Don't Believe the Instagram Hype: Avoid Putting Essential Oils in Your Vacuum Cleaner
When it comes to cleaning hacks, we're all for trying out new methods to make our tasks more efficient. There's a trend on social media suggesting that you can clean your home and make it smell amazing by adding essential oils to your vacuum cleaner. While the idea may sound appealing, it's a bad idea. Here's why.
Why Essential Oils and Vacuums Don't Mix
The people in the videos might think it's a great idea – who wouldn't want their home to smell good? – but the method suggested in popular social media videos could actually harm your vacuum cleaner. These cleaning influencers recommend sprinkling some dampened wool dryer balls with essential oils and placing them in your vacuum cleaner bag or a glass. The hot air from the vacuum could theoretically carry the oil aroma into the room.
While this trick might give your home a pleasant scent, it's not worth the risk. Many people who have tried it have reported that the oil damaged their vacuum. Essential oils can corrode plastic, and you don't want anything to harm your expensive cleaning appliance.
What Dyson Says
To confirm our suspicions, we reached out to Dyson. Monika Stuczen, a research scientist at the company, agreed that using essential oils in vacuum cleaners is not a good idea for several reasons. She pointed out that "The use of air fresheners or essential oils for cleaning your vacuum can be tempting." While it might help eliminate strong odors, she advised against it. "Avoid using unnecessary liquids as they can potentially breed mold and bacteria, which can make the carpet smell worse over time," she said.
How to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh
If you're looking for ways to keep your home smelling fresh without using essential oils in your vacuum, there are several options.
- Use a powerful vacuum cleaner with good suction and make sure to move it slowly to allow the brush to deeply penetrate the carpet.
- Pass over the same spot multiple times. According to Dyson Labs, more than two or three times is too much.
- Treat stains as soon as you notice them, rather than waiting for them to dry. This will prevent odor-causing bacteria from growing.
- Wipe down and dry pets when they come inside. This will help prevent dirt and moisture from being tracked into your carpet.
Alternatives to Essential Oils
If you still want to make your home smell good, try these alternatives:
- Use vinegar. Place a small bowl of vinegar in an inconspicuous corner. The acid will neutralize the odor-causing molecules.
- Bake some vanilla extract. Vanilla extract has a pleasant smell that can permeate your home. Place a shallow dish filled with vanilla extract in your oven for 15-30 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use air fresheners in your vents. Place fragrance tablets in your home's vents to freshen the air without the risk of damaging your vacuum.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the floor. Baking soda can absorb odors. Sprinkle it on the floor and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up.
Warning: Fire Risk
While essential oils may not be particularly harmful when used correctly, there is a fire risk associated with them, especially when used in dryers. Never put essential oils directly in dryer balls that are not slightly dampened beforehand. Always use essential oils in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes or causing skin irritation.
Conclusion
While using essential oils in vacuum cleaners might seem like a good idea, it's not worth the risk to your expensive cleaning appliance. Instead, try these alternative methods to keep your home smelling fresh and clean. Always prioritize safety when using cleaning or laundry products.
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