When I was first introduced to essential oils about a decade ago, I had this misconception that I would have to buy all sorts of accessories, tools, and special equipment if I was going to be “serious” about using them. But over time, I realized that there’s nothing wrong with taking a casual approach to essential oils! And trust me, the casual approach tends to be a lot cheaper too. ;-)
So if you were to ask me, “Jillee, what’s the one thing I should get if I want to start using essential oils?” I would tell you to get a good diffuser! Hands down, essential oil diffusers are the easiest and most convenient way to start using and experiencing the benefits of your favorite essential oils.
And because I think they are such an important piece of equipment, today’s post will be all about essential oil diffusers! I’ll be answering four of the most common questions people have about diffusers, from total newbies to experienced users alike! By the end of this post, you’ll have all the answers you need to not only choose the best diffuser for you, but to use it like a total pro too! :-)
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4 Important Questions About Essential Oil Diffusers
#1 – What Does A Diffuser Do?
A diffuser is like a small humidifier, because it turns water into water vapor and emits it into the air. But unlike humidifiers, diffusers are meant to be used with water and essential oils.
The diffuser “diffuses” the essential oils into the the water vapor, and the vapor carries the tiny oil particles into the air. All you have to do is breathe normally, and you’ll inhale the oil particles and experience their benefits!
#2 – What Features Should I Look For?
If you’re in the market for an essential oil diffuser, here are some of the features you may want to consider:
◆ Run Time
The run time for a diffuser indicates how long it will take for the diffuser to use up all the water in its reservoir. Look for a diffuser with a run time of at least a few hours, so that you don’t feel like you’re constantly needing to refill it.
◆ Lights
Some diffusers have colored LED lights that turn on when the diffuser is running. Some offer a few colors, and some rotate through colors. Look for LED light options that fit your personal preferences!
◆ Power
The two most common power options for diffusers are regular DC power cords and USB cords. Diffusers that are USB-powered can be very versatile, because you can plug them into your computer, a portable battery pack, and even your car!
◆ Size
Diffusers come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Choose a size that is well suited to wherever you plan to use the diffuser most.
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#3 – Which Essential Oils Should I Use In My Diffuser?
While creating your own diffuser blends is part of the fun of owning a diffuser, you can also use pre-mixed oil blends to save yourself a step! All three of the Essentials by Jillee oil blends currently available in my new shop are great for diffusing. (And don’t forget—you can always get 10% off by using coupon code JILLEE10 at checkout!)
- Defend Blend – Diffusing Defend blend can help increase your resiliency and guard against environmental threats that can slow you down.
- Simple Clean Blend – Diffuse this fresh-smelling blend to eliminate odors and freshen the air naturally.
- Slumber Blend – The oils in this relaxing blend can help relieve stress, promote peace, and restore your sense of wellness.
#4 – How Do I Clean My Diffuser?
In terms of caring for and maintaining your diffuser, all you really need to worry about is keeping it clean. After each use, wipe out the inside of your diffuser with a clean microfiber cloth to remove excess water and oil residue.
You’ll also want to perform a deep clean on your diffuser about once a month. To do it, add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to your diffuser’s water reservoir, then fill it the rest of the way full with water. Run the diffuser in a well-ventilated room for 10-20 minutes or so, then dump out any excess vinegar water and wipe out the reservoir. (Use a cotton swab to help clean out any hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.)
Jillee’s Pick: Thera-Pure Pro Diffuser
For anyone interested in a diffuser recommendation, I thought I would quickly tell you about the one I personally use at home—the Thera-Pure Pro Diffuser! This perfectly portable diffuser has an attractive wood-grain finish, runs up to 6 hours per fill, and has a handy USB power cord that I can plug in anywhere.
I use this diffuser almost every day, whether to freshen the air in my home or to lift my mood or energy levels. It’s a great diffuser that I would honestly recommend to anyone (which is why it’s the one full-size diffuser currently available for purchase in my new shop!)
Do you use an essential oil diffuser at home?
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Jillee, This is going to be WAY off subject, but I need to know something. I am not at all tech-savvy, basically, just check my emails and go to check out sites but not smart to the way thing happen. That said, are you aware of the ads that are all over your site when one opens to read everything? I wondered if you support or recommend “do TERRA” oils, for one because as I am reading all of your information, their ads are plastered EVERYWHERE! I do not know if you have any choice about what is shown on your site or just how all of this works? I wondered what you see if you go on just like we do to browse? Thanks for entertaining one of the “wonders of my brain” that I frequently experience!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do you recommend a car diffuser?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes! This one is great: http://bit.ly/2LMyvuU :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What an interesting post. I am yet to get an electric diffuser, I currently use an oil burner but now I know what to look out for I will be moving over to one of these soon.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for the info! I need to get better about cleaning mine out! For all the people worried about the oils around animals – typically when people talk about oils being toxic to pets, they are talking about large doses directly on them, not small amounts being diffused. Do a quick Google search regarding your type of pet and you can find which ones are not good to use around them. There is a lot of misinformation that gets spread, and I assure you that not all oils are toxic to diffuse around animals – just make sure you get the pet-safe oils from a reputable place, like the OGT store!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve heard that certain oils may be bad for cats but not all. I don’t know about dogs, but I have too tiny dogs and diffuse all kinds of oils. They have not reacted to them and neither has my cat. It’s good to be cautious, but sometimes I think we are over cautious about everything and respond to fear mongering.
Just do your research and find out for sure, then make a decision.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I believe tea tree is the only one you want to watch out for. I’ll update you if I hear otherwise. If anyone is worried, you can do a quick Google search honestly and should be able to find any other oils that might be dangerous. I only have dogs and tea tree is the only one I’m aware of for them. I agree about the fear mongering!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Some oils aren’t meant to be diffused constantly or more than 10-15 minutes st a time. They can give headaches etc if over used. A statement telling people to research an oil for proper diffusing might be welcome and save any problems it could cause. I want one that will run 10-15 and cut off but have option to run longer. Hope this is helpful. I’ve done quit a bit of research and have used oils for many years.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Loma, where can I find this information?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve never heard of that. Do you have any websites you recommend that details the info for us to read?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Kathleen, as far as info on EO’s and pets, just google “what essential oils are bad for pets?”. Actually, I have learned that just about ANYTHING I want to know, I just type it in as I am thinking it in my head! Seems to work for me so far! God bless. :-)
I quit using my diffuser because I read that they can be harmful to my cats. Have you done any research on this? Thanks for all you do. I love OGT.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That’s why I stopped too.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We just got a baby kitten and I am scared to diffuse any oils. I am having a hard time figuring out what oils (if any) can be safely diffused around cats, taking extra care because our kitten is barely 7 weeks old. There is so much conflicting information, and very little in the way of actual research/literature that I could find. This is kind of a bummer as my boyfriend and I live in a 1 bedroom NYC apartment, and she constantly wants to be with us/follows us around, so it’s not like I can diffuse while I’m trying to get stuff done in another room and just shut the door. Any information on this topic would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have 2 cats, and neither is bothered by the diffused EO or the wax melts I sometimes use.
Good. Please share which EOs you have used successfully around your critters. Two of mine are old and frail and I may be overly cautious.
I Googled “Essential Oils bad for cats”, and the first post was by “The Spruce Pets”, titled “Essential Oils Potentially Toxic to Cats”.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Cats can suffer almost immediately from inhaling some oils and suffer liver damage. Some EOs which we love will kill your cat. This includes the plug-in which are sold everywhere these days; Airwick, Glade, etc., as well as some scented candles.
Do NOT get a diffuser or a plug-in until you spend some time researching.
I personally have an expensive Lampe Berger Paris which was designed to kill pathogens in hospital operating rooms, but use it sparingly.
Your kitten is much too young and vulnerable to take a chance.
With small kittens and senior cats, especially, you want to avoid using essential oils. With adult cats, I always suggest diffusing gently – don’t add too much oil to the water, diffuse for short amount of times, and always make sure that pets are free to leave the room you are diffusing in. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Your site does not have information on any of the oils being edible – Can any of them be used in foods?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Beth! I do not recommend taking essential oils internally. There is simply not enough research to know for sure if it is safe. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve used my diffuser when my allergies are acting up or I’d I have a cold. I just don’t run mine at bedtime because the lights will keep me awake. I would love to find a small portable one for traveling.Normally when we go to see family members my allergies are better in the drier climate. But, there have been times it would have been nice to have a small one for allergy emergencies.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Does anyone have any ideas what oils are good for Colds. I have a family member with Laryngitis. I’m just glad it’s not me this time. Interesting about essential oils and animals. Someone awhile back said they use the sleeptime blend in a diffuser for their puppies. They said it helped them go right to sleep.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I would be careful about using oils around pets . The one about the puppies is just what some people in our store had told me.
Right after Jillee opened her EO shop, I bought the one from her that she talks about, and I love it. It’s nice and small and easily packed. It only has a USB plug, so if you don’t plan to plug it into a computer, you’ll need a USB-to-AC adapter plug so you can plug it into a wall socket.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tips, Jillee! I’ve been diffusing oils for about 4 years now and love it. Your diffuser looks so beautiful
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