiratory issues.
There are several different types of humidifiers, including cool mist humidifiers, warm mist humidifiers, and ultrasonic humidifiers.
They range in size from small tabletop models to large whole-house units.
Related – Can You Put Perfume in A Diffuser? (Here’s What Happens)
Can You Put Perfume in a Humidifier?
As a general rule of thumb, you should not put perfume in your humidifier, no.
This doesn’t mean you can’t do so and that it’s going to do any harm as I’ll be explaining in this article.
But it’s not as simple as adding any perfume to a humidifier as there are some things you need to be aware of.
Is It Safe to Put Perfume in a Humidifier?
Technically, it’s not harmful or dangerous to put perfume in a humidifier. However, it’s not recommended. Using perfume in a humidifier could potentially damage the device or affect its performance.
Additionally, using perfume in a humidifier could void the warranty on the device.
It’s best to stick to using water in your humidifier, as directed in the user manual. If you want to add fragrance to the mist, there are safer and more effective options available.
What Type of Perfume Should You Use in a Humidifier?
If you’re determined to use perfume in your humidifier, it’s important to choose the right type of perfume.
Alcohol-based perfumes are not recommended for use in humidifiers, as they could potentially damage the device.
Oil-based perfumes may be safer to use in a humidifier, but it’s still not recommended.
However, it’s best to avoid using any type of perfume in your humidifier to prevent damaging the device or voiding the warranty.
What Can I Put in a Humidifier to Smell Good?
If you want to add fragrance to the mist from your humidifier, there are several options available.
Essential oils are a popular choice, as they are natural and have a wide range of therapeutic benefits.
You can also use fragrance oils, which are synthetic oils that are specially formulated for use in humidifiers.
To use essential oils or fragrance oils in your humidifier, simply add a few drops to the water in the tank.
The mist from the humidifier will then release the fragrance into the air, but again you should check your user manual.
You can also add a little distilled white vinegar to the water in your humidifier to help freshen up the smell in your home and combat mold growing in the tank.
Can I Put Essential Oils in My Humidifier?
Yes, you can put essential oils in your humidifier to add fragrance to the mist. Essential oils are natural oils that are extracted from plants and have a wide range of therapeutic benefits.
They are safe to use in humidifiers and can help to create a pleasant aroma in your home.
To use essential oils in your humidifier, simply add a few drops to the water in the tank.
The mist from the humidifier will then release the fragrance into the air. However, you should still check your user manual for specific instructions on how to use essential oils in your humidifier.
Tips for Keeping Your Humidifier Clean and Smelling Fresh
Keeping on top of maintenance and cleaning your humidifier is important for both its performance and the air quality in your home.
Mayoclinic has some great tips for keeping your humidifier in top shape, they recommend:
- Using distilled water – this will help to prevent the build-up of minerals and bacteria in the tank.
- Changing the water often – this will help to reduce the risk of mold and bacteria growth.
- Rinsing the tank after cleaning it – this will help to remove any residue and keep the humidifier smelling fresh.
- Keeping the area around your humidifier clean – this will help to prevent dust and debris from getting into the tank.
- Checking the filters are clean – this will ensure the humidifier is running efficiently.
- Following the instructions for use – this will help to prevent any damage to the device.
Related – Tips for using vinegar and disinfectant in cleaning tools!
Wrapping Up
In summary, it’s not recommended to put perfume in a humidifier but it’s probably not going to cause problems if you’re careful and test a small amount at first.
Keep in mind that using certain perfumes in a humidifier could potentially damage the device or affect its performance, as well as void the warranty.
It’s best to stick to using distilled water in your humidifier and adding fragrance with safe and effective options such as essential oils or fragrance oils.
And always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and refer to the user manual for guidance.
Image credits – Photo by Intan Yuhanis on Unsplash
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.