How to Use a Maison Berger Lamp

Maison Berger lamps, also known as Lampe Berger, are a beautifully unique way to purify and fragrance your home. Created in the 19th century, originally to help disinfect hospital rooms, these lamps are now appreciated around the world for their ability to remove odours from the air and add pleasant aromas to living spaces. If you're new to Maison Berger lamps, or are considering buying one, this guide will walk you through how to use one effectively, from how to assemble it to maintenance, so you can enjoy a cleaner, fresher environment for longer.

What is a Maison Berger lamp?

Maison Berger lamps function through catalytic combustion, a process that oxidises odours and releases pleasant fragrances into your home. When the lamp is lit and heated, the catalytic burner actively removes unwanted smells from the air while diffusing aromatic oils that refresh the room, and, if being an efficient air purifier wasn’ enough, Maison Berger lamps are stylish home accessories available in many striking designs.

How to use Maison Berger lamp

Step 1: Assemble the Maison Berger lamp

Before you can begin using your lamp, you’ll need to make sure that you set it up correctly. 

Check the components of the Maison Berger lamp:

• Lamp body - This is the main container that holds the fragrance oil.
• Wick and burner - The wick is connected to the catalytic burner, which is the lamp’s core component.
• Snuffer cap - This cap is used to extinguish the flame and stop the diffusion process.
• Open-air diffusion cap - This is a decorative cap placed on top of the burner during use to protect the flame and distribute fragrance evenly.
• Fragrance oil - Maison Berger lamps use special fragrance oils specifically formulated for catalytic lamps.

Setting up the components of the lamp:

• Remove the snuffer cap and open-air diffusion cap.
• Insert the wick and burner into the lamp if it’s not already assembled. The wick should rest at the bottom of the lamp, with the burner resting on top of the lamp’s neck.
• Let the wick soak in the fragrance oil for about 20 minutes before the first use. This ensures that it’s thoroughly saturated, which is important for effective burning and fragrance diffusion.

Step 2: Add you fragrance oil

Once your lamp is assembled, it’s time to add the Maison Berger fragrance oil. We have an extensive collection of scents ranging from floral and citrus to woody and oriental, so you can pick a fragrance you love. To add fragrance, all you need to do is:

• Select a fragrance - Pick an oil specifically made for Maison Berger lamps. It is important that you do not use essential oils or any other types of oils, as they could damage the burner.
• Pour in the oil - Remove the burner and wick assembly, then using a funnel (included with the lamp), carefully pour the fragrance oil into the lamp, filling it no more than two-thirds full. Be careful not to overfill the lamp as this can cause it to malfunction.
• Replace the wick and burner - Once the lamp is filled, reinsert the wick and burner assembly, and allow the wick to absorb the fragrance for about 20 minutes. This initial soaking helps ensure proper and even diffusion when you light the lamp.

Step 3: Light the lamp

After the fragrance oil has saturated the wick, you’re ready to start using your Maison Berger lamp. It’s important to note that lighting the lamp requires a few steps:

• Light the burner - Using a match or lighter, carefully light the burner, then allow the flame to burn for about 2 minutes. This heats up the catalytic burner and activates the lamp’s purification and diffusion process.
• Blow out the flame - After around 2 minutes, blow out the flame. The catalytic combustion will continue without an open flame, creating a subtle, steady release of scent and purification.

Step 4: Put the diffusion cap on

With the flame extinguished, it’s time to put the open-air diffusion cap on the burner.

• Put the cap on - Slide the open-air diffusion cap over the burner. This will help evenly distribute the fragrance throughout the room.
• Let it run - Let the lamp operate for around 20 to 30 minutes for a standard-sized room. You’ll notice the aroma dispersing and the air quality improving.

Step 5: Extinguish the lamp

Once you’re satisfied with the fragrance level in the room, you can stop the diffusion process. To extinguish your lamp, follow these simple steps:

• Remove the diffusion cap - Carefully lift the open-air diffusion cap off the burner.
• Cover the burner with the snuffer cap - This cap cuts off the oxygen supply to the burner, effectively extinguishing the catalytic process. The lamp will stop diffusing fragrance once the snuffer cap is in place.

If you wish to relight your Maison Berger lamp, simply repeat the steps.

Tips for Maintaining Your Maison Berger Lamp

As with any diffuser, or even a household decor piece, keeping it maintained and in good condition will help it last for years to come. Here are some tips to help you care for your lamp ant to ensure the longevity of its performance:

• Clean the burner component regularly - After approximately 200 uses or one year of regular use, the catalytic burner may become less effective. You can also purchase a replacement burner to restore the lamp’s performance.
• Use neutral fragrance oil to clean the lamp - Maison Berger offers a neutral fragrance oil that can be used between scent changes as this helps clear out any residual fragrance and prevents scents blending. 
• Store the lamp properly - When not in use, keep the snuffer cap on the burner to prevent dust and debris from building up. 
• Avoid mixing fragrances - Stick to one fragrance oil at a time to prevent clogging the wick and burner. If you want to change fragrances, use the neutral oil to clean the lamp first.
• Don’t overfill the lamp with oil - Always fill the lamp with fragrance oil up to two-thirds full. Overfilling can damage the wick and cause the lamp to not work properly.
• Replace the wick if you need to - If you notice the lamp isn’t diffusing well, it may be time to replace the wick. Be sure to use Maison Berger’s official wick replacements for best results - explore our Maison Berger wick replacements. 

Getting the most out of your Maison Berger lamp

• Only use it in a well-ventilated room - Though the lamp purifies the air, it’s best used in a room with some ventilation, especially if the fragrance is strong.
• Remember larger rooms may need to be diffused for longer - For larger rooms, you may need to let the lamp operate for longer. Start with 20 minutes for small rooms and 30 minutes for larger spaces.
• Mix up your fragrances depending on the season - Maison Berger offers scents for every preference. Why not go for light, fresh scents in spring and summer, and warmer, spicier fragrances in fall and winter.
• Enjoy the aromatherapy benefits - Many Maison Berger fragrances have therapeutic qualities, so you could use calming scents like lavender to help you unwind after a long day.

Using a Maison Berger lamp is a fantastic way to purify and scent your home at the same time. With its blend of aesthetics and functionality, the lamp not only removes unwanted odours but also brings elegance to any room - there’s no wonder they’re so popular.

By following the steps above, you’ll enjoy a fragrant and clean living space while preserving the quality and performance of your Maison Berger lamp, so you can enjoy the charm and sophistication that this timeless air-purifying lamp brings to your home for years to come!

Explore the full Maison Berger collection.