Essential oils are natural oils that are usually gathered through distillation. They have the characteristic aroma of the plant/source from which they are extracted.
This is definitely the most common mistake people make when it comes to essential oil diffusers. In regards to essential oils, using more does not equal more impact.
Depending on room size, genetics, and age, human noses can detect odors at varying levels of concentration. However, less is definitely more when it comes to essential oils!
Even if you cannot smell the essential oil as it’s being diffused, you are still inhaling the molecules and receiving the benefits.
You definitely don’t want too much of a good thing, so we recommend limiting the essential oil to five or 6 drops at a time, and no more than that.
However, you should always follow the guidelines that come with your diffuser.
2. Using The Essential Oil Diffuser For Too Long
Generally speaking, you should only be using your essential oil diffuser for around fifteen minutes at a time.
When using an essential oil diffuser, we are constantly receiving a stream of the same molecules.
If we receive too many of these molecules then that can lead to olfactory fatigue.
Olfactory fatigue happens in the odor receptors.
While sometimes considered to be a positive thing because it stops overloading in the nervous system, olfactory fatigue shows that using the diffuser continuously does not mean the benefits received from essential oils increase.
Therefore, burning them for longer than the recommended time is not necessary.
3. Using The Essential Oil Diffuser Around Your Pets
If you’re a pet owner, you must be aware of the negative effects using an essential oil diffuser has on your furry friends.
What you may consider a sweet or fresh, pleasant aroma may not be so nice for your pet – and can actually be overpowering and toxic.
If you do not use an essential oil diffuser in the correct way around your dogs, then that can lead to behavioral changes, negative effects on the nervous system, and respiratory problems.
Some essential oils contain compounds known as phenols. This includes:
Unfortunately, the phenols in these essential oils are poisonous to cats and can lead to liver failure if used around them.
This is because cats do not have the necessary enzymes to process the phenolic compounds.
If you think your pet is reacting negatively to the essential oils you are using, then it is advisable to call a helpline for poisoned pets.
However, you can still use essential oils around your pets in a safe way. You must ensure you leave a door, window, or both open when diffusing essential oils around animals.
This ensures they are able to leave the room if the oils become too overpowering for them.
4. Leaving The Essential Oil Diffuser On At Night
Some essential oils like frankincense, marjoram, and lavender have been proven to be excellent when it comes to helping you sleep.
This has led to the assumption that you should use these oils in your diffuser and leave it on overnight.
However, this is not likely to result in a good night’s sleep – in fact, you may not get the benefits you think you will at all.
As you sleep, your body works. It focuses on the repair of your cells, organs, and muscles, and rest.
Even if there are essential oil molecules in the air your brain is less responsive and therefore you are much less likely to inhale them.
To reap the benefits of them and get a good night’s sleep, we recommend using the pro-sleep oils around half an hour before you go to bed.
5. Using The Essential Oil Diffuser While Pregnant Or Around Pregnant People
Using essential oils around pregnant people during their first trimester is a big no-no!
The first trimester is regarded as the most important and critical time of the pregnancy, and it is important to protect the fetus at this stage.
Therefore, they must not be exposed to concentrated substances, like essential oils.
However, it is possible to diffuse essential oils around pregnant people during their second and third trimesters.
In fact, a lot of hospitals actually encourage diffusing oils, such as lavender, during labor because it is now believed to be beneficial!
If pregnant and using an essential oil diffuser at home, we recommend using around two to three drops of essential oil and only for fifteen minutes.
What Are Some Essential Oils To Avoid Diffusing If You Are Pregnant?
If you’re debating what essential oils to use while pregnant, then here is a list of ones that are generally considered safe after the first trimester (provided they are used correctly)
Please take note that this may not be an exhaustive list.
Safety Tips For Essential Oil Diffusers
Despite the dangers and common mistakes people make when using essential oil diffusers, there are ways to handle them safely. We have some useful safety tips here:
Follow The Instructions
It is always a good idea to follow the instructions that come with your diffuser. This is the best way to avoid accidents and mistakes and ensures your diffuser will work as smoothly as possible.
Use The Recommended Amount Of Essential Oil
As mentioned before, you only need a limited amount of essential oil to feel the benefits, and it is best to stick to that amount.
If you use too much oil, you will not feel ‘more’ benefits, but you may get a headache, irritation in your airways, and in some cases an asthma attack and pneumonitis.
Use The Essential Oil Diffuser In A Well-Ventilated Space
Diffusing essential oils is normally safe to do in well-ventilated spaces in short bursts of time.
Try opening a window, a door, and ensure your vents are in working order.
Do Not Put Your Diffuser Next To An Open Flame
Essential oils are extremely flammable, so it is best to keep them far away from any open flames.
This includes keeping them in the kitchen while you are cooking with gas, or by a candle.
Ensure You Clean Your Essential Oil Diffuser Regularly
Ideally, you should clean your diffuser after every use. You can simply wipe it down after use, and then give it a deep clean every month.
This is extremely important if you want to protect the diffuser, and yourself, from microbes and mold, and keep the diffuser in working order.
Remember Olfactory Fatigue
Olfactory fatigue happens in your odor receptors, and it proves there is no need for an excessive amount of essential oil in the diffuser.
Always remember that just because you cannot smell the oils, does not mean they are not present and not working.
Additionally, if you cannot smell the essential oils, it may be a sign to take a break and hit the ‘off’ button on the diffuser.
Invest In Essential Oils Of Good Quality
If you purchase excellent quality essential oils from a reliable source, you are ensuring the best possible results not only for yourself but your diffuser as well.
Avoid Using The Essential Oil Diffuser In The Bathroom
If the diffuser comes into contact with water then it poses a safety issue.
Watch Out For Signs Of An Allergic Reaction
This is a particularly useful tip when using a particular oil for the first time, but it can also prove useful every single time you use your essential oil diffuser.
You should always watch out for signs of an allergic, or negative reaction in yourself, the people around you, and animals. Things to look out for are:
Essential oils have grown in popularity over recent years, and have many health benefits.
However, when it comes to using them in diffusers in our own homes, we need to be cautious. There are many dangers associated with essential oil diffusers.
Using too much oil in a cramped space with no ventilation, or using certain oils around pets and specific demographics can prove anything from irritating to toxic to fatal.
There are many more risks associated with, and mistakes made when using essential oil diffusers, so it is important to remember the key safety steps when purchasing one for your home.
Always use the recommended amount of oil and follow the instructions that come with the essential oil diffuser.
Keep your space well ventilated, clean your diffuser regularly, and keep an eye out for irritation in yourself, animals, and the people around you.
It is important to discuss using essential oils with your doctor or medical professional if pregnant.
Hi, my name is Hannah Shiftle, and I started using essential oils 15 years ago. At first, I was dubious of them, much like a lot of people. However, as I began to use them on a daily basis, I quickly discovered how much of a difference they had on both my physical and mental health.
Through Oil Health Benefits, I will be sharing my knowledge and passion for essential oils with you, providing readers with all the information they need to know. From the best oils to use for illnesses, to understanding what makes essential oils pure, I have covered all these topics.
