Diffusing essential oils is one of the most popular and effective ways to enjoy aromatherapy benefits. If you are new to using essential oils for diffusing and are wondering how to use an essential oil diffuser, read on.
Maybe you are new on your essential oil journey, that is okay, I am here to help. Diffusing favorite essential oils can be an exciting way to use essential oils.
Sure, you can diffuse oils in a pot of boiling water on your stovetop or even in a bowl of hot water. But those methods don't disperse the scent very well, plus it's not as concentrated, and the heat can damage the therapeutic properties of the essential oil aromas.
A better option is to invest in an electric diffuser that will deliver more potent mist and aromatherapy benefits. Let's get started with some benefits for using an essential oil diffuser!
Essential Oil Diffusers Guide
Aromatherapy Diffusing Guide with 200+ Diffuser Blends by Jennifer Lane, Loving Essential Oils Owner & Certified Aromatherapist:
What are the Benefits of Diffusing?
An essential oil diffuser is a great way to make your home smell amazing and to add aromatherapy benefits to your environment. Many positive therapeutic benefits can be gained when diffused essential oils molecules are inhaled.
Diffusing is great for anytime you need a little help with your mood, energy levels, or just to relax and unwind from the day. It can also be used as an alternative treatment for some minor ailments like headaches and stuffy noses.
Here are more reasons to turn on an aromatherapy diffuser in your home:
- Scent a room
- Cleanse the air
- Boost immunity
- Promote energy and focus
- Calm stress and anxiety
Read more about the Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils
Buying Essential Oil Diffusers
Buy a quality essential oil diffuser! Essential oils can be costly in price and resources so they need to be used responsibly. You want your investment in those oils to go as far as possible so make sure you buy a high-quality device that will do its job well.
First things first, choose the right kind of diffuser for your needs. Here are the different types of diffusers:
- Ultrasonic
- Nebulizer (aka waterless diffuser)
- Heat-driven
- Passive diffusion
The most utilized type of diffuser for essential oils today is an ultrasonic diffuser. This type uses ultrasonic waves and water to disperse essential oils into the air.
They are widely available in many sizes, shapes and price ranges. This is the type of diffuser we are focusing on today to teach you to use.
How To Use An Essential Oil Diffuser
The process of using an essential oil diffuser usually consists of adding water into the machine's container, then adding a few drops or more of the desired essential oils before switching it on.
The unit should be placed in any room you want to enjoy its fragrance. Many people enjoy diffusing in their bedroom and living room, but it can be used in any space where you want to enjoy the benefits of essential oils.
1. Choose Location For Diffusing
Pick an open area in a room or office with a solid surface or tabletop. You will need an outlet to plug it in. Also, since water is being used, it is good to have a placemat or towel down if you are using on a wood surface.
I have a diffuser on my nightstand near my bed and one in my family room on a solid table. For best use, avoid placing in direct sunlight or near a fan.
2. Add Water To Your Diffuser
Once you have your place picked out, fill your diffuser water tank to the fill line of the water reservoir with clean tap water that is room temperature.
Most diffusers have a water level line on the inside of the water reservoir or a measuring cup to fill up and then add to the reservoir. Refer to your diffuser manual for the recommended water amount your diffuser requires.
*DO NOT OVERFILL or your aroma diffuser may not run properly.
3. Add Aromatherapy Oils
Next, add 3-10 drops of essential oils to the water. You can use a single essential oil like lavender, or an essential oil blend. See below for recommended oils to diffuse.
Usually, 6 drops of oil is enough but sometimes you may want more oil for a stronger scent. You can experiment with the essential oil amounts to see what you prefer.
Not sure what to diffuse? Get our Essential Oil Diffuser Guide with over 200 Diffuser Blends for lots of recipes to try:
4. Turn On
Place the cap or top of diffuser back on as your diffuser requires. Set which features you would like if your model has options like a nightlight or color changing LED lights. Turn on and enjoy the wonderful scent!
Not all aromatherapy diffusers are the same, some have options depending on the model you purchase. You may be able to set the length of time you want the diffuser on, or different time cycles you can choose from like on for 30 seconds then off for 15 seconds.
Some also have light options you can turn on for a display of colors or a solid color. These features vary widely depending on brand and model.
How To Clean Your Diffuser
It is also best to do a quick cleaning after use. Here are the steps to follow:
- Unplug the diffuser and remove any water left in the reservoir.
- Clean inside with a small brush and warm water (most diffusers come with one or you can use a clean paintbrush dedicated to cleaning your diffuser).
- Rinse out and dry off.
- Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the ultrasonic chip found in most water reservoirs.
- Let the diffuser air dry.
Best Essential Oils To Diffuse
What should you diffuse? A lot depends on your desired goal, if you want something calming like lavender for relaxation or peppermint which helps soothe headaches and nausea.
Here are my favorite single essential oils to diffuse alone in a diffuser and some of the reasons I have used them.
Lavender Essential Oil
The scent is calming, relaxing, good for sleep, anxiety, sadness, restlessness, reducing stress, insomnia
Peppermint Essential Oil
Diffuse for improved concentration, focus, alertness, respiratory support, refreshing aroma, mental fatigue, seasonal allergies, headaches, sharpens the mind
Lemon Essential Oil
Good for uplifting, detoxifying, cleansing, purifying, deodorizing, energizing, cold and flu, oily skin or hair
Frankincense Essential Oil
Use during meditation, yoga, good for balancing, lifting spirits, improving focus, anxiety, spiritual awareness, inflammation
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Helps reduce food cravings, uplifting, balancing, enhances mood, relieves anxiety, stress, tension
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Great for nasal congestion, respiratory ailments, breathing discomfort, insect repellent, bug bites
Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Cheerful scent to improve mood, calm anxiety, digestion, uplifting, natural detoxifier
Where to Buy Essential Oils?
Essential oils are great because not only do they make you feel good physically but mentally as well. I love having them around since they have so many benefits like clearing the air of bad odors and improving moods by releasing calming scents in your home or office!
We are frequently asked what essential oil brand we like, here are some of our favorites:
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Perk Up Diffuser Blend |
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Here is a great Diffuser Blend to try, it will make your home smell good and it is perfect for a natural perk up in the morning times before work or school:
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Want to take this diffuser recipe on the go? Try it in an essential oil inhaler. They are convenient to take with you in the car, purse or even at work.
Perk Up Inhaler Blend |
For complete instructions, read our full blog post on essential oil nasal inhalers. |
More Ways to Use Essential Oils Without a Diffuser
Besides diffusing essential oils into the air, here are some other things you can try:
- Using an aromatherapy inhaler to benefits from essential oils on the go
- Adding essential oils to a steaming bowl of water and inhaling the steam
- Try essential oils on a diffuser necklace, perfect to use when at work
- Simply add a few drops to the shower floor right before getting into shower
- Place a drop in palm of hand, rub palms together and deeply inhale the aroma
- Use essential oils in a car diffuser when driving to work or traveling
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More About Diffusing Essential Oils
Diffusing essential oils can be really wonderful and a great way to use your essential oils every day. You can learn more about diffusing oils here: