Are Essential Oils Flammable?

Extracts of plants referred to as essential oils in this list have recently gained popularity because of their health-boosting features. They are natural substances from plant sources rich in oil and other chemicals responsible for the smell and taste of the plant. Though oils can be safely utilized for aromatherapy, skin treatment, or cleaning, when diluted adequately, individuals often ask – are essential oils flammable?  

Dangerous as Certain Essential Oils May Be Flammable

The short answer is yes, pure essential oils are flammable. Essential oils are extracted directly from plant’s volatile or combustible compounds or are concentrated preparations of those compounds. The things that make it possible for plants to live, grow, and develop, such as resins, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and terpenes, give essential oils their scent, skin healing properties, and in flammability.  

It makes sense that while dried herbs might easily catch fire, so can the concentration of that which the herbs and spices represent. To some extent, it is possible to state that the level of flammability will, to a certain extent, depend on the type and chemical properties of the essential oil in question. As for any flammable material, essential oils have what are known as flash points, auto-ignition temperatures, and unique risks relating to storage, handling, and distribution.

Aspects That Consider Flammability 

There are a few key factors that determine how easily an essential oil can ignite:

Flash Point: A flash point is the lowest temperature at which there is sufficient vapor of the oil to ignite when coming into contact with an ignition source. The flash points of the tested substances imply a phenomenon where lower flash points suggest a higher flammable tendency. 

Auto Ignition Temperature- The temperature at which the oil can burn without an external ignition source. This is because oils with relatively low auto-ignition temperatures have high flammability.

Chemical Content: Pure oils contain freely combustible monoterpenes and monoterpenes are more susceptible to combustion when heat exposure than ester, oxide, and ether-based oils.

Viscosity: Oils with low-viscosity oils, such as lemon and pine oil, are highly flammable, while highly viscous oils, such as sandalwood and vanilla oil, are less flammable. 

Top 10 Essential Oils Regarding Their Flammability

While all essential oils have the potential to be flammable if mishandled, these oils tend to ignite more readily than others:

- Eucalyptus 

- Lemon

- Lemongrass 

- Sweet Orange

- Pine

- Peppermint 

- Tea Tree

- Rosemary

- Clove Bud

Citrus, mint, herbaceous, and oils distilled from pine trees and leaves are most flammable and should be handled carefully.

Safe Use of Essential Oils

Knowing that all oils are ultimately combustible based on chemical composition is not to say you cannot use the oils safely! However, care must be taken in one way or another, especially when diffusing or storing oils at home. 

Here are some tips:

• When used as a diffuser, never turn it on and walk away.
• Store all oils sealed in original containers, and never leave them open in an area with sparks, flames, stovetop, etc.
• Do not diffuse for more than 3 hours continuously 
• Specific necessary precautions include topical application carrier oils such as coconut or jojoba.
• Do not dry linens after washing without testing them for oil stains. This is a potential fire hazard.
• Ensure the room has adequate air for circulation every time you diffuse oils.

The Correct Storage of Flammable Oils 

To prevent accidental combustion of your essential oils:

• Borax should be stored in small well-labelled bottles preferably in a cool-dry, dark area free from light and heat sources.
• Avoid any source of spark, cigarettes, candles, chemical cleaning products, or anything that burns.  
• It is also important not to store these oils above room temperature, or in humid locations.
• Even if they have good fitting lids on the bottles, ensure they are sealed.
• Restrict the quantity of volume to be stored at any time and the volume you seek to stock initially.
• By preventing it from evaporating into the atmosphere, this storage makes it stable, reducing the flammability risks to a large extent.  

Essential oils and how to incorporate them safely in your home environment

Oftentimes, essential oils can be incorporated into the living spaces and still be accessible from fire hazards. 

Follow these guidelines when diffusing or using oils in different rooms:

Kitchen – Do not install here or store oils in cabinets close to the stove or oven. Food grade oils should however only be used sparingly as is the case when making flavored olive oil among others. 

Bedrooms – Don't use through the night. would best be placed on the bedside table and put off before going to sleep. Do not put on application oils before having a smoke.

Bathrooms - Do not spray on the countertop while candles are lit. Use oils right in the shower that way you avoid any chances of igniting the hair dryer when you are done.

Living Rooms – Use for 1-2 hours maximum at most. Stationary zone speakers away from curtains, table lamps, fireplaces, or other home accessories.

Laundry Rooms – before washing and drying linens or clothing wash off all the oil stains to help avoid occurrences such as dryer fire.  

Therefore, monitoring fire risks which relate to different rooms is beneficial in the use of essential oils in the house.

Conclusion

All the same it is vital to know that essential oils are flammable and therefore should be handled carefully as being aware of its flammable nature does not necessarily mean that you cannot use this product at all. The idea lies in understanding that as many oils contain the same combustible plant components that dried spices and herbs contain to present a fire risk. When you know what makes oils ignitable plus basic safety precautions, your home can have a great fragrance while not being a fire hazard!