You probably know that diffusing essential oil is a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in your home. But did you know that you can also take your favorite scents with you when you leave?
Essential oil car diffusers bring the same benefits of aromatherapy to your vehicle whether you are commuting, running errands, or taking a road trip. If you are thinking of using your favorite oils in your car, here are some tips for using them safely.
How Are Car Diffusers Different from At-Home Devices?
Essential oils can be used in many ways, and one of the most common is through car diffusers. But how are these devices different from their at-home components?
Diffuser devices for cars are typically smaller than most tabletop diffusers that are used indoors. Instead of being plugged into a wall outlet, they are attached to the lighter outlet in your vehicle and use a low amount of the lighter’s heat to activate the diffusion process.
They can also help you breathe better by eliminating foul odors and creating a more pleasant scent in your vehicle. Since these units are smaller than their indoor counterparts, they create a less intense aroma, which is perfect for a smaller space like your car.
For a device like the car diffuser from Aura Cacia, place 4-6 drops of your favorite essential oil onto the specially sized pad that is placed inside. Once the pad hardens, it’s time to replace it with a new one.
How to Safely Use Your Essential Oil Car Diffuser
Essential oil diffusers can be a great way to add pleasant smells to your car, but it’s important to use them safely. The essential oils are usually a mixture of plant oils and extracts, which can harm the upholstery or even be dangerous if too much makes contact with the skin at once.. Consider these tips for using your essential oil car unit safely:
Never Leave Your Diffuser or Oil Bottles In a Hot Car
The heat can damage the oil and its aromatherapeutic properties. Instead, remove it from the vehicle and place it in a bag or pocket when you leave your car. This will help maintain its quality and freshness for as long as possible and avoid premature expiration.
Unplug the Unit From the Lighter Outlet When You Are Not Using It
Unplugging the unit while you are not using it. This will help protect its components and place less strain on your car’s battery. A small diffuser can also easily fit into a bag, coat pocket, or other carrying medium of your choice.
Avoid Putting More Than 4-6 Drops of Essential Oil in the Diffuser
Overexposure to certain oils can cause side effects like headaches, dizziness/vertigo, and nausea/vomiting. If you start to feel any symptoms of overexposure while driving, pull over, unplug the device, and roll down your windows to allow the aroma to dissipate. Once you feel like you are comfortable and alert again, resume your traveling.
Start With a Smaller Amount of Oil
Start with a small amount of oil, i.e., four drops, when you first use your car diffuser. If you can tolerate that amount, you can try to increase it to 5 or 6 drops. You may also want to begin using your diffuser with a variety of oil that you are already familiar and comfortable with to avoid any distractions while on the road.
Take an Occasional Break
Take occasional breaks from running your diffuser while driving, as doing so can help prevent potential overexposure and allow your pads to last longer. Once you have allowed the oils to spread throughout the car’s interior, the scent will remain for a considerable amount of time.
Be Vigilant of Burning Smells
If you ever notice a burning smell when running your diffuser, turn off your car, wait for the unit to cool, and unplug it. Such a smell could indicate that the pad is dried out and needs to be replaced or a potential issue with the device itself.
Get an Essential Oil Car Diffuser for Your Next Trip
Using a diffuser in your car is a great way to enjoy the benefits of your favorite essential oils while on the go. However, if you want to ensure that you’re doing things safely, it’s important to take these few simple precautions. As long as you keep these tips in mind, your experience will be a pleasant one!
If you find yourself traveling often, you’ve probably been on the lookout for a fun and easy way to freshen up the inside of your car. Maybe it’s a used car that smells like the previous owner, or you just want to feel more relaxed when driving in traffic.
Simply Natural provides a full range of the highest quality natural and organic health and wellness products, including essential oils, for every aspect of your lifestyle. To learn more, view our essential oil products or contact us for more info today.