There are various ways of using essential oil diffusers that can create an environment for you and your family, but to know which diffuser is best? Keep reading so you can understand the common types of essential oil diffusers before buying.
Some Essential Oils Facts
This piece of article is about diffusers types one can use, but it is much needed to add a brief introduction about these essential oils. Because these oils are the sole reason to have diffusers.
Essential oils are normally connected with aromatherapy, and this has been around for ages. It is well said that these fragrances were discovered and initially used by Egyptians since 2000 B.C. Though china started this aromatherapy in 2700 B.C. following Rome, Greece and some parts of Europe. This is how each country contributed to spreading essentials oils.
But now there are ample choices available in the market, some common types that are used in aromatherapy are;
- Lavender
- Tea tree
- Eucalyptus
- Lemongrass
- Peppermint
You can use a single oil or combine different scents into the diffuser, and you can find many books that can give you the technique of combining different oils.
Common Types of Essential Oil Diffusers
Now let’s talk about some varieties that you can encounter upon visiting the store, where you can experience the endless variety of diffusers. You just need to know how they work and how long the diffuser can last and what could be the measurements that can help them operate effectively.
- Ceramic Diffuser
This essential oil diffuser lets oil evaporate and diffuse in the air. Single or two drops of essential oils can be tossed on the diffuser’s terra cotta. You can use this Ceramic diffuser in any small area, but this does not work well in outdoor and larger areas.
- Nebulizer Diffuser
This type of diffuser used to break the oil particles into tiny molecules before dissolving into the atmosphere. There are glass cylinders and motors in oil diffusers. Nebulizer diffusers can be hard to clean than the other diffusers. And above all, the glass container inside the diffuser can be a bit expensive to replace in case it broke down. This diffuser might not be appropriate for some situations due to its noise level.
- Ultrasonic Diffuser
The ultrasonic diffuser depends on the electric frequency that creates quivering in water. This vibration creates an adequate mist of essential oils released in the air. As this diffuser use water, generally, people use these diffusers in the winter season to humidify the dry air in their surroundings.
Some of the ultrasonic diffusers are made to control their time automatically. This way, the diffuser regulates the number of oils dispersed in the air. This kind of diffusers is less expensive as compared to the nebulizer, and more durable.
- Reed Diffuser
This reed diffuser mostly uses cane sticks that have some small channels. These canals allow the oils to travel up the rattan sticks and disperse the scent in the room. Some of the lighter essential oils, including grapefruit or lemongrass, tend to diffuse faster as compare to heavy oils. Sandalwood and patchouli are kinds of heavy base oils.
- Electric Diffuser
Electric diffusers tend to expose scents to the air without any heat like ceramic and reed diffusers. You can add a single droplet of your favorite essential oil to the pad or water. The electric fan inside the diffuser can blow the air at the water, and this causes the fragrance to disperse in the air.
- Candle Diffuser
In candle diffusers, the heat of the candle promotes the diffusion inside the room. Such heating diffusers are less expensive if you want to make a small space smell good. But these diffusers are not ideal if you need a therapeutic property, because the heat can change the properties of essential oils.
Some of the other types of diffusers that use heating systems are lamp rings, electric heat, and steam inhalation.
- Water Diffusers
The water diffusers are the most common type that people are familiar with, and among the affordable one. This diffuser contains a basin that can be filled with water or any oil. The ultrasonic waves can diffuse the oil into the area by using its wide diffusion range. This diffuser is supposed to be ideal for larger space, but this again depends on the size of the oil diffuser. You can use water diffuser also as a humidifier.
- Terracotta Diffuser
The terracotta diffusers are exquisite clay bottles closed with a cork supposed to keep the essential inside the device. The oils disperse when it infuses the clay and the stone; afterward, gradually discharge the scent in the air.
- Fan styled Diffuser
This diffuser does not use water, but oils are disseminated inside the diffuser fan. You can place the oil on the tray or the absorbent pad. The fan gently blows the liquid and scatter inside the room. You can find these diffusers in a variety of sizes that can be used for smaller rooms or larger spaces.
- Evaporative Diffuser
This diffuser has a fan inside the device that helps in spinning the essential oil to gas. And this way the oil evaporates into the atmosphere. Though the oil vaporizes, it drops some of the effectiveness. This could be the best option for people who need a quick and occasional sensation.
How to clean diffuser?
In terms of maintaining your essential oil diffuser, you only need to keep it clean. After using each time, wipe your diffuser from inside with a soft and clean microfiber cloth. This way, you can remove the excess amount of oil and water residue that ensures the longevity of your diffuser.
You should do proper deep cleaning of your diffuser once in a month. You can add vinegar to the water reservoir of your diffuser, and fill the rest with water. Now you can run your essential oil diffuser for 15-20 minutes in a well-ventilated room. This way, you can dump out the excess vinegar water and clean thoroughly the reservoirs. You can also use a cotton pad to wipe out any hard to touch corner and crevices.
Final Words
Integrating essential oil diffuser into your house and office can make you sense like you are in a comforting and tranquil spa. And this can never be considered as a bad thing, though you may not leave diffuser on blast too long. As too much of anything could be harmful, and remember there are powerful agents in the essential oils. If you have some serious health concerns, do consult your physician before buying essential oil diffuser. Do not use it if there you are susceptible to any kind of allergy.