How to Clean the Plug-in Scented Oil Warmers

Whether using a plug-in oil diffuser, Air Wick Plug-in or Glade Plug-in, scents can sometimes get compromised when they mix with oil residues from previous use. Cleaning the plug-in oil warmer helps ensure the scent it emits comes from the oil you chose and not the ghosts of oils past.

Problems with a Glade plugin can be due to several factors. To troubleshoot, first determine what exactly ​isn't​ working. Check the plugin's intensity control if the fragrance is so subtle you can barely notice it. While the location will vary, most plugins have an intensity control, typically in the form of a dial. If the dial is set to the lowest setting, it creates a slight scent, emitting a subtler fragrance.

Adjust the dial to your preferred setting. If the fragrance is still hard to distinguish, oil buildup may be blocking the plugin's pathways from previous use.

Regardless of the type of plug-in scented oil warmer, the cleaning process generally remains the same. Glade recommends that you clean its scented oil plug-in warmers with a dry cloth. Remove the scented oil plugin from the electrical outlet and wipe down the exterior surface with the cloth. Be sure to wipe the top, where dust and oil buildup can collect. Once clean, replace the fragrance oil bottle with a new one if necessary, then plug the warmer back into the outlet. Afterward, make sure to wash your hands in case any oil residue gets on them.

For a deeper clean, use rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs. Begin by unplugging the plugin from the electrical outlet and removing the oil container. Dip a cotton swab into some rubbing alcohol and swipe through the plugin's underside. Push the cotton swab through the hole to remove the oil buildup. Then, flip the plugin over so you're facing the top and push a clean cotton swab through each of the grate's holes to remove any oil buildup.

Set the plugin aside to dry completely before inserting a new fragrance and returning the plugin to the electrical outlet. Not sure which type of scented oil burner to buy? Check reviews of Glade plug-in scents or Air Wick plug-in reviews for more guidance.

Plug-in oil diffusers can experience the same oil buildup issues as oil scent warmers. Over time, the oil can build up in the device's crevices and mix with new oils, creating a muddied and sometimes overpowering scent. Before cleaning the diffuser, consult the user manual for care instructions and safety precautions.

Create a 1:1 cleaning solution of water and white vinegar to use on the diffuser's reservoir and mist vent. Unplug and empty the reservoir, wiping down with the water and vinegar solution and then drying with a cloth or cotton ball. Allow the diffuser to air dry completely before reassembly.

For a deeper clean, unplug the diffuser and empty the reservoir. Create a water and white vinegar solution by filling the reservoir halfway with plain water and adding a teaspoon of white vinegar. Close the diffuser and run it for five to 10 minutes. Empty the reservoir and clean as described above with a 1:1 water and white vinegar solution; then, carefully dab at the misting chips with a cotton swab dampened with white vinegar. Allow the diffuser to air dry completely before reassembling.