Getting an ultrasonic essential oil diffuser is exciting when you are learning how to use essential oils. Diffusers add an ambiance to a room that potpourri and candles just can’t do. Plus is so much healthier for you than candles.
Diffusers make your home smell amazing, add moisture and give you the health benefits of the essential oils you are diffusing (if that is why you are diffusing). But how many drops of essential oils are you supposed to use? This post will tell you how much essential oil to use for the amount of water your diffuser requires. I’ll also share tips and tricks for diffusing essential oils.
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Essential Oil Diffusing Considerations
There are a few things to consider when diffusing essential oils. One of them is the cost of your oils. Many of them are expensive. Because of this you don’t want to use more than required and waste your oils. Using the recommended drops per water ratios is the way to go when diffusing.
Another reason is that using more essential oils than necessary can be overwhelming to the senses. This can be irritating to your nostrils, cause health issue such has breathing problems, drippy nose, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
You also want to take into consideration the people and pets you are diffusing around. People with respiratory issues, allergies (people allergic to trees shouldn’t inhale pine or other tree essential oils), certain medical conditions and some medications are all potential reasons to take considerations when diffusing.
You also shouldn’t diffuse around infants under the age of six months or women in their first trimester of pregnancy. It’s important to know what you are diffusing and if it will cause anyone adverse reactions.
As for your dogs, many essential oils are unsafe for dogs to inhale. Cats lack a certain enzyme that allows them to metabolize most essential oils properly. Please be sure you are diffusing safely.
Keep Reading: 15 Dog Safe Essential Oils and 5 Diffuser Recipes
If you are looking for a reliable resource for information about essential oils and their safety consideration, check out my Etsy shop and my popular Essential Oil Reference Guides.
Another consideration is the size of room you are diffusing in. Proper ventilation is something you need to have in your room while you diffuse as well. If your room is very small or enclosed, you may want to keep the door open or crack a window if the weather permits.
For instance, in the bathroom you don’t want to use to many drops because it is a small, enclosed room. The scent can be overpowering and cause adverse reactions to your body as mentioned above. It’s best to start with fewer drops, 3-5 drops to start and see if that gives you the desired scent strength you need or want. Keep reading to learn more about how much to diffuse.
How Many Drops of Essential Oil Do You Use When Diffusing?
It will vary on how many drops to use depending on your source and the diffuser recipe you use. Also, the size of your ultrasonic diffuser will determine the amount of oil to use when diffusing.
When starting out you want to go with the less is more option. Here is a general use chart for determining how much oil to use. I recommend no more than 3-5 drops per 100 milliliters of water.
For 100 ml you would use 3-5 drops, 200 ml you would use 6-10 drops, for 300 ml you would use 11-15 drops, 400 ml 16-20 drops and for 500 ml you would use 21-25 drops. See the chart below.
How Does an Ultrasonic Diffuser Work?
Now that we have the safety and amount of oil to use lets talk about what an ultrasonic diffuser does. A diffuser simply diffuses tiny droplets of essential oils in a fine mist of water into your room. The vapor disperses the essential oils throughout the room. A tiny ceramic disk at the bottom of the water reservoir vibrates quickly to make the fine mist.
Most ultrasonic diffuser have a timer that allows you to set your diffuser to diffuse for a set amount of time. Usually, 30 to 60 minutes on and then 30 to 60 minutes off. Some have multiple settings and even lights.
Benefits of Diffusing
I mentioned potpourri and candles earlier. You probably know there is no benefit to potpourri other than the smell which is made by chemicals. Candles also have no benefit (other than light) and are harmful with the chemicals and smoke that they create.
My point is that essential oils have many wonderful benefits and uses and are better to use than potpourri or candles. Stuffy nose? Diffuser fir needle to help clear it up. Headache? Peppermint to the rescue. The possibilities are endless. Emotional needs, wellness issues and so much more can be accomplished by diffusing essential oils.
The diffuser also adds moisture to the air humidifying your home while scenting the air with essential oils.
How to Diffuse
You’ll want to read the instructions or manual that comes with your diffuser, but they all generally operate the same way.
Your diffuser will have a maximum water capacity line. If you fill over this line water will escape from your diffuser (I’ve done it) possibly damaging your machine. Never fill over the water capacity line. Diffusers are usually 100 to 500 milliliters capacity for water.
To use your diffuser, fill with water to the maximum water capacity line. Add the recommended number of drops for the size of your diffuser. Reassemble your diffuser and set your timer and enjoy the benefits of diffusing!
Keep Reading: Easy and Simply Ways to Diffuse Essential Oils
Cleaning an Ultrasonic Diffuser
It’s easy to clean your diffuser. Honestly all I do is wipe it out with a paper towel between uses.
If you use thick, heavy oils often like chamomile or vanilla you’ll want to clean your diffuser with vinegar. To do this add 2 teaspoons white vinegar to your water reservoir and fill with water to the maximum water capacity line. Turn on the diffuser and diffuse for a few minutes. Empty water reservoir and wipe clean with a clean, dry towel or paper towel. I push the paper towel into the hole that contains the ceramic disk and gently wipe it out. That’s it.
Essential oils are known to eat away at some plastics especially citrus essential oils like lemon. It is possible for large amounts of essential oils to eat away at the plastic of your diffuser, so it is important not to let fresh essential oils sit in your diffuser without running it. I have not come across this issue myself but it’s always best to err on the side of caution. I have seen essential oils eat away at plastic bottles and plastic dishes.
Keep Reading: Why Does Lemon Essential Oil Eat Plastic?
What Kind of Oils Can You Use In A Diffuser?
You can use any quality pure essential oil in your diffuser. The key is quality essential oils. You don’t want to use an oil that contains fillers or chemicals because they may damage your diffuser and are also not safe to diffuse. Always check that the manufacturer is using pure essential oils.
Please read The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Quality Essential Oil to learn about how to find quality essential oils.
Wrapping it Up
Diffusing essential oils is a very enjoyable experience. It can help you with many health and emotional issues while filling your home with great aromas. Knowing the proper number of drops to use when diffusing will help you enjoy your diffusing experience even more.
Looking for a great diffuser? Check out Plant Therapy! They have a wide assortment of ultrasonic diffusers and offer free shipping in the USA. Pick up a few essential oil favorites to diffuse while you are at it. Click the logo below. This is an affiliated link.
This information is intended to educate and inform. Please do not replace this information with the advice and guidance from a doctor. This information is not intended to treat, prevent, diagnose or cure any disease. Please consult your health care professional if you have any questions.
Nice layout and information all in one place