Owners of popular humidifiers from the Xiaomi brand and its sub-brand Deerma often wonder about the aromatization of the room. The pleasant smell of lavender or eucalyptus can turn a regular cleaning into a spa treatment, as well as help with colds. However, the design of modern ultrasonic devices is significantly different from the old steam models, which causes confusion among users.
The main problem is the risk of damaging the membrane of the ultrasonic emitter. Incorrect addition of aromatics can cause the device to fail, and service centers often deny warranties when detecting traces of oil in the tank. In this article, we will discuss in detail where and how to safely add flavors to various models of humidifiers.
It is important to note that not all models support fragrance function. Attempting to pour oil into the wrong compartment can be useless or even dangerous to health, as some substances when sprayed with ultrasound change their structure. We will look at the technical nuances and provide clear instructions for different series of devices.
Design features of Deerma moisturizers
Deerma air humidifiers like the DEM-F600 or JSQ series operate on the principle of ultrasonic spraying. The water in the tank vibrates at a high frequency, turning into fine mist. It is this technology that dictates strict rules of operation. If you add viscous essential oil directly into the water, it will settle on the bottom of the tank and cover the membrane.
The oil film disrupts the heat sink and vibration of the emitter, which over time overheats the element and destroys it. The ultrasonic membrane is the most sensitive and expensive piece of construction. Xiaomi manufacturers specifically design separate compartments or use special capsules to isolate aromatics from the main water tank.
Some models, like the Deerma F628, have a special capsule for aroma oils, which is located inside the main tank, but has separate access. In other, simpler versions, there may not be such a compartment at all, so you need to check the technical documentation of your particular device before buying a bottle of oil.
⚠️ Warning: Never add pure essential oils directly to the water in the tank of an ultrasonic humidifier unless the instructions explicitly state otherwise.This will cause the membrane to break and the warranty to be lost.
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Use only 100% natural essential oils without an alcohol base. Synthetic flavors can contain solvents that, when sprayed, settle on furniture and can be toxic when inhaled.
Where is the compartment for oils in different models
The location of the fragrance depends on the specific modification of the device. In the line of Smart Mi and Deerma there are three main types of design. models with support for aroma function (often denoted by the letter A or the word Aroma in the title) use a special tray.
This tray is usually located at the bottom of the case, near the base, or embedded in the tank lid. In the DEM-F600 series, this is a small plastic box with a sponge inside that is inserted into a special hole on the side or bottom of the tank, which should not be in large quantities, evaporation is due to the flow of air from the fan.
If you have a Deerma JSQ, check for a separate small container in the kit, sometimes it looks like a miniature bath that fits into the groove at the bottom of the tank, and older or budget models may not have one, so you can only use oils with external flavors installed next to the vapor output.
How to distinguish a model with an aroma function?
For an accurate definition of your device type, refer to the labeling at the bottom of the appliance. Compare the model with the table below to see where to add flavor components.
| Model of the device | Presence of aroma compartment | Location. | Type of aromatization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deerma DEM-F600 | There is. | Side of tank (removable capsule) | Dry evaporation |
| Deerma JSQ | There are (in some versions) | Inside the tank (tray) | Contact with water/air |
| Xiaomi Mi Humidifier 2 | No. | Absent. | Not recommended |
| Deerma F628 | There is. | Special capsule complete | Dry evaporation |
Step-by-step: how to add oil correctly
The process of adding aromatic oils requires care. First of all, make sure that the device is off the grid. This is a basic electrical safety rule that you can't ignore. Find a special compartment for aroma oils on your humidifier case.
If it's a removable capsule (like the F600), take it out. Inside you'll see a felt or foam pad. That's where you drip the oil. 3-5 drops are enough. Don't pour the liquid to the brim, or it'll flow into the tank when you install it. If the compartment is a bath inside the tank, act similarly.
☑️ The algorithm for adding oil
After adding oil, set the capsule in place before clicking. In some models, to activate the fragrance, you need to turn on the fan mode without ultrasound. In others, the smell will spread immediately when the device is running. Remember, the concentration of odor depends on the area of the room and the intensity of the device.
If you use a model where the tray is in contact with water (rare cases in older models), make sure that the oil does not form a film on the surface of the water in the main tank. But again, for most modern Xiaomi and Deerma, the rule is: oil only in the dry compartment, water separately.
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The golden rule is that oil is dripped only on a special sponge in an insulated compartment, and direct contact of the oil with water in the tank and membrane is prohibited.
Frequent errors and risks of exploitation
The most common mistake is ignoring the instructions and adding oils directly to the water. Users think that if steam goes, everything works. However, microscopic oil particles settle on plastic parts, making them sticky and brittle over time. Polymer materials can react with aggressive oil components.
The second mistake is to use thick oils or blends with added alcohol. Alcohol can damage plastic seals and cause clouding of the tank. The thick oils clog the pores of the felt pad, and it stops giving off the flavor, as a result, the user drips even more, causing overflow.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use edible oils (olive, sunflower) for flavoring. They do not evaporate, but oxidize, creating an unpleasant smell of rancid fat and forming a bacterial film.
Another risk is allergies. Ultrasound breaks the oil down into tiny particles that penetrate deep into the lungs. If someone in the household has asthma, using esters in the humidifier can trigger an attack. Always check your body's response to a new odor.
Care and cleaning of the aroma compartment
Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain the effectiveness of flavoring and hygiene of the device. The felt pad is saturated with resins over time and loses its properties, it is recommended to wash it with warm water with soap solution every 1-2 weeks of active use.
To clean the plastic tray, use a soft brush and citric acid, which will help remove scale and oil residues. Don't use abrasive sponges, they scratch the plastic, and the scratches will multiply bacteria. After cleaning, thoroughly dry all the elements before assembly.
If the smell is weak, although there is a lot of oil added, it is likely time to replace the sponge. In some cases, soaking in alcohol (for degreasing), but after that you need to very carefully ventilate the element so that the alcohol vapors do not enter the air during operation.
Alternative ways of aromatization
If your Xiaomi or Deerma model doesn't have an oil bay, don't take the risk. There are safe alternatives. You can use aromatic sachets by placing them next to the air intake (if the design allows), the airflow will carry away the aroma without affecting the internal mechanisms.
External USB-powered aroma diffusers are also popular, and can be installed next to a humidifier, allowing you to independently control the humidity and aroma in the room, and there are special cardboard plates that are impregnated, which are inserted into the air outlet grille without touching the water.
Some users use the cotton-coat cooling method, where a drop of oil is dripped onto a cotton wool and placed on an external steam exit grille (not inside!), warm air (if heated) or a flow from the fan will carry the smell, but make sure that the wool does not fall inside the case.