What are Effusion or Fragrance lamps? How do they work?

Effusion lamps are decorative fragrance lamps that destroy odors and bacteria in the air while increasing oxygen levels and perfuming your environment and eliminating unwanted odors. These lamps use a catalytic burner that reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit to combust a special alcohol based liquid fuel. The burning fuel releases molecules into the air that capture and destroy odors while dispersing essential oils.

The Benefits of Effusion Lamps

Effusion lamps purify the air by oxidizing air particles, destroying odors and air borne bacteria. They increase oxygen levels in the air and because they do not have a continuous flame or produce soot they are safer and cleaner than candles. The fuels used in the lamps contain essential oils that are made from natural botanical extracts. These oils perfume the air and provide aromatherapy, as well as having insect repelling properties.

The History of Effusion Lamps

In 1898 a French pharmacist invented the first catalytic combustion effusion lamp while trying to find a process to purify air. These lamps were used by the medical world for their antibacterial powers in hospitals, health facilities, and mortuaries where hygiene was of utmost importance until the mid 1900’s. Today they are much more decorative than the original versions used in hospitals, some are made from hand-blown glass and are very collectible. These lamps are now being used to purify air and eliminate odors in homes, offices, and any other environments that people live and work in. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your Effusion lamp, it will keep the air refreshed in your environment for many years.

Why are Effusion lamps better for us than candles or incense?

Because effusion lamps “burn” without an open flame they are much less of a fire hazard in your home. Many homes have been burned to the ground because someone left a candle burning that they forgot to blow out. Candles also cause black soot to be released into our environment. Black soot is the product of the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. Until recently, the source for the black soot in homes was unknown. It is now believed that frequent candle burning is the number one source of black soot. The amount of soot produced can vary greatly from candle to candle. Scented candles are more likely to produce black soot than unscented candles. Black soot can cause property damage over time by blackening walls and surfaces of your home or office. (Imagine how it must affect your lungs and the air you breathe). Burning candles that have lead wicks cores can result in indoor air concentrations of lead that are above EPA-recommended thresholds and should be recognized as a health concern. Many consumers unknowingly purchase candles containing lead wick cores and repeatedly expose themselves to harmful amounts of lead through regular candle burning. One study also showed high concentrations of acrolein, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde from candle emissions exceeding EPA-recommended thresholds. Also, several studies found associations between exposure to incense smoke and many illnesses, including cancer, asthma, and contact dermatitis. Incense burning was found to be a contributing factor in the occurrence of asthma, and coughing was found to be associated with incense exposure in a study of young children. Also, burning incense produces volatile fragrances that, once airborne, can reach exposed skin, causing dermatitis.

Instructions for Using your Effusion Lamp

Step 1 – Open

• Always place your La-Tee-Da! Effusion Lamp on a flat, protected and stable surface. We suggest a plate, glass, marble or stoneware surface.
• Do not place directly on Wood or Finished Surface.
• Put the Vented Crown and Solid Metal Cap beside your Effusion lamp to avoid misplacement.

Step 2 – Fill

• Use La-Tee-Da! Effusion Lamp Fragrances ONLY. Our fragrances are formulated for use exclusively with La-Tee-Da! Effusion Lamp stone burners.
• Use the funnel to pour the Effusion Fragrance into the Lamp. Fill the lamp ½ to 2/3 full.
• DO NOT OVERFILL – (Your La-Tee-Da! Effusion Lamp will not function properly)
• Wipe lamp, carefully, to clean any fragrance spills.

Step 3 – Insert Wick

• While holding the Effusion Lamp, insert the Wick Assembly (Burner). It should fit into the collar and be fully seated.
• Replace the solid metal cap.
• Wait 20 to 30 minutes before lighting. This will allow the Effusion fragrance to saturate the wick & burner. (The Effusion burner stone will appear darkened or wet when saturated.)

Step 4 – Light

• Take off the solid metal cap.
• Light the Effusion burner using a match or lighter.
• Let flame burn for 2-3 minutes. (Flame will be 5-6” in height, then settle to 1-2”.) When the flame reduces the burner has reached the proper temperature. Take a short meditation moment. DO NOT leave the flame unattended.
• Blow out the flame. Your La-Tee-Da! Effusion Lamp is now working.
• Once the flame has been blown out, replace only the vented crown over the burner. This will protect the burner from being touched. Just put the solid metal cap to the side until you are ready to extinguish your lamp. (Do not ever place crown on lamp while flame is burning, this will ruin your crown!)

Step 5 – Use

• Leave the Effusion burner open (on) for as long as you require fragrance to be released. It typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to fragrance an average size home. When you are finished place the solid metal cap firmly back on your lamp to extinguish the burner by depriving it of oxygen. Place vented crown back on top of lamp & metal cap until your next use.

Helpful Hints

Remember that the lamp works after the flame is extinguished. The flame is to heat the stone and needs to be blown out after 2-3 minutes.

The burner should last one to two years or approximately 250 lightings.

Once in a while you will come across a stubborn burner that will not tay lit or hot after the flame is extinguished, or it becomes clogged or blackened at the top. If the burner is new, remove it from the lamp and submerge the head of the wick in the alcohol for two minutes to clean the head, then place it on paper towels to let it dry out completely. This will usually take 24 hrs. Then go through the new burner process again by allowing the wick to soak for 20-30 minutes before lighting. If the burner is old, it probably needs replacing. You can prolong the life of your burner by periodically burning approx. 2-3 oz. of 91% -99% isoprophy alcohol through your lamp just as you would fragrance, this helps clean your wick. You can change fragrances by letting the wick dry on a paper towel. It is okay to go from fragrance to fragrance without drying the wick; the fragrance will blend until the fuel in the wick is used. It is also okay to mix fragrances, you may create your own favorite scent this way.

Do not use any other type of lamp fuel that is oil based, only the fragrance lamp alcohol based oils that are recommended. Their are some cheaper off brands of fragrance oils out there, but beware because if they have too much water, or not the right percentage of ingredients they will ruin your wick in a few burnings.

Safety Instructions