How To Use an Essential Oil Diffuser

How To Use an Essential Oil Diffuser

Before setting up your diffuser, make sure it's unplugged before filling it with water. "It depends on what type of diffuser you use, but they typically have a water basin with a fill line on the interior. You don't want to go past the fill line," Erik Nelson, ND, a naturopathic doctor and integrative medical advisor at Fullscript, told Health.

1. Avoid Hard Water

When filling your diffuser, it's important to opt for filtered or bottled water. "Hard water" (water with a high mineral content) from the tap may damage the diffuser over time, said Nelson.

2. Add Oil

The next step is to add a few drops of your chosen essential oils to the water basin. Nelson advised anyone using a diffuser to check the instructions to determine the proper "dose" of essential oils to add.

"The first thing you need to remember about essential oils is that they're super concentrated, so you only need a couple of drops. Any more than that is probably overkill," said Nelson.

3. Select Where To Put It

Where you place your diffuser will depend on your reasons for using it. If you want to enjoy aromatherapy as part of a bedtime wind-down routine, you should place the diffuser in your bedroom and use it at the end of the day. If you are using a diffuser to feel more focused during the workday, place it in your office. Just be sure to keep it away from other electronic devices to reduce the risk of them getting misted.

4. Turn It On

After picking a location for your diffuser, you can close the lid and turn it on. Essential oil diffusers are pretty low maintenance. Once it's on, all that's left to do is go about your day (or night) and let the device do its thing.

5. Clean as Needed

As for if and how you should clean your diffuser between uses, Nelson said to check the manufacturer's instruction manual that comes with your device. Certain solvents or cleaners may or may not be recommended, depending on your device.