Mould in a diffuser: why water tanks grow it
Mould grows in a water-tank diffuser because the tank holds standing water. Empty the tank, clean it, then switch to a waterless unit. The Aurala Waterless Diffuser has no tank, so it adds no moisture to the room and leaves no water for mould to grow in.
If you also need the oil, get the Protection Kit: the same diffuser plus First Light, from A$79.98.
Why the tank grows mould
An ultrasonic diffuser sits with a reservoir of water and a few drops of oil. In an Australian bathroom or laundry that never quite dries, that water sits still and warm. A film forms on the inside of the tank. The next run pushes that air into the room.
This is a water-tank problem. It is not a reason to stop treating the room. It is a reason to stop using a machine that stores water.
What to do with a mouldy tank
Unplug the unit. Empty the water. Do not dry-brush the film. Wear a P2 or N95 mask, gloves and eye protection, then follow the maker's cleaning steps.
Once the tank is clean, stop running a water-tank diffuser in a damp room. You have just seen what the standing water does.
Our diffuser cleaning checklist is for the Aurala Waterless Diffuser, which has no tank. Use it after you switch.
The waterless fix
A waterless diffuser runs pure essential oil. No reservoir. No added moisture. Fit the bottle, pick a setting, and it fills the room with fine oil droplets. No heat. No water mist.
The Aurala Waterless Diffuser is USB rechargeable, with a built-in battery and three intensity settings. It costs A$59.99. Already have oil? Buy the diffuser on its own. Need the oil too? The Protection Kit is the diffuser plus one, two or three 15 ml bottles of First Light, from A$79.98.
First Light is our six-oil blend: clove, Litsea cubeba, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint and cedarwood. Lab tested: 99.2% on direct contact. Independent laboratory test against Aspergillus niger (black mould). See the test method.
Shop the Waterless Diffuser for A$59.99, or the Protection Kit from A$79.98. Standard shipping is free on all Australian orders, with no minimum spend. Every order is backed by our 60-day money-back guarantee: keep the oil, and return the diffuser if you want a refund.
Run it in the room where mould comes back
Wipe the visible mould off first. Then run First Light in that room. A bathroom with no window, a damp wardrobe, or a laundry that stays wet is the right place for a waterless unit, not a tank of water.
For the room setup, use how to use a waterless diffuser in a damp room. For the machine choice, use waterless vs ultrasonic and best waterless diffuser Australia. This page stays on the mould in the tank.
Buy the unit that has no tank
A water-tank diffuser grew mould because you left water in it. Buy a waterless diffuser and that problem stops.
Get the Waterless Diffuser for A$59.99, or the Protection Kit from A$79.98, with free Australian shipping. Lab tested: 99.2% on direct contact.
FAQ
Why is there mould in my diffuser?
The tank holds standing water. In a damp Australian room that water sits still, and a film grows on the inside of the tank.
How do I clean a mouldy diffuser?
Unplug it, empty the tank, and do not dry-brush the film. Wear a P2 or N95 mask, gloves and eye protection, and follow the maker's cleaning steps. Then switch to a waterless diffuser.
Will a waterless diffuser grow mould in the tank?
There is no tank. The Aurala Waterless Diffuser runs pure oil, with no water and no heat.
Does the diffuser replace cleaning the stain?
No. Wipe the visible mould off first with First Light. Lab tested: 99.2% on direct contact. Then run the diffuser in that room.
What should I buy?
Buy the Waterless Diffuser for A$59.99 if you already have oil. Buy the Protection Kit from A$79.98 if you need the diffuser and First Light together.
