Can I Spray Mineral Oils, Essential Oils, or Cedar Oils?

Many customers ask whether mineral oil-based, essential oil-based, or cedar oil-based products can be used in their sprayer. The answer is generally yes, but proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to maximize the life of your equipment.

Compatible Oils

Mineral oils, essential oils, and cedar oils are typically less aggressive on electric sprayer pumps than products containing petroleum oil distillates.

These products can be used in your sprayer; however, they still require additional cleaning and maintenance due to their oily nature.

Petroleum Oil Distillates Are NOT Recommended

Products containing petroleum oil distillates or xylene can significantly reduce the lifespan of electric sprayer pumps and internal components. For more information on spraying petroleum oil-based products, visit this article: Can I Spray Petroleum Oil-Based Chemicals? 

Always review the product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to determine the active and inert ingredients before use.

How Mineral Oils and Essential Oils Affect Sprayers

While mineral oils, essential oils, and cedar oils generally do not cause the same level of damage to pumps as petroleum oil distillates, they can be harder to remove from the system and may contribute to wear on seals over time.

In particular, prolonged exposure may accelerate wear on:

• Viton® seals
• O-rings
• Internal gaskets
• Other rubber components

Proper cleaning helps minimize these effects and extend the service life of the sprayer.

Required Cleaning Procedure

If you use any mineral oil, essential oil, or cedar oil product, you should thoroughly clean the sprayer at the end of each day of use:

1. Empty any remaining product from the tank.
2. Fill the tank with warm, soapy water.
3. Circulate the cleaning solution through the entire system, including the hose, wand, and nozzle.
4. Empty the tank completely.
5. Repeat the process until all oily residue has been removed.
6. Allow the sprayer to dry before storage.

Important: Water alone is not sufficient to remove oil residues. Always use warm water and soap when cleaning after applying oil-based products.

Alternative Chemical Recommendations

FlowZone® does not manufacture or sell chemical products and therefore cannot recommend specific pesticide alternatives.

For guidance regarding chemical selection, compatibility, application requirements, or alternative formulations, please consult:

• The chemical manufacturer's label and technical documentation.
• Your chemical supplier or distributor.
• A licensed pest management professional.
• Local agricultural or extension resources.

Best Practices for Maximum Sprayer Life

Proper cleaning and maintenance are the best ways to maximize the performance and lifespan of your electric sprayer. In addition:

• Follow all chemical label instructions.
• Rinse your sprayer thoroughly after each use.
• Rinse multiples times after using mineral oils, essential oils, or cedar oils.
• Never store chemicals in the tank for extended periods.
• Inspect seals, filters, and hoses regularly.
• Store the sprayer clean and dry between applications.