How to Make Infusion Lamp Oil
An infusion lamp, also called an effusion lamp or a perfume lamp, has a catalytic burner that purifies the air in an indoor room. Scent is often added, and the lamps are commonly used in aromatherapy. You can buy scented fuel for your lamp or mix your own according to these directions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Infusion lamp Isopropyl alcohol Fragrance oil Wick Distilled water (not tap water)
Instructions
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Formulating the Lamp Oil
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Learn about infusion lamps. Unlike oil lamps, which burn oil or kerosene and create a bright flame, infusion lamps burn alcohol and do not have a visible flame. The lamps destroy odors and bacteria in the air. Because of the way they burn, they also increase oxygen levels.
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Start with alcohol. "Oil" is misleading, because unlike oil lamps, which make a flame from oil or kerosene, infusion lamps burn an alcohol mixture without a visible flame. Use 91 to 99 percent isopropyl alcohol, which can be found at any pharmacy. You will need 16 ounces.
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Add a fragrance that appeals to you. Fragrance oils and more powerful essential oils can be found in health food stores, New Age stores or bookshops, and on the Internet. They may seem expensive, but you use relatively little. Add an ounce (2 tbs.) or less of the oil to the alcohol.
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Add 1 Tbs. (1/2 oz.) distilled water. Save the mixture in a plastic bottle. Be sure to label it.
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Prepare the wick by soaking it in the alcohol overnight.
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Fill and light the lamp. Carefully pour enough of the scented alcohol into the lamp to fill it about half full. Add the wick and let it sit for 20 minutes or so. Light the wick. A few minutes later, blow out the flame. The heated stone will continue to radiate heat at about 140 degrees F. , diffusing a gentle scent that nonetheless can permeate a large home.
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Close down the lamp. After the fuel has burned off, remove and store the wick in alcohol until it is needed again. Reattach the cap that tops the burner.
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Tips & Warnings
Soak wicks in alcohol overnight before using. Otherwise, they may burn too fast. Use less oil to start with than you think you will need. You can always add more later. If your mixture is too strongly scented, add more alcohol. The lamps destroy odors and bacteria in the air. Because of the way they burn, they also increase oxygen levels
Be careful around alcohol. It is flammable. Keep it away from children and pets. Do not fill the lamp more than half full of fuel. Place the lamp in a secure place where it cannot be knocked over.
