This is an economical, fairly efficient diffuser and was one of our family favorites for several years. I liken the noise level on this diffuser to be similar to a fish tank pump or a dishwasher (sound level 51 dB). This pump is good for small rooms up to 300 sq. ft. Although it has rubber feet, we suggest that you place it on a rubber mat (like you use to line kitchen cabinets) or a mouse pad. This will help protect the furniture you place it on and may help buffer the noise level a bit. If running motors are bothersome to you, you may want to choose another diffuser. Some families who have purchased this model like the "white noise" effect.

We usually begin with 20-40 drops of pure essential oils. Never use oils that are diluted with a carrier oil such as jojoba or any other vegetable/nut oil, and never use synthetic fragrance oils. Essential oils that are thick and resinous will not diffuse and will likely clog the glass.

The diffusion is a gentle micro-diffusion, so you won't see the dispersion or mist as you may have with other diffusers. This is the ultimate method of diffusing the oils: quietly, gently and efficiently.

Diffused oils alter the structure of molecules that create odors - they don't mask them. The increased oxygen availability produces negative ions and release natural ozone. Many essential oils are extremely effective for eliminating and destroying airborne germs and bacteria. Consider diffusing: Plague Defense (nice Cinnamon/Clove scent), Purify, Lemongrass, Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Tea Tree, Lavender, Frankincense and Eucalyptus oils for this purpose.

To keep your nebulizer running efficiently, always clean it when not in use. In our home, we run these nightly in bedrooms, so every few weeks, as the oils runs low, I take the opportunity to clean the glass. My preferred cleaning method is to use Lemon essential oil. Lemon is not only purifying, but it acts like a solvent with sticky residues. I run Lemon through the diffuser every week or so and it stays so clean that I rarely have to remove the glass nebulizer at all.

If you don't have Lemon oil, the nebulizer may be cleaned with warm soapy water, and then rinsed with alcohol. Stubborn clogs sometimes require that you add alcohol to the nebulizer glass like you'd add your essential oil. Let that soak in the glass for several hours or overnight. Alcohol can be run through the diffuser like you run the oils through, but if you do this, do it in a vacant room so no one has to breathe the alcohol.

Adding a timer to the diffuser will help "stretch" the oil and save money. The mechanical timer we carry can be programmed to cycle on and off in 15 minute intervals over a 24-hour time period. It has a switch for "Timer" mode or "Continuous On". For health maintenance, we set the timer to cycle 15 minutes on and 45 minutes off. For illness, we sometimes set it to cycle on after 30 minutes off.


Detailed Operating Instruction for Nebulizing Diffusers w/cork

1. Carefully unwrap the glass nebulizer – it is very delicate.
2. Attach tube to glass nebulizer and to pump – moistening the end may help.
3. Insert nebulizer into clip on the side or end of pump (clip may fit around just the glass or around the tube and glass, whatever works best and holds the glass snugly).
4. Remove cork, tilt nebulizing glass and pour 2-9 ml of pure essential oil into the glass. Make sure NOT to overfill past the injector valve. Please be aware that many essential oils damage plastics, paint or varnishes of surfaces and furniture – fill carefully!
5. Replace cork. Push cork in firmly to create a good seal. Note that corks are sometimes dry and brittle. You can occasionally soak the cork in water or vegetable oil to keep fresh.
6. Tilt glass nebulizer slightly forward. If oil level is low, you can tilt up to a 45 angle.
7. If you have a timer, set it and plug the diffuser directly into the timer.
8. Plug diffuser, or timer if you are using one, into the wall outlet.
9. The pump is designed to run 24/7, and it will not harm the unit if you run out of oil.
10. If you want to switch to another oil, you can pour out what remains and use it on bottoms of feet or in a bath. We don’t suggest putting it back into the oil bottle.

Cleaning Instructions
Occasionally clean the glass nebulizer by running Lemon essential oil through it. Rubbing Alcohol can be used, but it does leave a residue on the glass. To clean as a maintenance, run the diffuser with Lemon about once a week.

For a thorough cleaning, remove the glass from the pump, remove the cork, pour out any remaining essential oil and pour in the alcohol. If you need to remove the glass nebulizer from the motor, pull the tubing out of the motor - not off the glass nebulizer; the tubing should NOT be removed from the glass. Let the oil run out onto a glass plate or something other than plastic. This oil can be used to apply topically if desired but should NOT be put back into your bottle of essential oil since it's not fresh and has been exposed to oxygen and light for a length of time.

Shake gently and pour out. You may need to do this a few times. Reattach the nebulizer to the pump, refill the nebulizer with a little more alcohol and allow the pump to run for a few minutes or longer as needed. Since it is best not to breathe the alcohol, we suggest doing this in an unoccupied room. Disconnect the nebulizer again, pour out the alcohol and allow to dry before adding essential oils.

If your nebulizer is badly clogged, you may need to soak the nebulizer with alcohol overnight of for a few day. I have found that putting the nebulizer in a small juice cup helps to hold it upright while it soaks. Add the alcohol just like you add essential oils. (This can be done without removing the glass nebulizer from the motor as long as you don't overfill it.)

Avoid
Thick essential oils such as Sandalwood, Myrrh, Patchouli, Vetiver and so on can clog your nebulizer. If you do need to use a thicker oil, try diluting it with a thinner oil like Lemon. NEVER diffuse an oil with a carrier oil in it.

Replacements
Replacement glass nebulizers are available from Heritage Essential Oils.