Make Your Own Non-Toxic Essential Oil Diffuser

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

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

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

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.