Can you put anything in a diffuser?

Author: Izaiah Batz  |  Last update: Monday, November 24, 2025

In a high-quality diffuser, you can use filtered water, fragrance extracts, dried herbs, spices, or citrus juices. However, it's not recommended to use anything other than pure aromatic oils in nebulising diffusers, as they work best with fragrance oils.

What else can I put in my diffuser?

You can use a diffuser without oil by infusing water with citrus slices, herbs, or flower petals. However, it's crucial to avoid putting perfume in a humidifier or using cologne in a diffuser, as these products are not suitable for dispersing into the air and can potentially damage the devices.

What not to put in a diffuser?

Essential oils that are known to be toxic: Some essential oils, such as bitter almond, sassafras, pennyroyal, and wintergreen, are known to be toxic and should not be used in aromatherapy diffusers.

Can I put perfume oil in a diffuser?

The answer to can I use fragrance oil in an electric diffuser is yes, you can! Your electric diffuser can't tell between fragrance and essential oil, so both are suitable and don't cause any damage to your diffuser.

What oil can I put in my diffuser?

You can use just about any type of lightweight oil, such as coconut oil, safflower oil, or sweet almond oil. Avoid using solid coconut oil, and other heavy oils, such as extra virgin olive oil and jojoba oil; they will take too long to travel up the diffuser. Grapeseed oil is another great option.

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Is it OK to put essential oils in a diffuser?

It is not recommended to diffuse essential oils in the presence of children under 7 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with asthma, epilepsy or a history of convulsions. In case of health problems, ask for medical advice from a health professional (doctor or pharmacist).

What base oil can I use in a diffuser?

Safflower Oil

It has a bland aromatic profile, making it a good base not for do-it-yourself reed diffuser blends. In addition to these characteristics, safflower oil also absorbs well into the reed stick, allowing it to disperse scent efficiently into the environment.

Is diffusing essential oils safe for your lungs?

Avoid inhaling undiluted oils directly, as this can lead to irritation. Diffuser safely: If using a diffuser, follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that the space is well ventilated. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of essential oils is associated with negative heart issues and lung symptoms.

What can I put in my electric diffuser?

What can you put in an electric diffuser?
  • Essential Oils. Essential oils are the most common choice for electric diffusers. ...
  • Blended Essential Oils. ...
  • Fragrance Oils. ...
  • Water. ...
  • Hydrosols. ...
  • Citrus Juices (With Caution)

Can I put body oil in my diffuser?

Diffusers are the exception for when we want 100% pure oils only, as the sensitive ultrasonic disc is not able to break up carrier oils in the same way it can water and pure essential oils. To keep your diffusers from malfunctioning, remember this simple rule: pure oil in a diffuser and diluted oils on your body.

What are the negatives of a diffuser?

Cons of Ultrasonic Diffusers
  • Requires water refills.
  • Needs regular cleaning to prevent mold buildup.
  • Limited to water-soluble oils only.
  • Electric-powered, so it requires an outlet or batteries.

Can you put anything in a oil diffuser?

Essential oils are technically the only item you should use with a diffuser, as they are designed to work with aromatherapy. Diffusers are made to help you get the most out of your aromatherapy oils.

How many drops of essential oil in a diffuser?

The recommended amount is 5–10 drops; but if you're using multiple oils, 2–3 drops per oil will give you a nice blend. As you become familiar with diffusing, you'll find an amount that works well for you. The essential oil drop count will also vary depending on the space where the diffuser will be placed.

What not to do with a diffuser?

Do not diffuse more essential oil than is necessary. Essential oils should not be diffused in significant concentration. Less is more with essential oils. Olfactory fatigue is a phenomenon where you are no longer able to easily perceive an aroma, even if the aromatic molecules are still present.

What can I use to refill my diffuser?

You can make a refill with 4 simple ingredients - distilled water, carrier oil (like almond oil / grape seed oil), vodka (or rubbing alcohol) and essential oils.

Can I put vanilla extract in my oil burner?

Welcome scent

It's easy to scent your home using vanilla essence. Half-fill an oil burner with water and add a few drops of vanilla essence. If you don't have an oil burner, you can achieve the same results by adding vanilla essence to a saucepan of simmering water.

Can you add anything to a diffuser?

Although it is OK to experiment with substances other than oils in an ultrasonic diffuser, it is not advised to do so in a nebulising diffuser. Pure perfume/arom atic oils, which act similarly, are the only other thing to consider utilising in a nebulising diffuser.

What is safe to put in a diffuser?

You can use pure essential oils with most diffusers on the market. But some oil diffusers use special cartridges or scents instead of essential oils. Using these types of diffusers can be bad for your lungs because the fragrances often contain harmful chemicals and perfumes.

Are diffusers safe in a bedroom?

There are a few things to take in mind when using reed diffusers to freshen up your bedroom. The diffuser should first be placed in an area with sufficient ventilation and away from heat sources, such as radiators or direct sunlight.

What essential oils should not be inhaled?

Mugwort, Thyme, Rue and Pennyroyal are toxic and hazardous. A lot of people are susceptible to allergic reactions from certain essential oils which cause no problems to others. As an example, I had a lady who got a severe allergic reaction just with inhalation of the geranium oil.

Where to apply essential oils for anxiety?

Try adding a few drops of oil to unscented body lotion or spritzing an essential oil spray directly onto bedding, a couch or a blanket that you use often. You can even apply some oils directly onto your skin in areas like your wrists, behind your ears, your neck or the bottom of your feet.

Can I put any oil in a diffuser?

Sadly, you can't use just any old oil in your electric diffuser as some oils contain ingredients that could harm or damage the device. Plus, some oils aren't meant to be dispersed through the atmosphere as they could impact your air quality.

Which essential oils Cannot be diffused?

Some Essential Oils are not suitable for diffusion.

They are contraindicated or unpleasant in diffusion. They can be irritating to the mucous membranes (e.g. Ceylon cinnamon, oregano, clove, mountain savory, common thyme, wintergreen to name the main ones). Other essential oils are neurotoxic (e.g. hyssop, sage).

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