Home & Garden Home Make Your Own Non-Toxic Essential Oil Diffuser By Katherine Martinko Senior Writer University of Toronto Katherine Martinko is a writer and expert in sustainable living. She holds a degree in English Literature and History from the University of Toronto. our editorial process Twitter Twitter Katherine Martinko Updated October 30, 2020 Fact-checked by Betsy Petrick Fact Checker Ohio Wesleyan University Brandeis University Northeastern University Betsy Petrick is an experienced researcher, writer, and producer. Our Fact-Checking Process Article fact-checked on Sep 29, 2020 Betsy Petrick Treehugger / Jenn Parker Share Twitter Pinterest Email Home DIY Pest Control Natural Cleaning Family Green Living Thrift & Minimalism Sustainable Eating This DIY project is cheap and easy, and ensures that you won't have a room full of synthetic fragrance. The purpose of an essential oil diffuser is to spread the aroma of essential oils throughout a home, deodorizing and purifying the air, making a room smell great, and lifting the mood. Some require electricity to heat the essential oils, while others use reeds to diffuse the aroma. Many diffusers, unfortunately, contain artificial fragrances or carrier oils whose phthalate-laden fumes are less than healthy and defeat the purpose of creating a sweet-smelling, purified, and energizing space. It’s best to away from commercial versions and to make your own essential oil diffuser. That way you’ll know exactly what’s in it. It is quick and easy to assemble, using household materials that you’ve probably already got. There are a few different versions for the base liquid: 1. Alcohol + Water + Essential Oil Treehugger / Jenn Parker Alcohol evaporates faster than water, which makes it a good option for drawing the scent up through the reeds. It also won’t make a greasy mess if it gets knocked over, unlike the oil-based version below. Pour 1⁄4 cup of hot tap water into an attractive jar or container. Add 1⁄4 cup alcohol (I used rubbing alcohol but apparently vodka works, too) and 20-25 drops of whatever essential oil you want to use. Swirl to mix. 2. Carrier Oil + Essential Oil Treehugger / Jenn Parker A ratio of 30% essential oil to 70% carrier oil is recommended. Avoid mineral oil, as it’s a petroleum-based product. Try sweet almond or safflower, which are oils with minimal scents. Add essential oil and swirl to mix. 3. Carrier Oil + Alcohol + Essential Oil Treehugger / Jenn Parker Use 1⁄4 cup carrier oil (sweet almond or safflower) with 2-3 tbsp vodka and a generous quantity of essential oil (that 30%:70% ratio again). Pour any of the above combinations into an attractive glass or ceramic vase. Add bamboo skewers (cut off the pointy ends first), special diffuser reeds (order online), or some kind of dried plant material, i.e. twigs, woody stems, reeds, that will draw the liquid upward. Soak the ends for a couple hours, then flip around. Do this a couple times a week. Top up the mixture with more essential oil as needed. Wondering which essential oil to choose? Here are a few ideas. Lavender, lemon, and thyme essential oils have good antibacterial activity. Lavender, bergamot, and sandalwood help combat depression, while yuzu helps to inspire a positive mental state. Lavender, geranium, roman chamomile, and ylang ylang can reduce tension. Peppermint can energize. View Article Sources “Why Does Rubbing Alcohol Evaporate Quicker Than Water?.” University of California Santa Barbara. Rawlings AV, et al. “A Review On The Extensive Skin Benefits of Mineral Oil.” Int J Cosmet Sci, vol. 34, 2012, pp. 511-8., doi:10.1111/j.1468-2494.2012.00752.x Man, Adrian, et al. “Antimicrobial Activity of Six Essential Oils Against a Group of Human Pathogens: A Comparative Study.” Pathogens, vol. 8, 2019, doi:10.3390/pathogens8010015 Sánchez-Vidaña, Dalinda Isabel, et al. “The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy for Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, vol. 2017, 2017., doi:10.1155/2017/5869315 Dagli, Namrata, et al. “Essential Oils, Their Therapeutic Properties, and Implication in Dentistry: A Review.” J Int Soc Prev Community Dent, vol. 5, 2015, pp. 335-40., doi:10.4103/2231-0762.165933 Ali, Babar, et al. “Essential Oils Used in Aromatherapy: A Systemic Review.” Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, vol. 5, 2015, pp. 601-611., doi:10.1016/j.apjtb.2015.05.007 Meamarbashi, Abbas, et al. “The Effects of Peppermint on Exercise Performance.” J Int Soc Sports Nutr, vol. 10, 2013, p.15., doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-15