Our mind creates powerful connections between scent and our emotions, surroundings, and memories. Diffusing essential oils is a simple but effective way to access those connections. It can also help build new and positive memories and experiences.
Because diffusion distributes essential oil molecules into the air so effectively, it is an excellent way to maximize the beneficial properties of essential oils. There are lots of different ways to diffuse, so let’s talk about the most effective methods. It’s important to note that overheating essential oils using aroma lamps or candles can render the oils less beneficial, so we’ll focus on different cold-air diffusion methods.
Direct Inhalation
You may simply open a bottle of essential oil and inhale or put a few drops of oil on the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and then cup your hands over your nose and mouth and inhale. You can even add a few drops of oil to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water and inhale the vapor.
Cold-Air Fan
Young Living’s Travel Fan Diffuser introduces convenience and portability to essential oil diffusion. The Travel Fan diffuses by blowing cool air through the essential oil pad, releasing beneficial essential oil molecules into the air.
Ultrasonic Diffusers
Ultrasonic diffusion combines the advantages of a humidifier, air purifier, atomizer, and aromatherapy diffuser into one by breaking a mixture of essential oils and water into millions of microparticles and dispersing them into the air. Young Living has several ultrasonic diffusers with features our members love, such as:
The new Rainstone™ Diffuser: Beautifully designed with a robust feature set including 1, 2, 3, 6, and 8 hour settings with automatic shutoff; 5 soft LED light settings (blue, yellow, purple, alternating each color, and off); a negative ionizer; and a remote control.- USB Orb™ Diffuser: Small, new, and easily portable with an egg-shaped design, it is spill proof, making it ideal for the car, office, or at home.
- Desert Mist™ Diffuser: The diffuser’s 11 different light settings can be turned off or on independent of diffuser function, three run modes are perfect for a customizable experience, intermittent mode (1 minute on/1 minute off) runs approximately 10 hours.
- Dewdrop™ Diffuser: Adds light to any room with 11 different light settings that can be turned on or off independent of diffuser function, transitions gently from one color to the next when in light cycle mode, transforms any space into an inviting, aroma-filled atmosphere.
- Aria™ Ultrasonic Diffuser: Elegant and décor-friendly design, multicolored LED lights, remote control, built-in speakers, ambient music, and audio input.
Atomizing Diffuser
Atomizing technology transforms essential oils into a vapor of millions of microparticles, dispersing the powerful, undiluted plant constituents found in Young Living essential oils into the air with no water added. Young Living’s new AromaLux™ Atomizing Diffuser includes an array of features and settings, including our highest vapor output, our most customizable volume and run time settings (with automatic shutoff), and a quiet motor.
Wondering which type of diffuser is right for you? or how to take care of your diffuser? Learn more with these amazing posts.
What’s your favorite Young Living diffuser? Share how you diffuse your favorite blends in the comments!
—Heidi Jeanfreau, Young Living International and Portfolio Brand Manager
Hi! I use my diffuser all of the time. However, I do not have the cleaning products to clean it out. I think that its beginning to smell funny because of that. How can I clean it out without putting soap in it?
Hi Madeline, Thank you for your question. We recommend using rubbing alcohol to clean your diffuser. Please refer to your diffuser manual for further cleaning instructions. Thanks for stopping by!
If I have the rose diffuser what is the best kind of water to use with it?
Hello April, Great question! The Rose Home Diffuser works best with distilled water.
I recently just got the dew drop diffuser. Does that function mostly the same as the home diffuser with the air purifier concept? Or what is the main differences between the two?
Hi John, Please refer to the Diffuse Comparison Chart found in the Shareable Graphics section of Member Resources in Virtual Office to review the main differences between the Dew Drop and Home Diffuser. If you have additional questions, please reach out to Member Services. Thank you for stopping by. We hope you enjoy your new Dew Drop Diffuser!
I recently purchased the orb diffuser and its been working well but then today when I plug in and push the button the blue or green light comes on but no mist is coming out anymore. I can hear a clicking noise like it wants to mist but it isn’t. I no longer have the product manual. Is there a way to get an electronic version or how can I get the troubleshooting tips?
Hi Jenny, Thanks for stopping by with your question. We’re sorry to hear you’re having trouble with your diffuser. If you believe your diffuser is not functioning properly, please contact Member Services.
Please clarify some information that seems conflicting to me:
I followed the instructions on the diffuser, filled with water up to the limit and added several drops of oils. This amount of water lasts for several hours. I’ve read here the oils should be added immediately before use. I’ve also read here that I should not run the diffuser for hours. So after running it for a short time am i supposed to discard the remaining amount (it still looks nearly full)? If not how many hours or days am i supposed to continue to use the same mixture before it should be discarded? Is this time-frame different depending on if diffuser is run frequently vs sitting stagnant? Should I not fill it so full as the instructions indicate next time?
Hi Brian, Thanks for stopping by with your questions. We recommend following the diffusion guidelines given on each individual product label. To ensure optimal performance, we suggest emptying and cleaning the water reservoir after each use. For this reason, it would be best to fill the diffuser according to the approximate amount of time you wish for it to run.
I have the dew drop diffuser. After it turns off, when I go to refill it, there’s still a lot of water left, just right below the red marker. Is it broken?
Hi Joy, We’re sorry to hear about your diffuser. Please refer to your product manual to try the troubleshooting instructions provided. Please contact Member Services for further assistance. Thank you for stopping by!
Mine does the same thing Joy..just once and a while…
Hi Penny, thank you for your comment. We recommend going through the troubleshooting steps listed in your diffuser manual and contacting Member Services if you need further assistance concerning the function of your diffuser.
I just got the rainstone diffuser with my starter kit. Already it has stopped diffusing after only one use.
Hi Melina, We’re sorry to hear your diffuser is not working properly. Please try the troubleshooting steps in the product manual. If you continue to experience problems with the unit, please contact Member Services for assistance via Live Help or at 1-800-371-3515.
What diffusers are good for big, open spaces? I recently moved to an open loft and the diffuser I have is not strong enough to cover the area.
Hi Hanna, Congratulations on the new move! The AromaLux™ Diffuser covers large spaces the best. The TheraPro™ Diffuser is also a good option for large spaces. Thanks for dropping by!
My diffuser is plugged in, I push the button. The light comes on and then goes off instantly.
It does work for that half a second but stops.
What is going on how do I fix this?
Hi Carl, We apologize the diffuser is not working properly. Please try the troubleshooting steps in the product manual. If you continue to experience problems with the unit, please contact Member Services for assistance via Live Help or at 1-800-371-3515.
If I want to diffuse for, say, an hour and then turn the diffuser off, can I leave the water/oil combination in the diffuser until the next time I would like to run it for an hour?
Great question, Emily! To help retain the full therapeutic value of the essential oil, we would suggest adding the oil to the diffuser immediately before you are ready to start the diffuser. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi! I see the website recommends diffusing for approximately 30 mins. Is it safe to diffuse for longer (2 hours, etc.)? Thanks!
Hi Cali, That’s a great question. The amount of time for diffusing is a safety standard put in place to address certain possible sensitivity issues for longer diffusion periods. In the event a Young Living product is used in a manner not consistent with labeling, you should always use your best judgment. Please consult your health care professional if you have any concerns about use contrary to label provisions. We hope this information is helpful!
Hello,
I just bought the Aria Ultrasonic Diffuser and have used it three times. It now turns itself off after one hour. I have not used the remote feature to turn it off after an hour. I want continuous until it shuts itself off. How can I correct this? Is it defective?
Hi Julie, The folks at productsupport@youngliving.com could help more with this. Please feel free to email them with your questions. Thanks for stopping by!
Why is there a suggested time listed on oils for diffusing? Is there harm in diffusing for a longer period of time? I usually put my oils in the diffuser and let it go until it runs out….
Great questions, Laura. The amount of time for diffusing is a safety standard put in place to address certain possible sensitivity issues for longer diffusion periods. We hope this information is helpful. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve fallen in love with essential oils! Got my first essential oil diffuser a few months back and already seeing how it supports my health. I think creating a blend of oils is a really good idea too!
For how long can we diffuse the oils? And I was wondering if diffusing blends that have peer mint in it it would still be harmful for my toddlers.
Thanks for your questions, Silvia. Please refer to the label directions for the diffusion guidelines of each essential oil. To safeguard the health of your younger children, the essential oils should not be diffused in their immediate proximity or for long periods of time without the prior consent of a pediatric physician. We also suggest diffusing a small amount of essential oil for short periods of time until you have determined if your children have any sensitivity to diffusing. We hope this information is helpful!
I’m new to the oils and I’m wanting a diffuser. Can I use any brand of oil in it or does the oil have to be from Young Living since I would be purchasing a Young Living diffuser??
Hi Kristy and welcome! In regard to your question, we recommend that only Young Living essential oils be used in our diffusers. We cannot guarantee proper performance if another brand is used. In addition, the diffuser’s warranty will be voided if non-Young Living oils are used.
Is it safe to diffuse all of the oils you sell?? Or are there only certain ones that can be diffused?
Thank you for your questions, Natalie. Young Living’s products are intended only for the use listed on individual labels—either for topical/aromatic use or as a dietary supplement. Please always refer to the label for usage directions. We hope this information is helpful!
If i run out of distilled water, is boiled water a safe substitute?
Hi Amber! Thank you for your question. We recommend distilled water because if there is any mineral content in the water it can be hard on the diffuser and affect its performance long-term. We have not done testing using water that has been boiled and we are unable to cannot guarantee the diffuser performance when used outside of the product usage directions.
The diffuser manual states in bold print to…”Use room-temperature tap or spring water. Do not use distilled or purified water.” Could you clarify which is correct, the manual for the diffuser or your information above? Just want to make the best choice to prolong the life of my diffuser. I have the Dew Drop diffuser
Hi Mimi, The best type of water for a diffuser may vary depending on the model. Please consult the manual for specific information for your diffuser.
Hi Kittie, The Dewdrop Diffuser requires tap or spring water as the ultrasonic plate will not vibrate and generate mist if there is no mineral content in the water. Thanks for dropping by with your question.
Hi Regina, Sorry for the confusion! The current Dew Drop Diffuser manual recommends using room-temperature tap or spring water as the minerals in the water are needed for optimal performance.
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone know if the Aria Diffuser would diffuse till the last drop of water, If not, how much balance should be considered normal?
The set I have stops diffusing when there is 1/10 (from the mark) of water left. Thanks
Hi Eva, according to your description, we believe the unit is functioning properly. The Aria Diffuser will automatically turn off when the water level reaches below the black water sensor. There will be some water left in the reservoir.
I just recently Bought the dewdrop diffuser and it says to use distilled water….can you please clarify? I have read many places NOT to used distilled because the diffuser needs the minerals? thanks!
Hi Raielle, The best type of water for a diffuser may vary depending on the model. Please consult the manual for specific information for your diffuser. Thanks for stopping by with your question!
Hi, I just bought the USB Stick diffuser, and I filled the provided bottle half way with “envision.” It’s a powerful little diffuser! I’ve been wanting to diffuse another scent, but was not sure how to do it… Do I need a new wick? Do I need to clean the inside of the provided bottle out, and the provided cartridge itself? Please help~ thanks!
Hi Eunice! Yes, a new wick cartridge should be used for each essential oil. Replacement cartridges can be purchased on http://www.aroma2go.com. Hope this helps!
I love my USB stick diffuser. With the 3 pack of cartridges I choose 4 scents that work well. I like Joy, Lavender, Purification and Clarity. They all seem to diffuse well. I also clean the diffuser with alcohol like the directions say. I am getting 24 hours plus on the low setting in my big bedroom. Love it!
I have loved using my diffuser the past 2 nights after a massage therapist recommended it. However, it has stopped sending steam out the top— i cleaned all the parts according to booklet directions, but the same thing keeps happening. It makes ‘vapor’ but it won’t escape into the air. HELP!
Hi Pam! We are sorry to hear that the diffuser is not working properly. Please follow the troubleshooting steps from the product manual. If you continue to experience problems, please contact Member Services for assistance.
I completed a 5067 mile road trip in July with my Home Diffuser in hand. I carried the distilled water jug in the car and filled a small jar each day before I went into the hotel room. Diffusing Lavender helped me sleep away from home and it freshened the rooms nicely.
I love the carry case that I bought at Light the Fire Convention. Wish I had it with me for my trip. It is padded, straps to hold EO bottles and has a carry handle. Very handy. I now use it for transport of diffuser when attending meetings around home area.
Can I put in just half the water amount and less drops of essential oil into the home diffuser? I will only be using it for about an hour prior to bedtime so if I can get away with less and prolong the time my oils last that would be great! :) thx!
Hi Bethany! Absolutely!
I have every diffuser Young Living has in stock. They are everywhere in my life; i.e., my Fitness Studio, my desk, my car, my home (in every room) in the basement to keep things insect free and smelling great! Sitting in the family room, turn on, diffuse Family by OOLA and look at our favoirte DVD. I would be lost without them.
Which diffuser do you like best?
I just received my premium starter kit with rose home diffuser. Can all EO be diffused or only the ones marked “diffuse?”
Hi Lauren! Great! Hope you’re loving the kit! Young Living’s products are intended for each products labeled use (topical/aromatic or dietary supplement), so please refer to the individual labels. In the event a Young Living product is used in a manner not consistent with labeling, you should always use your best judgment. Please consult your health care professional if you have any concerns about use contrary to label provisions.
Yes! I was wondering the same thing! Just got my Premium Starter Kit as well. I have Frankincense in there now, but would love to diffuse some others.
Basically, if it doesn’t indicate “Diffuse” do not diffuse?
Hi Joy, Thanks for stopping by with your question. Young Living’s products are intended only for the use listed on individual labels—either for topical/aromatic use or as a dietary supplement. Please always refer to the label for usage directions. We hope this information is helpful!
I am on my second home diffuser the first stopped misting about 2 months after use. It was promptly replaced, now my second one is doing the same thing, very little mist and the tank was still half full when I woke up this morning. So I’m thinking it has to be something I’m doing wrong. The new diffuser is only a few weeks old. I have been very careful not to get water in the vent hole at the top and I have cleaned it as described. I’m thinking it may be the water I’m using. I use walmart distilled water. Is it possible that there is something in their water causing it to not mist? Or should I be using different type of water. The booklet that came with it says distilled is recommended. Any help would be appreciated as I love my diffuser and my oils, can’t sleep without them :)
Hi Heather! We do not expect the type of distilled water used to pose an issue. In addition to using distilled water, we would suggest cleaning the ultrasonic plate frequently to help ensure proper functioning. Please also try the troubleshooting steps from the manual. If you continue to experience issues, please contact Member Services to see what arrangements may be made.
Can the LED light be turned off on the Dewdrop diffuser or the Bamboo diffuser?
Hi Jen! The LED light on the Dewdrop Diffuser can be turned off. The soft, white LED lights cannot be turned off on the Bamboo Diffuser.
I used got my Bamboo Diffuser Jan/2016. And there is a button to turn off the light. Karen
Hi Karen, Please reach out to Member Services for assistance. Thanks for stopping by!
I start and end the day diffusing and I have purchased several of the YL diffusers and I love them all. I use one in every bedroom. Also 2 in the great room. I just recently purchased the Frankincense Incense and Burner. Oh so awesome!!!!! Give one a try!!!!
I use humidifer and I am quite happy with the effect. I also use diffuser neckalaces (of terracotta) and that is a very stylish way to use the EO throughout the day.
What’s this can you ,pleas tell me more about this necklace ? Thank you .
I just bought a diffuser necklace. Which EO do you recommend using on a daily basis?
I have the bamboo diffuser. Also have the rose diffuser.
I’ve noticed that the rose diffusers water remains cool while the bamboo becomes heated water.
My question is which of your essential oils can I use in my Bamboo diffuser. Please give me a list so I can have several choices. Thank you so much
Hi Shirley – thanks for stopping by. All of our essential oils labeled with aromatic use in the directions can be used in any Young Living diffuser. Have fun experimenting!
Is there a way to control the ambient light in the rose home diffuser? What oils can be used to help with asthma?
Hi Sharon! The ambient light in the Home Diffuser can be turned off by pressing and holding the power switch for approximately 2 seconds. With any medical conditions, such as asthma, we recommend that you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained health care provider with knowledge and experience with essential oils.
There are quite many ways to diffuse essential oils to the air. I really love Ultrasonic diffuser because it has the combination of essential oils and water. I think I will get one of the ultrasonic diffusers in the near future !
I just received my bamboo diffuser. I don’t see any visible vapor. Is that normal? It is diffusing as far as I can tell, but I have always seen “steam” coming out of other diffusers.
Hi Lisa, thanks for stopping by! You should be able to see mist diffusing out the top. Please contact Member Services or email Product Support at productsupport@youngliving.com to troubleshoot the problem.
Lisa, it may be because you are overfilling it with water. I did this when I first had mine and the same issue happened. Make sure to not fill water past the red dot.
The bamboo diffuser requires tap water in order to mist. It won’t mist if you use purified or distiller water it won’t mist.
I just received my Aria diffuser and love it! Over the last 2 years I have also purchased the Rose (2 of them), the Bamboo, and the Rainstone! They all have special places in our home!
which of the essential oils can I use for diy candle ?
Hi Anna! There are many opinions regarding the most effective way to use essential oils. Our research indicates that cold diffusing oils is better than using essential oils in candles, because oils do not retain their beneficial properties if heated to their flash point. Therefore, we do not encourage the use of essential oils in candles. Hope this helps. Thanks for dropping by!
Hello,
I just have a question I’m regards to essential oils in candles. I understand that melting essential oils into a candle and then burning the candle after it has set will not be effective in diffusing the essential oil. I was wondering what you thought about first absorbing essential oil into loose beeswax pebbles over a couple of days, and then putting a cotton/beeswax coated wick inside those essential-oil-soaked wax pebbles and then lighting the wick as if it were a candle? It’s something I’ve been doing for a while and it has functioned well. I’m just wondering if it is effective in diffusing the oils as it is not the same as burning a candle containing essential oil. It’s basically burning loose beeswax that has been cold, pre soaked in essential oil. What do you think? Thanks :)
Hi Beck, We have not tested using essential oils in this manner. However, if the oils are exposed to heat from burning the beeswax, we are unable to guarantee that the therapeutic properties of the oils will remain intact. For this reason, we recommend cold diffusing of essential oils over burning of any kind. We hope this answers your questions! Thank you!
Just ordered the Travel Fan Diffuser for a couple clients. I don’t have that one. How many times/how many hours can each pad be used before having to put in a new one?
Hi Paula, thanks for stopping by! The run time varies depending how much oil is placed on the pad, but the pad can be refreshed. It should probably be changed after approximately 10 uses though. If you want to diffuse different oils with it, the pad should be switched out for a new one. Hope this helps!
If you use the terra cotta necklace diffusers, can other people smell the oils also, or do the oils just touch and go into the body. I have been banned from using the oils at family reunions because my sister-in-law had a bad reaction to some of them with her asthma.
I love my TheraPro diffuser which I have used and loaned to clients and family for about 3 years. It is so easy to use and maintenance-free. My favorite instance was when my sister who is a teacher, shared that school was starting and she had a repeat student from the previous year who just could never be calm and focused and it affected. I loaned her my diffuser and we chose Lemon oil for 2 reasons. It would smell just like an everyday smell to the kids, causing less questions and curiosity, and Lemon has a revitalizing scent that brings about alertness and helps kids to focus. It worked wonders!
I just received my first diffuser..love it!
How long do the drops last typically??
Hi Becky, glad you love it! The length of time that the oil in a diffuser will last depends on which diffuser you use. Start experimenting and you’ll get a feel for it!
Love my home diffuser, wish I had another. I often diffuse thieves and sometimes lemon. If anyone is sick with a cold or anything respiratory I diffuse RC (love the smell of RC).
I have the rose home diffuser. Is there any way I can turn the light off? I can’t sleep with it on, but like to have it by my bed.
I wish there was and if there is I want to know how. I can’t sleep with the light either but would love to let it run and not have to get up to turn it off so I can sleep.
I tried to hold the power button down on my rose diffuser for a few seconds, but the light still didn’t go off. I have the green rose diffuser that came with the PSK. Any other suggestions?
Yes, Hold the power button in for 2 seconds and the light turns off :) I <3 it at night in my room!
Seriously?! THANK YOU SO MUCH! You totally just made my day. I’ve been sick and want it right by my bed.
You can hold the button in for 2-3 seconds to turn off the light when it is on the continuous or the intermittent diffusing! Very cool!
I took my bamboo diffuser on a 6-day road trip staying in hotels & used Joy essential oil. So nice when we had to spend our wedding anniversary on the road in combo with medical & business.
I forgot to pack my diffuser when traveling this week. I simply filled a hotel glass with steaming hot water and added two drops of purification. That great scent I have at home was wafting through the room in the steam from the water. Good for the moment, but I am writing a “note to self” – do not forget the diffuser when traveling!
Diffuse every day and loving it!!!
I can’t live without my diffuser! Or, my oils! My family uses them every SINGLE day! Best decision I ever made was becoming a distributor with my sister, Colleen. We can truly stand behind the products!
Do you know where I can get a pendent diffuser to be worn around the neck?
Got mine on Esty.com
Sorry, that should be spelled Etsy.com.
There is a facebook page called my little hoots that is where we ordered ours.
there are lots of them in different styles on ebay.
Sacred arrow has necklace diffusers- love mine-they have a FB page
I was looking around the YL website last night and I found under diffusers that there is a YL ceramic pendant diffuser.
I have bought several I really like for Sacred Arrow.com They are a home grown company in Texas. Give the site a look .
Check out http://www.aloharoma.com and click on the “extras” button for fine jewelry diffuser necklaces in silver and gold.
There are a lot of cute ones in my Etsy shop. I do metal stamping on them so you can really personalize them. Check it out
i love diffusing and can’t wait for my Aria to come.
I love the home diffuser. I have three of them. My kids each have one in their room and diffuse Peace & Calming or Stress Away every night. I’m hoping the Rainstone Diffuser comes back in stock so I can order that one.
Interested in joining after the holidays!
You won’t regret it! :)
Best decision I’ve made by joining!
My favorite is probably the Home Diffuser because it is super easy to use and we run it every night with Peace & Calming or Lavender to wind down from the day. I also love my USB Stick diffuser that can go wherever I go (car or laptop), and since I’m on the go and around more germs, I’m usually diffusing Thieves and Orange.
USB stick diffuser? I had no idea there was one, I have to look into getting one of those.
RE the USB stick diffuser if they’re out, as they were the other day, you can get them through AbundantHealth4You for about the same price, though only in white.
How many drops does the USB stick hold and how long does it usually last when you put the drops in? I’m thinking of getting one for work and then being able to travel with it but if it doesn’t last that long, then I might want to get the travel diffuser instead. Thanks!
Hi Abby! Thanks for stopping by! The USB diffuser holds 1 ml of essential oil. The essential oil lasts between 3 and 20 hours, depending on the setting.
What oils are best for it? I just got mine and it said what not to use…really like to run in the positive so what are the best oils to use. I’m thinking the singles and not the blends.
Hi Rebecca! With the exception of those oils listed in the manual, the essential oils which are suitable for aromatic use can be used in the USB Diffuser. For a comprehensive list of usage information for each oil, please view the chart in the Everyday Essentials brochure on . Hope this is helpful to you!
My daughter had one and she loves it. She now wants a 2nd one