When it comes to buying an essential oil diffuser, there are a few factors to consider before you hit “add to cart.”
Consider whether you also want it to add humidity to the air.
Many aromatherapy diffusers work by pumping a mist of essential oils and water into the air, which has the bonus effect of humidifying your environment. But if you don’t want a diffuser that adds humidity to the air, you might consider reed diffusers or oil nebulizers.
Take the size of your room into account.
If you’re getting an essential oil diffuser for your bedroom or bathroom, it’s safe to say a small diffuser will do the trick. But if you’re trying to diffuse scent through an airy home or living space with high ceilings, you may need to invest in a larger diffuser to get the effect you want. Be sure to note how much square footage the diffuser can cover in the product’s description.
Be realistic about how often you’ll be willing to scrub it out.
Most aromatherapy diffusers will need to be cleaned out with some frequency. Not to get all TMI, but I didn’t clean my humidifier/diffuser for a while when I first got it, and it grew some nasty stuff in the base where the water was drawn in. Now, I’m happy to clean it weekly, but if you know you won’t, maybe look at reed diffusers instead.
Make sure your essential oils are healthy for everyone in your household (pets included).
Some people have allergies to specific essential oils, so it’s best to double-check that your oils won’t irritate anyone before adding them to your diffuser. Additionally, the ASPCA notes that essential oils can be harmful to pets if ingested, so you should ideally have your diffuser in a place where it can’t be knocked over. And if you have birds or pets with breathing problems, a diffuser might be a no-go altogether.