It’s no secret that candles can contain harmful chemicals including paraffin, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrance and wicks with heavy metals. After ditching my candle obsession (White Barn still makes me feel some type of way) I started reading up on alternatives, including essential oils. I’ve now become obsessed with essential oils for so many reasons–but that’s a topic for another day. This post is all about the diffuser: the mechanism by which that liquid gold can disperse in your home and start working its magic. Keep reading to learn how to look for a diffuser to fit your needs.
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Since being furloughed earlier in the year, I became obsessed with detoxing my home. One of the first things to go were candles. In the past, you could find a candle in literally every single room of my home. I usually lit them when company came over and I always loved the way candles made my home feel. After finding out what’s really in them though, I couldn’t continue using them with a clear conscience.
Why I Made The Ditch-and-Switch
Most candles are made from paraffin that is a product of petroleum. When burned, benzene and toluene are released in the air. Both of those chemicals scored 10/10 on the Environmental Working Group’s scale for being carcinogens and reproductive/developmental toxins. Synthetic dyes are also derived from petroleum and can be contaminated with toxins as well. I wrote about synthetic dyes in this post about floor cleaners. For those that aren’t new here, you already know how I feel about “fragrance”–the toxic cocktail of chemicals. You can read more about it in my post all about fragrance and alternatives. I thought, if I could find a safe and clean alternative to candles, why wouldn’t I use it?
Before I Begin…
If you absolutely can’t live without candles, there are a few ways to buy cleaner options. I use essential oils for so many other things in my home, including scenting homemade cleaning products, it just doesn’t make sense to invest in candles anymore. I use the word “invest” because cleaner candles usually cost more. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for.
Look for 100% beeswax or soy candles and don’t be fooled by a “soy blend”. These blends ultimately contain petroleum byproducts like regular candles. They should only be scented with essential oils and should be listed individually on the label or website. Finally, look for a wick made with 100% cotton or hemp.
Find The Right Diffuser For Any Space
Type of Diffuser
You definitely want to buy an ultrasonic diffuser. These work by using high vibrations in the water/oil mixture which allows the drops of oil to be dispersed in the water and diffused into the air. There is no heat involved, which could break down the oil. You should be able to touch the stream of air coming out of your diffuser and it should feel cold.
Passive diffusers are another option as an electric alternative. These are the cheapest option because there are no electric components. They are usually made of some type of porous material that allows for the essential oils to absorb and fill the air with scent.
Atomizing, or nebulizing, diffusers use pure essential oils, without water. These are also known as therapeutic diffusers because they allow you to experience the full strength of the essential oil without dilution. With this method, the oil bottle is inserted into the diffuser. A puff of air pushes the oil out and creates a fine mist or spray. This works in the same way that a perfume atomizer would. You know, those beautiful Victorian glass bottles with the little balloon on top.
Area of the Room
You would need a very different diffuser in a powder room versus a living room. The amount of mist or vapor that comes out of your diffuser is directly related to the space it’s in. You definitely don’t want to overwhelm the senses with a large output for a small space and it may take too long to scent a large space with a small output. Most diffusers will tell you what square footage they’re made for. Use the following as a guide:
For small rooms of about 150 square feet or less (think powder rooms, small entry ways, or to take while traveling): You could definitely go with a passive diffuser. This passive diffuser by Plant Therapy is beautiful, simple, and inexpensive. If you prefer electric, look for a water capacity of about 100-150 mL. Click here for an example of a diffuser for a small room.
For medium sized rooms of over 150 square feet to 300 square feet (bedrooms, small kitchens): Look for a water capacity of about 200 mL. This would ensure enough run time to fill the space with your essential oil. Click here for a beautiful Young Living Aria dupe.
For large rooms of over 300 square feet (master bedrooms, open concept living spaces): Opt for a water capacity of 250 mL and above. You definitely want a large enough capacity that you won’t have to be continuously refilling throughout the day. This would also ensure that you have adequate output per hour. Click here for a really pretty marble option.
Material of the Diffuser
Diffusers usually have 2 or 3 components to them: the base, the cover and some come with a water reservoir cover to protect the outer cover. You can find these outer covers in a range of materials like plastic, ceramic, and glass. I personally love ceramic diffusers because they have some weight to them and look soft, especially when lit. They tend to be more elegant looking and high quality. I would consider a ceramic diffuser for living spaces out in the open, like entrances or living rooms.
Another recommendation is plastic for spaces where they could easily be bumped. Think small bathrooms or children’s rooms. I use a very inexpensive diffuser for T.J.’s room that is made of plastic, just in case he gets his hands on it. It lights up with different colors so it can also function as a night light. You can find that kid-friendly diffuser here.
Tips And Tricks For Your Diffuser
Location
Pay attention to where your diffuser will live. Chances are you may spill water or oils from time to time so make sure the surface it is resting on can take spills. You can find a really nice tray to place it on to protect the surface. Also, it goes without saying but make sure there is an outlet close by if you’re choosing an electric diffuser.
Cleaning
Clean your diffuser at least once per week. I unplug the base and rinse the inside with warm water. Then I wipe the inside down with rubbing alcohol, but you can also use vinegar and let it air dry. I use a cotton swab with alcohol or vinegar to wipe down the nooks and crannies in the base as well as as the inside of the cover (or reservoir cover if yours also has that). The whole process takes less than 5 minutes and it keeps your diffuser mold and mildew free.
Water
Use distilled or filtered water. This will prevent any mineral build up in the diffuser and will allow for purer essential oil diffusion. This also won’t alter the smell of the oil that you’re diffusing. Since I diffuse a couple of times per day, I keep a small glass bottle with distilled water in the kitchen and refill as needed.
Essential Oils
Use high-quality essential oils. This will keep your diffuser working properly. Be wary of very cheap oils. Sometimes companies use very little essential oil and dilute the bottle with a filler oil. You really won’t know until you buy it and test it for yourself. A true essential oil should absorb into the skin. It should also dry completely on a sheet of white paper without leftover residue. A few companies that I have tried for myself and trust their quality is Plant Therapy, Revive, and Young Living.
Scent Strength
Place drops in you diffuser first. I always used to put my water in first followed by my essential oils but I always found that after about an hour, I no longer smelled it. By placing your drops in first, you ensure that it all gets mixed together when you add the water instead of sitting on top of the water. A friend gave me that recommendation and it has worked like a charm ever since!
For optimal results, use about 4-5 total drops for small diffusers, 5-7 total drops for medium sized diffusers, and 7-10 total drops for large diffusers. Keep in mind that the purer the essential oil, the stronger it will smell when mixed with water compared with a cheaper, diluted oil. So adjust those amounts to fit your needs.
Last But Not Least…
Make it easy to use! Keep your essential oils within reach or on display so you are more likely to use them. If you’re new to essential oils, start simple with “the big three” as I like to call them: lavender, lemon, and peppermint. These are the most versatile oils and when diffused together support respiration. You can also look for starter sets. Many companies sell these starter sets with their most popular essential oils.
Final Thoughts
Candles can contain harmful chemicals that fill your home when burned. I definitely recommend making the switch to high-quality essential oils. To make sure you get the most out of your essential oils, make sure to choose the right diffuser for your space. You’ll want to choose based on the size of your room, the type of room/space, and the amount of traffic or the user (beware of toddler hands!). Fair warning that these can become extremely addicting. Remember my friends, always read your labels and know the ingredients!
I’d like to get a small diffuser for my office or my room. Thanks for the suggestions!
I hope it helps!