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While both an air purifier and an air diffuser can improve the air in your home, these two home gadgets aren’t quite the same. 

While an air purifier can help get rid of dust by filtering the air, air diffusers are used to generate pleasant aromas in the home - these aromas can enhance both your wellbeing and the air in your property. 

So, what’s the difference between an air purifier and an air diffuser? Let’s take a look. 

Air purifier vs. air diffuser: what’s the difference?

The key difference between an air purifier and an air diffuser is how these gadgets are used. An air purifier uses filters to effectively “purify” the air in your home or building - the filters can remove allergens, dust, pollen, and bacteria from the air.

An air diffuser, on the other hand, is used for aromatherapy purposes. An air diffuser works by diffusing essential oils into the air, creating pleasant aromas. However, air diffusers do a lot more than just create nice scents - the benefits of air diffusers are numerous and scientifically proven.

Air purifier or air diffuser: which is best?

When it comes to choosing between an air purifier or an air diffuser, there’s no “right” answer. It all depends on what your goals are for your home. 

While conventional wisdom might consider that an air purifier is the only way to achieve clear, clean air in your home or office, an ultrasonic essential oil diffuser can help remove airborne bacteria, ward off insects, prevent mould and help create a soothing, calm and relaxing environment.

How air diffusers can help your home

While air diffusers aren’t able to remove dust particles from the air, there are still lots of benefits to using an air diffuser in your home:

Ward off insects

Certain essential oils are known to repel insects. Oils such as lemongrass and lavender are both known for repelling insects and mosquitos, helping to keep your home bug-free even during the summer months. 

Fight airborne bacteria 

Air purifiers aren’t the only devices that can help purify the air. Many essential oils are antimicrobial, which means that they can help to reduce airborne bacteria and prevent sickness. Essential oils such as bergamot, clove, rosemary, and thyme are all known to have antimicrobial properties, and can drastically reduce bacteria when diffused. 

Help prevent mould

Not only can an air diffuser remove bacteria from the air, it can also help to prevent it from settling in your walls and ceilings. Diffusing essential oils makes it difficult for yeast to survive in the air, making it less likely that you’ll end up with mould in your home. According to studies, the best essential oils for preventing mould are clove oil, tea tree oil, citrus oil, lavender oil and eucalyptus oil. These oils contain both antimicrobial and antifungal properties. 

Humidify your home

Air diffusers can also be used as humidifiers during dry weather. To turn your air diffuser into a humidifier, you can simply run the diffuser without adding any essential oil, using just water instead.

It’s simple - air diffusers are easy to use, versatile and money-saving.

Picking the best air diffuser 

If you want to reap the benefits of essential oils, it’s important to pick a high-quality air diffuser. When looking for the best air diffuser, opt for diffusers that allow you to customise your diffusion time, and that offer the choice between light diffusion and mist. You’ll also want to look out for the following:

• BPA-free. Bisphenol A (known as BPA) is a toxic plastic used in many home gadgets. Make sure that any diffuser you buy is manufactured without BPA.
• Capacity. Air diffusers with a larger capacity will be able to reach further when placed in your home. However, if you live in a small space, opt for a diffuser that is less cumbersome.

Can I use an air purifier and an air diffuser at the same time?

If you use an air purifier that removes odours, you won’t be able to use an air diffuser at the same time. If you use both at the same time, the air purifier will neutralise the scent and result in you wasting your essential oils.

However, if your air purifier simply removes bacteria or allergens from the air, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to use an air diffuser alongside it.

If you own an odour-neutralising air purifier, you can simply alternate between the air diffuser and the air purifier. You could use your air purifier at night to remove dust from accumulating in the air, and use your air diffuser during the day.

FAQs

Where should I place an air diffuser?

You can place an air diffuser almost anywhere in your home; many people place their air diffusers in their living room, hallways and bathroom. You can even place an air diffuser in your baby’s room to help them sleep.

Are air diffusers safe?

Air diffusers are completely safe. The best way to guarantee a high-quality diffuser is to buy from trusted businesses who specialise in aromatherapy, such as SmellACloud.