There are few things more inviting than adding a scent to your home, making the space feel more relaxing and welcoming.
But instead of using a chemical-based method, essential oils offer a natural alternative, with a fantastic variety of aromas and fragrances to choose from.
You can use several different methods to scent your home, whether it’s using a diffuser, spray, candle or even a cotton ball. Here we look at how to use essential oils to scent a room using one of the many easy-to-use diffuser systems.
How do I scent my home with diffusers?
There are many different types of diffusers available - from passive ones to high-tech electric ones - that can be used to scent your spaces.
If you're wondering how to use a diffuser scent, some of the most popular choices include:
- Reed diffusers
- Electric diffusers
- Ultrasonic diffusers
- Candle diffusers
How does a reed diffuser make a room smell nice?
A popular way to use essential oils to scent a room is to use a reed diffuser.
The oils are absorbed through small channels, with the aroma dispersed into the air once the oil reaches the end of each reed.
This is a totally natural option and because no electricity is needed, you have more freedom over where to use the diffuser and it can be left to their own devices throughout the day.
If you want to get started away and are keen to learn the best carrier oil bases to use for reed diffusers, the set-up process is easy, and you can enjoy the many aromas on offer without any delay.
Are electric diffusers a good choice for your home?
Electric diffusers have been an increasingly popular way for people to enjoy the wonderful scents created by essential oils around their home.
Plug-in diffusers are a good option and can be connected straight to a wall outlet, while more modern designs feature a USB port, so you can plug them into different types of terminals.
Some more expensive models have fans included that make it easier to disperse the fragrance around the room.
Wanting an electric diffuser for your home, but don't know how to get started? Our guide on how to use an essential oil diffuser can help.
What are ultrasonic diffusers good for?
Heat and essential oils are a winning combination, although it should be done in a safe and responsible way.
Ultrasonic diffusers provide the ideal alternative, using sonic waves (instead of heat) to atomise water and essential oil.
The diffuser then releases the oil as a mist which can be seen emitting from the device. It can add a nice touch to the ambience of your home and ensure you enjoy the full potency of the oil at the same time.
Can you use a candle as a diffuser?
Candle diffusers, or oil burners, use heat to warm up essential oils to release their aromas, although they work in a slightly different way to electric diffusers.
After mixing a couple of drops of essential oil to a small bowl of water, you place it onto a ceramic stand above a lit candle which heats the mixture to release the scent.
If you are not sure which essential oil to use, a starter set is usually a good entry point, and it can also make for a good birthday or seasonal gift, as it features a range of 5 fantastic essential oils, including lemon, lavender, and tea tree.
How do I scent my home without a diffuser?
While there are tons of diffuse options out there, some of us may prefer a more subtle and fuss-free way of scenting our spaces, without having to worry about a particular contraption.
You can add your essential oils to many regular household items, including, but not limited to:
- Unfinished wood
- Mists and sprays
- Cotton balls
- Baking soda
Find other methods on how to use essential oils without a diffuser.
Does wood hold essential oils?
Wood finds many uses around the home – although you may not have previously thought it could be used to change the fragrance.
Unfinished wood is the best option, as it does not have any lacquer or paint coatings. A simple way to try this method is to add a few drops of essential oils to clothes pegs and clip them in different rooms around the home, so you can naturally enjoy your beautiful aroma of choice.
Lavender essential oil works particularly well on wood, and it can also protect the wood against termites without any negative effect on its properties.
Can I spray essential oils in the air?
Create a homemade room spray by mixing 10-20 drops of essential oils in a spray bottle with water. Shake thoroughly every time before using, and spritz around the room to enjoy the scent.
It means you don’t have to concern yourself with electricity or heating and can just use the spray as and when you please.
One downside is that a water-based spray is less potent than some of the other methods, so it may require more work and for you to lower your expectations a little. Try to never spray this directly onto fabrics as this mixture is likely to stain.
How do I use cotton balls as a diffuser alternative?
The use of cotton balls is popular method amongst those that prefer on-the-go aromatherapy, as they can be taken and placed virtually anywhere.
A highly impressive absorbent, cotton balls can pick up the scents of essential oils very well and gradually diffuse them around the room.
Simply add a few drops onto your cotton ball and place into room corners, cupboards, or other spaces you feel could do with some aroma TLC.
How do you mix baking soda with essential oils?
Baking soda can be used for many things and thanks to its absorption properties it is also a great fit for a homemade diffuser.
Mix a handful of baking soda with a few drops of your favourite essential oil and place it into a bowl. From there, it will blend with the essential oil to reveal the wonderful scent for you to enjoy around the home.
It makes for a completely natural and chemical-free way of adding a fragrance to your home and because you don’t have to buy a diffuser, it is also one of the most cost-effective options.
As you can see, there are no shortage of options when it comes to using essential oils to scent a room.
While diffusers are the most popular, you can always try your hand at some of the other methods if they seem more appealing.
If you receive an essential oil diffuser as a gift, a good place to start is with a range of aromas so you can find the right scent for your home.
Essential oils can help to ease anxiety, lower stress levels and create an all-round better environment that everyone can enjoy.
