How to Use the Young Living Home Diffuser

Chances are you have seen those cute little blocks of square wax tarts that you can burn at home – even more… you may have, at some point, visited a candle store like Yankee Candle and inhaled the gorgeous scents of beautiful smells that you may find in your local mall, at the home of friends or, or home of a family member. 

These items are fairly popular .. after all, they smell amazing and they do a great job of masking odors in your home. however… these wax melts and candle-type items are a health hazard you may want to stay away from.

Most (not all) candles and synthetic wax tarts are made from paraffin wax. Paraffin is a petroleum waste product – not only does it give off toxic fumes when you burn a candle or wax tart, paraffin in itself is a waste product. The wax is chemically bleached and deodorized. At that point it’s made into wax.  Paraffin is actually the final byproduct in the refining chain of petroleum. 

In 2001, the EPA concluded that burning paraffin candles releases large amounts of toxins in the air that are above the excess cancer risk (source).  Then in 20015, the American Lung Association gave out letters to the public warning of the dangers of paraffin  – but the National Candle Association (NCA) threatened them with legal action for trying to warn the public. 

These candles and wax melts often times have fragrance oils, which are just as much of a health concern. Did you know that companies are not required to disclose what is in their fragrance?  Not only are those fragrances allergens, they can contain ketones, lactones, terpenes, and benzene – all which can contribute to neurological disorders which may eventually lead to cancer.

Thankfully there are natural alternatives out there that you can use that are just as effective and not harmful for your health.

Welcome to the Young Living Home Diffuser. 

What is a Home Diffuser?

A home diffuser is a natural alternative to synthetic air fresheners. They are designed to disperse a micro-fine vapor into the air, allowing for essential oils to be suspended in the air for an extended period of time.

A diffuser is a healthier alternative to warmers, and candles, which can be damaging and toxic to your health.  The Home Diffuser replaces those harmful chemicals like wax melts, candles, synthetic air fresheners, and air sprays with something that can serve many purposes:

• Eliminate odors by removing smells without resorting to synthetic fresheners.
• They aid with emotional support.
• Help improve concentration, mental clarity and focus.
• They help release the mind & body, relieve tension, anxiety and stress.
• They help control fatigue – both mental and physical.

How do you use a diffuser?

Using a diffuser is relatively simple ~ just add room temperature water (sometimes distilled is recommended), up to the fill line in the diffuser.

Then, add 3-4 drops of your favorite Young Living Essential Oil directly into the diffuser. If you are just starting with your diffuser, go slow and add just a few drops. 

Why Diffuse?

Well, the reasons are quite simple – diffusing essential oils is the most cost effective way to reap health benefits – every time you breathe in the oils you take advantage of their boosting properties.

When you inhale them through your nose, tiny nerves send an immediate signal to the brain; at that point in time, the brain immediately goes to work on the systems that moderate your mind and body. 

Inhalation is the most direct method of nurturing components in essential oils:  the chemical  messengers in the nasal cavity have direct access to your brain.  Essential oils have the ability to pass the blood/brain barrier and penetrate membranes allows them to reach the emotional center of the brain in seconds.

Diffusing on the intermittent cycle is actually better than continuous diffusing.  That is because your body needs time to process the oils if they receive through inhalation ….. when you diffuse on a continuous cycle it doesn’t allow the body the time it means to intercept and process those oil’s properly.

How does the Young Living Home Diffuser Work?

The Young Living Home Diffuser combines the benefits of an air purifier and atomizer with a humidifier all in one product. Ultrasonic technology breaks the essential oils and water down into particulars that are dispersed into the air that activate the plant constituents in the oils themselves.

Chances are, if you recently picked up the Young Living Starter Kit, you will appreciate some tips and tricks to help you better use your diffuser to make the most out of it.

Tips for using the Young Living Home Diffuser

Experiment with different amounts. The manual for the Young Living Home Diffuser may recommend 8-12 drops of essential oil. While some may be able to do that, most may not because it is very strong. In my own experience, anywhere from 4-5 drops is plenty when you first get started with the home diffuser. Some people might prefer to use less.

Your essential oils can sometimes drop out rather quickly from their bottle ~ so ensure that you pay attention.

Use distilled water.  Most of the Young Living Home Diffusers require the use of distilled water – which is low in minerals. Regular water can leave a mineral residue which can affect the functionality of your diffuser.

Fill your Diffuser to the fill line. The Home Diffuser runs for 4 hours – continuous stream. It can ALSO run for 8 hours on the intermittent setting (every 30 seconds – therefore giving a wonderful scent for a longer period.. which is great if you use it at night!)

Or, opt to fill the diffuser halfway if you like to diffuse different oils in the morning versus the afternoon.  When the water runs out, your diffuser will automatically shut off.

Try various combinations. There are a myriad of diffuser combinations you can use in your home diffuser – use one oil, on it’s own, or combine two oils to make a blend. See these Young Living Starter Kit Diffuser Combinations to get started with some recommendations.

Mixing two oils together is wonderful in most cases, but mixing two blends together is traditionally not recommended.

Fill it up at night for the morning. Mornings are a little sluggish around our home, so we always have a diffuser or two filled up at night so that all we have to do in the morning is push the button. It works terrific 😉  Fill up the morning diffuser halfway – just enough to give you 2 – 2 1/2 hours you need to get ready and get out the door. 

Clean your diffuser regularly. To keep your diffuser in prime operating condition, clean it at least once a week so that oil doesn’t build up on the ultrasonic plate. To clean it, wipe off the ultrasonic cleaning plate carefully with the cleaning sponge or, a q-tip dipped in a bit of alcohol.  Don’t forget to clean the lid with a mild soap (Castile soap works wonderful when mixed with water). Avoid using vinegar or commercial cleaning products with your diffuser.

Use caution when dumping excess water from your diffuser, and pour from the rear, to avoid getting water in the little hole referred to as the air inlet. Always unplug the diffuser when cleaning, or when filling up the diffuser to avoid electrical accidents.

Are you new to Essential Oils? See 25 DIY Recipes with Essential Oils you can get started with.

And if you are ready to get started with essential oils and be part of our crazy journey, you can find out more about getting started with Essential Oils with the Young Living Premium Starter Kit.