How to diffuse essential oils

Diffusing essential oils is a great way to freshen up a room and offer the benefits of aromatherapy. There are various diffusers available, all easy to use. For optimal results, make sure not to exceed the maximum fill level, use the correct amount of essential oil, and monitor the diffuser while in use.

Place the diffuser in the center of the room. The essential oil diffuser will release a fine mist of water to spread the essential oil throughout the room. Placing it in the center ensures an even distribution of fragrance. Set the diffuser on a flat surface to prevent spills or tipping while it operates.

• Place a towel under the diffuser to absorb any water droplets while it's running. This is only necessary if the towel stays dry after the first few uses.
• You’ll also need an electrical outlet nearby if the device requires plugging in.

Open the diffuser lid. While each type of essential oil diffuser may differ slightly, most feature a lid covering the water reservoir. You can try twisting, pressing, or simply lifting the top section of the diffuser to open the water compartment inside.

• If you’re unsure how to open the lid, refer to the product manual for guidance.
• Some diffusers require opening two lids to access the water reservoir. One lid is usually decorative, while the other helps maintain moisture. If you lift the top of the diffuser and encounter another lid instead of the water compartment, remove the inner lid as well.

Pour room-temperature water into the diffuser. Use water that is at room temperature or slightly cooler than body temperature. Pour it into a small measuring cup or a glass, then carefully transfer it into the diffuser’s water reservoir. Check for a line or marking inside the diffuser that indicates the maximum water level.

• Instead of a line or marking, some diffusers come with a measuring cup that holds the exact amount of water needed. Fill the cup and pour the water into the reservoir of the diffuser.
• Room temperature is typically around 21°C. You can dip your finger into the water to test it; it should feel slightly cool but not cold.

Add 3-10 drops of essential oil to the diffuser. Open the bottle of the essential oil you’ve chosen and tilt it to pour the drops directly into the diffuser’s water reservoir. You may need to gently shake the bottle to start the drops. Use about 6-7 drops, then close the bottle tightly.

• You can combine different types of oils, but limit the total to 10 drops. Use only a few drops of each oil to avoid an overwhelming fragrance when the diffuser is on.
• Keep track of the number of drops you use each time to determine the right amount. For a small room, 3-4 drops might be sufficient. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you’re satisfied with the scent.

Close the diffuser lid and turn it on. Close the water compartment lid securely. Plug in the power cord and press the button on the front of the diffuser to begin operation.

• Some diffusers have multiple buttons or lights that control different settings. You can consult the user manual if you’re unsure how to turn the device on or if you want to explore other features of the diffuser.

Place the diffuser in a high-traffic area of the room. The essential oils will start to release their fragrance once the candle is lit, and the heat will cause the water to evaporate. It’s best to position the diffuser in an area with people moving around or in a space with a slight breeze to help disperse the aroma. Place it on a flat surface, ideally in the middle of the room for maximum effectiveness.

• The fragrance will spread more efficiently when placed in a busy area, but the risk of the diffuser tipping over also increases. Your first priority should be finding a safe spot for the diffuser.

Pour water into the reservoir. Use a small cup or measuring jug to fill the water reservoir located at the top of the diffuser. Some diffusers have a marking or line indicating the water level. If there’s no marking, fill the reservoir halfway to prevent overflow.

• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations for each product.
• Be sure to add water to the diffuser before adding the essential oils.

Add 2-4 drops of essential oil to the water. Open the chosen essential oil bottle and tilt it over the water reservoir to carefully drop the oil in. Add 2-3 drops and then close the bottle.

• You can mix different essential oils for a more complex fragrance, but don’t exceed 4 drops in total for the diffuser.
• The amount of oil required will vary depending on the room size. Start with a few drops and gradually add more until you’re satisfied with the scent.
• Remember the number of drops you use each time so you can determine the right amount. For a small room, you may only need 3-4 drops. Start with a small quantity, then increase it until you achieve the desired fragrance.

Place the candle beneath the water reservoir and light it. Set a small tealight candle in the space below the water reservoir. Light the candle using matches or a long-handled lighter and let it burn for 3-4 hours.

• Keep an eye on the candle to ensure it stays lit.
• Blow out the candle when the water in the reservoir has nearly evaporated or when you no longer see essential oil vapor.

Place the reed diffuser in the center of the room or house. A reed diffuser is one of the most passive methods of diffusing essential oils, so it requires movement to disperse the scent effectively. Position it in a high-traffic area, ideally in the center of the room or house, for the best results.

• Try placing the reed diffuser near the entrance to the room so you can enjoy the aroma every time you enter.

Pour the essential oil into the bottle. Most reed diffusers come with a bottle of oil designed specifically to match the diffuser’s intensity. Pour the essential oil carefully into the bottle, avoiding any spillage.

• Unlike diffusers with candles or electronic mechanisms, reed diffusers don’t allow you to easily switch scents. Choose a fragrance you like and plan to stick with it for a longer time.
• The amount of oil you pour into the bottle is flexible. Some people pour in the entire bottle, while others prefer to add it gradually to keep the oil fresh.

Insert the reeds into the bottle. Gently place a bundle of reed sticks into the bottle. Spread the reeds in various directions to help distribute the scent more evenly. The oil will be absorbed by the reeds and will gradually release the fragrance throughout the room.

• The more reeds you use, the stronger the fragrance will be. For a smaller room, 2-3 reeds may be enough.
• Be careful when inserting reeds into a full bottle, as oil may spill over. You can place the bottle over the sink to avoid any mess when adding the reeds.

Flip the reeds to refresh the oil and scent. After about a week, you may notice the fragrance beginning to fade. To refresh the scent, remove the reeds from the bottle and flip them so the oil-soaked ends face upwards. This will help refresh the oil for another week or until you decide to flip the reeds again.

• It’s best to flip the reeds over a paper towel or in the sink to catch any oil drips.

Use lemon essential oil for a refreshing scent. Lemon essential oil is one of the most popular oils in many products, including diffusers. Just a few drops of lemon oil will fill your home with a refreshing citrus aroma. Some studies even suggest that lemon essential oil can improve mood or reduce stress!

• You can combine lemon essential oil with peppermint and rosemary for an energizing fragrance blend.

Choose cinnamon oil for the warm scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Cinnamon oil has a sweeter and warmer aroma compared to lemon, making it perfect for chilly winter days. A few drops of cinnamon oil will fill your home with the comforting scent of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven all day long.

• Try blending cinnamon oil with orange and ginger for a delightful autumn fragrance perfect for Thanksgiving.

Use lavender essential oil for a soft floral fragrance. Lavender essential oil is arguably one of the most beloved oils, and for good reason. A few drops will leave your home smelling of fresh flowers and can help you drift off into sleep when used at night.

• Mix lavender, grapefruit, lemon, and peppermint to create a dreamy summer fragrance.

Use peppermint essential oil to stay alert and focused. The cool, refreshing scent of peppermint will bring a burst of freshness to your home and may even help you stay awake and focused. A few drops of peppermint oil will spread its familiar scent throughout your space.

• Combine peppermint oil with eucalyptus oil for a refreshing blend that clears nasal passages and makes breathing easier.

• Always add water before the oil.
• Be sure to choose essential oils from reputable brands. It's important to know exactly what you're inhaling.

• Always read the manufacturer's instructions and use the diffuser according to the specific product guidelines.
• Be cautious and avoid spilling water from the diffuser while it's operating, as this could lead to electric shock or short circuits.
• Essential oils in the air may be harmful to pets. Consult a veterinarian or look for online advice before using oils in a pet-friendly environment.