How to Clean Wick Stones for Fragrance Lamps

Invented in France, fragrance lamps were once used to purify the air in medical facilities. For over 100 years fragrance lamps have been in use, but not as we know them today. Serving the same purpose long ago, fragrance lamps purified only using alcohol. Today, it is possible to add a bit of your favorite scent to not only clean the air, but sweeten it too. Healthier than candles, fragrance lamps do not release soot or allergy causing particles. They can be lit for a short amount of time, just until the stone becomes hot, and then blown out. The heat from the stone alone emits the fragrance into the air. There are many varietys of fragrance available to suit all tastes. But these lamps do require special attention at times. Sometimes the wick becomes clogged with fragrance and may need to be cleaned.

Things You'll Need

• Small mason jar with secure lid
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Clogged wick and stone
• Fragrance lamp

Instructions

1. Fill the mason jar about half way with the alcohol, you will need to leave some volume free for your wick and stone.

2. Gently drop your wick and stone into the solution. Keep them as one piece. Never separate the two from each other. They are a combo act.

3. Secure the lid of the jar tightly to prevent the alcohol from evaporating.

4. Allow the wick and stone to sit in the solution for as long as necessary. The color of the alcohol will change from yellow to shades of pale brown as it soaks up the clogging elements. This can take several days.

5. Remove wick and stone from the solution when you are satisfied with the cleaning results. Lay them aside long enough to dry, and then replace them in the lamp.

6. Refill your mason jar with alcohol again so it is always ready to clean, and replace the lid securely.

Tips & Warnings

• Keeping a few extra wicks and stones on hand is a good idea. This way, while you are waiting for one to soak, you can be using another.

• Fragrance lamps can be very dangerous if left unattended while lit. The process of lighting is only done for several minutes. During this time, it is advisable to keep a watchful eye.