How to use an essential oil diffuser — tips from someone who is obsessed with hers

Okay, confession: I own far too many essential oil diffusers for one person (or one house), and I am a teeny tiny bit obsessed. But, I mean, honestly can you ever really have too many essential oil diffusers? I don’t think so.

When it comes to how to use an essential oil diffuser effectively and get the most out of it, I’d say that I’m somewhat of an expert. I’ve tried a lot of different devices, from portable mini diffuser pods to extra-large diffusers that puff out a serious amount of scent. So, when it comes to how to work your diffuser, I’m your gal. 

Have you just bought a diffuser and aren’t sure how it works? Or have you had yours for a while but aren’t quite sure you’re making the most of it? Don’t panic, I’ve got you covered with a guide to how to use an essential oil diffuser. 

How to use an essential oil diffuser

Here's what you'll need

• Cold water
• An easy-pour jug
• Essential oils — I love Neom's line, many of which you can get on Amazon
• A diffuser (I’m torn between my two faves: this pretty floral design from Oliver Bonas and this Neom powerhouse that pumps out scent at a powerful pace.)

How to use an essential oil diffuser

Step 1: Plug in your essential oil diffuser  

Start by finding a good spot for your diffuser — ideally somewhere that it won’t get knocked over — and close to a power outlet. Once you’ve found the right spot, plug in your diffuser so that it’s ready to use. 

Step 2: Remove the case 

Carefully remove the outer case of the diffuser — if you’re unsure of how to do this refer to the instructions. Once you’ve removed the outer case, you should be able to easily lift off the inner lid, revealing the water tank. 

Step 3: Fill the tank with water 

Using an easy-pour jug, carefully fill the tank with water, making sure to fill the tank to above the minimum fill line but below the maximum fill line. If any water is spilled on or around the base, ensure that you quickly wipe it up. 

Step 4: Add essential oil

Once the tank has been filled with water, add a few drops of essential oil of your choice to the water. When it comes to picking essential oils, I'm a big fan of the Neom range of oils — like this Scent to De-Stress one from Amazon that I use day in, day out. 

Pro tip: Always check the device’s care instructions in relation to how much oil to add to it — while some diffusers say one or two drops, others allow for a more liberal amount of oil to be added. 

Step 5: Replace the case 

Once you’ve filled the tank with water, you can then replace the internal lid, before reattaching the outer case to the base of the diffuser. 

Step 6: Turn the essential oil diffuser on 

Finally, you can use the on button or a remote control (depending on what your diffuser has) to turn it on. 

FAQs