The Science Of Scent: How Do Fragrance Diffusers Work?

Fragrance diffusers are a sleek and stylish way to add a long-lasting scent to your home. They are safe, practical, and easy to use. There are several types of diffusers, including ceramic, reed, ultrasonic, heat/candle, evaporative/electric fan, and nebulizing diffusers. Reed diffusers, for example, are flame-free and consist of three components: a vessel, scented liquid, and a set of reeds. The reeds are placed in the vessel, which contains the scented liquid, and absorb the liquid through their microscopic channels, releasing the fragrance into the air. The number of reeds and their positioning can be adjusted to control the strength of the fragrance. Overall, fragrance diffusers offer a convenient and effective way to fill your space with your desired scent.

Reed diffusers: how they work

Reed diffusers are a stylish and convenient way to add fragrance to your home. Unlike candles or incense, they are flame-free, long-lasting, and practical. They are also a safer option for classrooms, offices, and households.

A reed diffuser has three main components: a vessel, a scented liquid, and a set of reeds. The vessel is usually a small glass bottle or a jar that holds the essential oil and reeds in place. The scented liquid is typically a mixture of essential oils and a solvent, such as a carrier oil or alcohol, which helps to thin the oils and facilitate absorption and transportation by the reeds. The reeds are long, thin strips of porous material, usually rattan wood or synthetic polyamide, that absorb the oils and diffuse the scent into the surrounding area.

The reeds are placed into the vessel containing the scented liquid, where they absorb the mixture through capillary action. The oil travels up the length of the reed through microscopic channels and is then released into the air through evaporation, filling the room with fragrance. The number of reeds, their length, and their positioning can all impact the strength and dispersion of the fragrance. More reeds and longer reeds result in a stronger and broader scent diffusion. Positioning the reeds together restricts airflow and limits the diffusion, while spreading them out maximises airflow and allows the scent to spread throughout the room.

Reed diffusers are easy to use and maintain. After uncapping the bottle and pouring in the scented liquid, the reeds are placed into the vessel and allowed to absorb the oil. To encourage a fair release of aroma, the reeds can be flipped upside down from time to time. It is also important to swirl and stir the scented solution occasionally to prevent the oil from settling at the bottom, which can affect evaporation. Over time, the reeds may become overly saturated and clogged, and it is recommended to replace them every six months or when they stop releasing fragrance. When refilling the diffuser, it is important to discard the old reeds, wash the vessel, and dry it completely before pouring in the new oil.

Aroma diffusers: heat and mist

Aroma diffusers are an excellent way to fill your home with your favourite fragrance. They are safe, convenient, and long-lasting.

There are two main types of aroma diffusers: heat diffusers and mist diffusers.

Heat diffusers use heat to disperse essential oils into the air gradually. They are an economical and efficient option for scenting a room. Heat diffusers sometimes use essential oils mixed with water, and they require a high level of heat to achieve a strong aroma. They are silent and compact, and the fragrance oil can be topped up easily. However, it is important to note that the high heat required may be a safety concern for some users.

On the other hand, mist diffusers, also known as ultrasonic diffusers, use electronic frequencies and water to create ultrasonic vibrations. These vibrations convert essential oils and water into a scented mist. One of the main advantages of ultrasonic diffusers is that they produce mist without using heat, and only a small amount of essential oil is needed. They can also function as both a humidifier and a diffuser, making them ideal for dry climates. Additionally, ultrasonic diffusers operate silently.

Overall, both types of aroma diffusers offer a convenient and effective way to fill your space with your desired fragrance, and the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Nebulising diffusers: cold-filtered air

Nebulizing diffusers are considered one of the best scent diffusers, delivering the healthiest form of aroma without requiring heat or water. This type of diffuser uses a small air pump to create a vacuum that draws essential oil or fragrance oil up through a small tube and into a glass chamber. Bernoulli's theorem, a concept in fluid dynamics, ensures optimal results when diffusing pure essential oil.

The process begins by forcing an air current through a small tube, increasing its velocity while reducing the pressure at the exit point. This pressure difference creates a suction effect, causing the essential oils in a separate glass tube to rise. As the oil ascends, it collides with a stream of pressurised air, atomising it into micro particles that fill the glass reservoir. These particles are then emitted as a waterless mist into the surrounding environment.

The remaining essential oil particles return to the bottom of the diffuser, creating a cycle that continues until the oil is completely used. This method of diffusion ensures that the chemical constituents of the essential oils remain unchanged, fully preserving their natural essence and therapeutic properties.

The benefits of nebulizing diffusers include a strong and pure scent, rapid and widespread dispersal, quiet operation, and easy maintenance. They are also aesthetically pleasing, with stylish designs and lighting effects, making them a functional and attractive addition to any space.

Ultrasonic diffusers: frequencies and water

Ultrasonic diffusers are a popular choice for dispersing essential oils into the air. They work by using electronic frequencies and water to create a mist of tiny particles that carry the oil's aroma throughout a room.

The ultrasonic diffuser has a small disc or membrane that vibrates at a high frequency, known as ultrasonic waves, which breaks down the oil and water mixture into smaller particles. This process is called ultrasonic diffusion, and it is a cold diffusion method to preserve the original fragrance and energetic value of the essential oils. The frequency of these waves is typically between 16 and 20 megahertz, which is inaudible to the human ear.

The water reservoir or tank in an ultrasonic diffuser can hold between 100ml to 500ml of water, with some larger models accommodating up to 1000ml. The user fills the tank with water and adds a few drops of their chosen essential oil. Once the diffuser is turned on, the disc or membrane vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency, breaking down the oil and water into micro-particles and turning them into a mist. A fan then pushes the mist upwards and out through the nozzle, dispersing the fragrance into the surrounding area.

Ultrasonic diffusers have several benefits. They are efficient in their use of essential oils, only requiring a few drops to create a fragrant mist. They also act as humidifiers, adding moisture to the air, which can be beneficial in dry environments. Additionally, they are safe to use around children and pets as they do not involve heat. These diffusers are also quiet, making them ideal for bedrooms or meditation spaces. Furthermore, many ultrasonic diffusers have built-in lighting features that contribute to a calming atmosphere.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Ultrasonic diffusers require regular cleaning to prevent mould growth and ensure hygiene. They may also produce white dust if tap water is used, so distilled water is recommended. The use of certain essential oils, particularly citrus oils, may corrode the plastic parts of the diffuser, potentially releasing microplastics into the air. Therefore, it is important to select a high-quality, durable model and handle and store essential oils with care.

Heat/candle diffusers: heat dispersal

Heat diffusers are another way to disperse fragrance throughout a room without the use of a candle flame. This type of diffuser uses a tray that is warmed by a lamp or tealight candle. Oils are placed in the tray and they scent the room as they evaporate. This method of diffusion is best for those who want to avoid the use of a naked flame but still want the ambiance that a candle provides.

Heat diffusers are a great option for those who want to avoid the use of electricity or batteries, as they only require a small tealight candle to function. They are also relatively low-maintenance, as you only need to refill the oil tray when the oil has completely evaporated. This can be more convenient than other types of diffusers that require regular cleaning or maintenance to function properly.

One thing to keep in mind with heat diffusers is that they may not be suitable for use in enclosed spaces due to the heat generated by the lamp or tealight candle. It is important to follow the safety instructions provided with your heat diffuser to ensure safe use. Additionally, the use of a tealight candle means that this type of diffuser may not be suitable for homes with pets or small children who could accidentally knock it over.

Heat diffusers offer a similar experience to scented candles, providing a soft flickering light and pleasant aroma. They can be a great option for creating a cosy and relaxing atmosphere in your home. The use of fragrance oils in a heat diffuser can also be a more affordable alternative to scented candles, as you can create your desired scent by mixing different oils.

Overall, heat diffusers are a simple and effective way to disperse fragrance throughout your home while also providing the ambiance and decorative touch of a candle, making them a great option for those who want to avoid the use of a naked flame or the hassle of cleaning electric diffusers.

Frequently asked questions