Can Essential Oils Be Used in Air Purifiers? Latest 2025 Research
Tayyabah Zahoor
November 26, 2025
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Essential oils smell great and can make your home feel relaxing. Many people wonder if they can add a few drops into their air purifier to freshen the air. The short answer is: it depends on your air purifier.
Some machines allow it, but most should not be used with oils.
This blog explains everything in simple words so you don’t damage your purifier or void the warranty.
These are good reasons—but you must use oils safely.
Usually, NO. Most air purifiers are designed to clean air, not to spread scents.
Adding oils inside the filter, water tank, or vents can:
HEPA and activated carbon filters are not made for oils.
Some air purifiers come with:
✔ A built-in aromatherapy tray
This is a small pad or drawer meant for essential oils.
✔ A scent pad near the air outlet
This lets the fragrance release without entering the motor or filters.
✔ A separate diffuser function
Some “2-in-1 air purifier + diffuser” models allow oils safely.
If your purifier has one of these extras, you can use essential oils—but only on the aromatherapy pad, never in the filter area.
If your air purifier doesn’t support oils, you still have good options:
✔ Use a separate essential oil diffuser
It spreads scent without touching your purifier.
✔ Use reed diffusers
Simple, natural, no electricity.
✔ Use candles or wax melts (but avoid if sensitive to smoke)
Using oils safely keeps your home fresh and protects your purifier.
Many people try it once and face these problems:
Repairs for oil damage are not covered by most warranties.
Air Purifier Type
Essential Oil Safe?
Why
HEPA Purifiers
❌ No
Oils clog filters
Ionic Purifiers
❌ No
Oils damage plates
Water-based Purifiers
❌ Mostly No
Oils are too heavy
UV Purifiers
❌ No
Oils burn or smoke
Purifiers with Aromatherapy Tray
✔ Yes
Tray protects the system
2-in-1 Purifier + Diffuser
✔ Yes
Designed for oils
If you want scent + clean air, try:
These keep the purifier safe and still give your room a pleasant smell.
Only if your purifier is designed for oils. If not, it’s better to avoid it. Essential oils can damage filters, reduce cleaning performance, and shorten the machine’s life.
The safest setup is:
Air purifier = cleans the air
Essential oil diffuser = adds scent
This combination keeps your home clean, fresh, and healthy.
Tayyabah Zahoor is an expert writer with a Bachelor's degree in Physics. She specializes in creating content for affiliate websites, particularly about air purifiers. Using her scientific knowledge, she compares different air purifiers by analyzing their features and effectiveness. This helps her provide clear and helpful information to consumers looking for the best options.