Air Purifiers

Diffuser or simple fragrance unit?

Ultrasonic diffuser. You add water and a few drops of essential oil, and the device creates a cool mist. It does not heat the oil, so the fragrance is preserved as it is — and at the same time it adds a little humidity to the room, which in winter with central heating is welcome.

Electric fragrance unit. Simpler, with a refill liquid. Constant intensity, zero maintenance.

Most diffusers also have colour-changing LED lighting. It sounds decorative, but in practice it makes them useful as a soft night light in a child’s room.

Practical points that make the difference

A few drops are enough. Three to five in a full tank. More oil does not give a stronger fragrance — it gives an oily residue that blocks the device.

Empty the water when not in use. Water standing for days creates smells and biofilm, which is then dispersed into the air along with the fragrance.

Clean with vinegar every couple of weeks. Limescale and oil residue settle on the ultrasonic membrane and reduce mist output. It is the number one reason a diffuser "stopped working".

Deionised water, if the manufacturer permits it — it drastically reduces limescale.

Two points of caution

Pets. Several essential oils — among them tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon and citrus — are toxic to cats and dogs. Cats in particular do not metabolise certain compounds. If you have a pet, ask a vet before using a diffuser in the same space.

Infants and respiratory conditions. In a baby’s room or for someone with asthma, strong fragrances can irritate. Use minimal oil with ventilation, or water alone as a humidifier.

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