Common Scents: How to Use an Essential Oil Diffuser
Your plans to have a healthier home might include natural fragrances. You might be wondering where, and exactly how, to use an essential oil diffuser as part of that plan. At Pottery Barn, we love all things aromatic. From learning how to choose an oil diffuser to how much essential oil you’ll need, it’ll take just a couple of minutes before you’ll be making the most of your diffuser.
What’s a Diffuser?
An essential oil diffuser is part of the aromatherapy world. It’s a simple tool that disperses aromatic essential oils into the air. It can fill a room with fragrance. The diffuser breaks your oil and water mixture into microscopic particles so they can enter the air. Some people also believe that the scents of essential oils have other benefits. Oils such as chamomile and lavender help you relax and sleep. Lemon and eucalyptus oils can help you breathe easier.
Various oils may elevate your mood and cognitive functions, prevent illnesses and alleviate pain. You’ll even see essential oils in cocktail recipes for health benefits. Stick to mixing drinks with traditional ingredients for your guest who may be sensitive, and keep oils in the diffuser to enhance your dinner party. Keep in mind that some oils can irritate pets. Avoid these types accordingly in spaces where your animals spend time.
Choosing a Diffuser
Understanding the various types of diffusers may make you dizzy enough to need some chamomile and lavender! Here’s the breakdown:
Nebulizer diffusers: Easy-to-use nebulizers are the most powerful type of diffuser. They don’t need water or heat to disperse oil. Instead, an atomizer blows a continuous stream of fine oil particles into the air.
Ultrasonic diffusers: Similar to nebulizers, an ultrasonic diffuser is an often decorative device. It uses water and oils to create a mist that goes into the air. An ultrasonic diffuser can also work as a humidifier in colder months.
Heat diffusers: This type of diffuser uses a small candle or electricity to heat the oil. It then disperses into the room. Depending on the oil and the type of heat diffuser, the aroma might be concentrated in a small area.
Evaporative diffusers: There are two types of evaporative diffusers. They provide a very subtle fragrance. One uses a fan to blow evaporating oil particles into the air. The other simply relies on air currents to carry particles into the air. One of the most popular, and decorative, evaporative diffusers is the glass diffuser. Sticks insert into this glass container. They become saturated with oils and diffuse the fragrance into the room. Glass diffusers are some of the longest-lasting methods, often scenting a room for up to two months.
Where and When to Diffuse
One of the most important benefits of a diffuser is that it’s a safer alternative to chemical-laden room fresheners. Diffusers are ideal to use for healthier sleeping conditions. Simply keep a plug-in diffuser on for a few hours day. Or, plug it in about 30 minutes before bedtime to give it enough time to disperse oils into the air. Use a diffuser as a natural air-freshener in the bathroom, basement, entryway, in the kitchen or just about anywhere.
Keep a diffuser going while hosting a party. Consider the etiquette of using an oil diffuser in certain situations. For example, some guests may be sensitive to fragrances. In that case, an evaporative diffuser may be most effective. Keep your diffuser away from food and drinks, or in another room entirely, to keep the air subtly fragrant without overwhelming anyone.
The same etiquette applies to using a diffuser in a guest room. As you get ready for guests, turn it on for a short burst of fragrance. Let your guests use a diffuser to their own liking. Keep a small card with directions right near the device so they know they’re welcome to use it.
How to Use It
Whichever type of diffuser you choose, use it on a stable surface in an open area of a room. Or, use it outdoors to scent the atmosphere and keep bugs at bay – try citronella, peppermint, geranium or lemongrass oils. Any type of diffuser will be easy to use. Ultrasonic diffusers have a fill line or measuring cup for water, for example. Add up to 10 drops of essential oil or mixed oils to the water, depending on the strength you want to achieve.
How to Store Oils
Oils do expire. They may oxidize (mix with air). Or, some of the components may evaporate. This can leave a less-than-desirable fragrance. Depending on the essential oil, a bottle (open or unopened) can have a shelf life of up to 10 years. This depends on how you store it. For example, patchouli has a long shelf life of 10 years. Cedarwood and geranium average between four to six years. For citrus oil enthusiasts, lemon and orange last about a year. The best way to keep essential oils fresh is to store them in airtight glass bottles and refrigerate them. Avoid plastic; oil may break down the container over time.
Keep these easy tips in mind as you start to create your own scent blends!