Humidifiers are a popular tool not only for adjusting the humidity of the air, but also for aromatherapy. When we hear the word aromatherapy, many of us immediately think of essential oils, but some of us may have also wondered what it would be like to use our favourite perfume for this purpose.
Is it safe?
Generally speaking, the use of perfume in humidifiers is considered not dangerous. These odorants also work much like essential oils, floating on the surface of the water in the humidifier and providing a uniform distribution of fragrance.
Although this practice is not harmful, it is very important to keep to the right amount, as putting too much fragrance in the humidifier (whether essential oil or perfume) can lead to mucous membrane irritation, especially in young children and those who are sensitive to it.
What is the right dosage?
It's best to limit the amount of fragrance to a few puffs or drops, as using too much can damage not only your respiratory system but also the humidifier itself. If you put more than just water in the humidifier's water tank, the chemical compounds that make up the extra can get trapped in the humidifier's ducts and block or damage them.
What type of perfume can be used?
To put things very simply, there are two types of perfumes on the market: oil-based and alcohol-based. For humidifiers, be sure to use only oil-based perfumes, as these devices generate a lot of heat during operation in order to turn the water into a vapor. As alcohol is flammable, it is not advisable to expose such perfumes to high heat, and the chemical bonds in these are much weaker, which can lead to a change in composition when exposed to heat, possibly releasing harmful substances.
When not to use perfume as a fragrance?
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, it is a good idea to avoid aromatherapy altogether. In addition, people with acute respiratory conditions may find it difficult to breathe if they have to spend extended periods of time in air rich in fragrances.
It is also important to be aware of pets, as they are much more sensitive to certain odorous substances than we are. If there are pregnant women or babies in the household, it is also a good idea to avoid strong fragrances, as their mucous membranes are more sensitive.
As with scented candles or other fragrance diffusers, when spraying fragrance into humidifiers, it is a good idea to use them in a well-ventilated area and monitor the reaction of those around us.
Humidifiers are an excellent solution to dry winter air and can even have an aromatherapy effect with the addition of the right fragrance. Although, as outlined above, perfumes used in the right quantities are perfectly adequate for this purpose and even safe, essential oils made from 100% natural substances often have additional positive effects and should not be overlooked.
