Water is the game changer that determines the efficiency and productivity of your diffuser. Read this comprehensive review to find out the best water for diffusers.
Knowing the type of water you can use in your diffuser can be a headache. Getting it wrong can be catastrophic. I have come across various types of diffusers that expressly state the type of water you can use and gotten confused as I find specific variations within the instructions for use. Many diffusers come with specific instructions to the effect that you can only use distilled water, purified water or filtered water yet tap water is the most available water around which can be quite confusing and discouraging at the same time. I have since decided to research further so that I can find a safe diffuser, within my budget that can accommodate a variety to serve me efficiently. I decided to write a detailed buying guide, to help you settle on the best water to use in the diffuser you have just acquired or if you are contemplating buying one for your home or office.
The best water for diffusers comparison table
| Type of water | Key Qualities | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Distilled water | Contains no minerals, contaminants or chemical compounds Able to hold on to more natural minerals that help in raising the humidity of your room | Most recommended for use by manufacturers |
| Purified water | Contains no chemicals or contaminants Contains some natural minerals | The second best option for use in diffusers after distilled water |
| Filtered water | Contains no contaminants and chemicals Has more minerals than purified water Does not harm the filters of the diffuser | More preferable for use in a diffuser than tap water |
| Tap water | The most natural state of water Contains natural minerals and chemicals May also contain contaminants The cheapest and most readily available | The most available type of water, very cost effective but the least recommended for use based on suitability. |
The best water for diffusers products review
Distilled water – most recommended by diffusers manufacturers
Distilled water has been scientifically proven to be the purest form of water. It contains zero chemicals, contaminants, or minerals and mostly comes already sealed and bottled. It is the most recommended water for use in diffusers by most manufacturers.
Key features
- No minerals
- No contaminants
- No chemical compounds
- Able to hold on to more natural minerals that help in raising the humidity of your room
Distilled water is often confused with purified water but the two are distinctly different. Distilled water is taken through further processing that removes all the mineral elements in the water, contaminants, and other chemical compounds to produce the purest water there can ever be according to scientists.
The absolute absence of other minerals in the water ensures that it can hold on to more natural minerals in the environment to raise the humidity in your room as you use the diffuser.
It provides the best results without the risk of inhaling impurities and poisonous substances from the water vapor because all contaminants and chemical compounds that may react to produce fumes have been completely removed from the water.
This is what we liked about it:
- It’s easy to store
- Produces optimum results-best scent and rich aroma
- Diffused vapors are safe to inhale and free from unwanted elements
- Safeguards from harmful salts and products that cause skin irritation
This is what we did not like about it:
- Very expensive
Verdict
Distilled water is the best for use in diffusers. It allows the diffuser to work at its optimum without risking the working parts of the diffuser and guarantees both your health and safety.
Purified water – the second best option for use after distilled water
Purified water is the second best water option you can use in your dispenser. It contains zero chemicals and contaminants but maintains the mineral content. It is purer than filtered water because of additional purification.
Key features
- Zero chemical content
- Zero contaminants
- Laden with natural minerals
Purified water is the second most preferable water for use in a diffuser. It contains zero chemicals and contaminants due to further processing. The minerals are however retained and left intact.
The medium mineral content does not affect the filters of your diffuser and will give you better results compared to tap water and filtered water if distilled water is not available where you are.
What we liked about purified water
- Safe from contaminants and corrosive chemicals
- Produces excellent results with the diffuser
- Protects the diffusers filters and components
What we disliked about purified water
- The scent and aroma produced are a bit subtle for my liking
Verdict
Purified water will give you very good results even if not perfect while protecting your diffuser.
Filtered water – the option is better than tap water
Filtered water is the third-best option you can settle for to use in your diffuser if you do not have distilled or purified water. The water contains a slight amount of minerals.
Key features
- Contains zero contaminants and corrosive chemicals
- Produces excellent results with the diffuser
- Protects the diffusers filters and components
- Has a mild amount of minerals
The purification process removes a considerable degree of chemical elements and minerals but without any contaminants. Filtered water is safe for the filters of your diffuser due to its medium mineral content.
Furthermore, filtered water is safe for you because the vapor it produces when used in the diffuser does not have any contaminants that may be harmful when you inhale. The absent chemicals also guarantee that they are no reactions with the environment or your skin hence safeguarding your health.
What we liked about filtered water
- Generally affordable
- Safely handled by the diffusers filters
- The mineral content makes up for richer mixed scents
- Budget-friendly
- Produces nearly excellent results
What we did not like about filtered water
- Affects the diffuser’s efficiency
Verdict
Filtered water is still prominently recommended by manufacturers alongside distilled water for use. It is an option you can settle for at a budget-friendly cost that will serve you favorably well. The downside is that it will require that you constantly clean your diffuser to maintain it in top working condition which may be cumbersome. It is a better option for use in diffusers that allow for the use of tap water.
Tap water – the most available type of water
Tap water is the cheapest most available water that you can use in a diffuser. The water is rich in minerals and chemical compounds. Tap water is simply water in its most natural state with just a little treatment to make it safe for human consumption.
Key features
- Readily available
- Rich in natural minerals
- Contains chemicals
- Rarely causes mold on the diffuser
Tap water is the most pocket-friendly, easily accessible option for water that you can use in your diffuser. It is important however to find a diffuser whose manufacturer specifies that can be used with tap water.
Tap water is rich in minerals. The minerals affect the PH of the water and other qualities. It may also be difficult to determine the exact minerals present in the water because the composition will vary from one place to another. This single quality sets it apart from the rest. The natural minerals contained in tap water have been proven to cleanse the machine and help in the efficient diffusion of fragrance into the air. It is also known to conduct electricity due to the mineral content which saves power compared to distilled water.
What we liked about tap water
- Easily available and convenient to use
- Very affordable
- Saves on power
- Facilitates efficient diffusion of fragrance and the general efficiency of the diffuser
- Less prone to molds than distilled water
What we did not like about tap water
- Labor intensive due to residual salt build-up
- Prone to discharging unsafe chemicals that cause skin and respiratory problems like fluoride.
Verdict
Tap water is the most affordable and accessible option that you will find for use in your diffuser. It is however not the best and must strictly be used if the diffuser manufacturer specifies otherwise it may lead to unfavorable results.
Buying water for diffusers – what to look out for
Here are three important things you need to consider when buying water your diffusers to ensure you get the best deal that will work for you.
Compatibility with your diffuser
The most important thing you should consider as you head out to get water for your diffuser is if the type of water is compatible with your diffuser.
Manufacturers will expressly specify the type of water that your diffuser should use. It is wise to follow their express recommendations to ensure you don’t harm your health or the machine. It will not make any sense to buy water that you cannot use or experiment with water that may cause you bodily harm therefore, consider the compatibility.
The budget you have
The different types of water have different prices. It is advisable to go for what works with the diffuser you have without overstretching your budget. If the water you buy for use dents your pockets, it beats the reason why you need to have it in the first place.
The type of diffuser you have
There are two types of diffusers, waterless diffusers, and water-based diffusers. Waterless diffusers use electricity to produce vapor instead of water. The two available types of waterless diffusers are; motor-powered diffusers and nebulizers. It is therefore paramount to consider the type of diffuser you have and how it works before you head out to buy water so that you don’t buy water that you cannot use. The water diffusers also come in various types that are distinguished by the types of water they can use so consider that before making a purchase. You don’t want the shock of finding out that the water you bought is not meant for use with your diffuser.
Final Verdict
Distilled water remains the best choice of water for use in a diffuser. It gives the best results, guarantees safety, and eliminates health concerns while maintaining the condition of your machine. That said, it is important to pick what works for you and the machine you have based on the manufacturer’s specifications to be on the safe side. The best bet would go for what delivers exactly what you want without the inconvenience of where to find it when you need it even during emergencies.
FAQs
How many types of diffusers can I find in the market?
There are four main types of diffusers in the market based on functional mechanisms as follows:
- Evaporative diffusers
- Ultrasonic diffusers
- Heat diffusers
- Nebulizing diffusers
What can I use to substitute distilled water in my diffuser?
Filtered water can be used as a substitute for distilled water at the home if the water runs dry, your budget is low and you can’t access distilled water where you are for whatever reason.
How can I make my diffuser last longer?
The secret to a long-lasting diffuser is quite simple; use distilled or purified water instead of tap water. Ensure you meticulously clean the diffuser after every use to maintain it in top working condition. Tap water will more likely damage your diffuser faster because of the minerals and chemical compounds in the water.
Is boiled water safe for use in my diffuser?
Yes. Boiled water that is allowed to cool is a better option for use in your diffuser compared to raw tap water. It will make your humidifier effective while also providing a healthy environment because boiling purifies water and reduces the concentration of certain chemical compounds that may be present in the water. Don’t add the boiled water into the diffuser when it is still hot.
What can I do to make my diffuser produce a stronger smell?
If you want stronger smells from the diffuser, add more diffuser sticks if you are using a reed diffuser. For water diffusers, distilled water will give stronger smells because of the purity of the water used.
Mary Cornerstone
Hi, my name is Mary Cornerstone. I’m 26 years old and very passionate about everything to do with scents and essential oils. I’m all about finding new ways and hacks that keep your space smelling beautiful and using aroma to create a relaxing space. I’m a proud plant mom to Sweet Laurel and Orange Jasmine, both of which have added lots of beauty and delight to my space. A lover of life and beauty, I’m committed to pleasure and happiness. I have an intimate relationship with scents, especially the rich fruity and floral types. My love for scents and perfumes originates from my mother. A powerful woman who is always smelling like flowers. She is the purest definition of love and I grew up associating love with the sweet-smelling perfumes that she wore. I started wearing perfumes at the tender age of 10 and gradually I realized that I started loving the breath of the sweet air that carried the fragrance I wore. I'm delighted to share my love for scents with you.