A Guide To Burning Aroma Oils Safely And Effectively

Burning aroma oils is a great way to fill your home with beautiful fragrances and can even offer therapeutic benefits. There are a few ways to burn aroma oils, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common methods include using a traditional oil burner, an electric oil burner, or an essential oil candle.

Traditional oil burners are typically made from materials like soapstone, copper, or ceramic, which have excellent heat retention abilities. They consist of a bowl-shaped area where you place your chosen aroma oil and a space underneath for a candle. When the candle is lit, the heat causes the oil to evaporate and release its scent. Electric oil burners work similarly but use electricity to heat the oil, eliminating the need for an open flame. Essential oil candles are another option, where you add aroma oils to the wax before burning the candle.

Regardless of the method chosen, it is important to select high-quality aroma oils and follow safety precautions to ensure a pleasant and safe experience.

How to use a traditional oil burner

A traditional oil burner is a two-tiered device that uses a candle to heat essential oils, causing them to vaporize and spread their scent. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use one:

Step 1: Choose Your Oil Burner

Traditional oil burners are often made from materials such as soapstone, copper, or ceramic, which have excellent heat retention abilities. When choosing an oil burner, opt for one with a relatively deep bowl, as this will slow down the evaporation process and prolong the use of your essential oils.

Step 2: Prepare the Bowl

Fill the bowl at the top of the burner with water. If your tap water has a high mineral content, you may prefer to use distilled water to prevent residue buildup over time. Then, add your essential oils. A few drops are usually enough, depending on the size of the bowl and the desired scent strength. You can use a single oil or create your own unique blend.

Step 3: Light the Candle

Place a lit tea light candle underneath the bowl. The heat from the candle will cause the water and oil mixture to evaporate as steam, filling the room with the aroma of the essential oils. Ensure there is at least 6 centimeters between the candle and the bowl.

Step 4: Enjoy the Aroma

The aroma of the essential oils can provide various benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and clearing stuffy noses. However, it is important to burn the oils in moderation. Limit the burning time to 30-60 minutes, and then give it a break.

Step 5: Clean the Burner

After use, clean the oil burner to prevent residue buildup. Allow the burner to cool down completely before cleaning. Use a damp cloth with a mild detergent or rubbing alcohol to wipe out the bowl. For stubborn residue, a mixture of baking powder and water or vinegar can be effective. Avoid using metal scourers or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the burner.

How to use an electric oil burner

An electric oil burner is a modern alternative to a traditional oil burner. Electric burners are safer and more convenient, especially if you have children or pets, as they don't use an open flame. They also don't require as much supervision as traditional burners.

• Prepare your oil: Fill the ceramic bowl of your burner with water (preferably distilled water if your tap water has a high mineral content). Then, add approximately 10 drops of your chosen essential oil. You can also use essential oil wax melts.
• Plug in your burner: Electric burners have a cord that plugs into an electrical socket. Some models may also have an on/off switch on the cord, so make sure it's turned on.
• Turn on the burner: Electric burners use a small lightbulb or a heating element to heat the oil. The warmer will only get as hot as the lightbulb allows.
• Burning time: Don't burn your oils for more than an hour at a time. It's best to alternate between periods of burning and not burning to avoid overwhelming your space with the scent.
• Cleaning: Always turn off and unplug your burner before cleaning. Allow it to cool down for 15-20 minutes, as it can get very hot. Use a tissue or cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe out the bowl and remove any residue.

Safety precautions:

• Avoid using an extension cord, as it increases the risk of fire.
• Don't plug in more than three electrical appliances into a single outlet.
• Unplug the burner when it's not in use.
• Keep children and pets away from essential oils.
• Always handle the burner with care, as the heating element can cause burns.
• Never leave the burner unattended.

How to burn an essential oil candle

Burning an essential oil candle is a fun and inexpensive way to fill your home with beautiful aromas. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to burn an essential oil candle:

Step 1: Purchase or Make an Essential Oil Candle

Buy an essential oil candle that is made from beeswax or soybeans, not paraffin. Ensure that the candle has a cotton wick and is labelled as "lead-free". Alternatively, you can make your own essential oil candle at home by following these steps:

• Gather the necessary materials: a glass jar, candle wick, beeswax, and your selected essential oils.
• Melt the beeswax and add your chosen essential oils to the mixture, stirring to ensure the oils are evenly mixed.
• Place the wick in the centre of the jar and add the melted wax, leaving a small space at the top.
• Allow the wax to set, and place it in the fridge if you want it to solidify faster.

Step 2: Prepare Your Candle for Burning

Before lighting your essential oil candle, ensure that the wick is trimmed to 1/8 inch (0.32 cm). This will help the candle burn evenly and reduce soot production.

Step 3: Burn Your Candle

Light your essential oil candle and enjoy the aroma! Allow the candle to burn until the entire top layer of wax has melted. This will ensure that your candle burns evenly and lasts longer.

Step 4: Practice Candle Safety

Do not burn your essential oil candle continuously for extended periods. Take breaks between burning sessions to avoid any negative health effects. Always exercise caution when burning candles, and never leave a lit candle unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

Step 5: Extinguish and Care for Your Candle

After enjoying your essential oil candle, be sure to extinguish the flame before leaving the room or going to sleep. Allow the candleholder to cool down before handling. Trim the wick as needed to prepare for the next burning session.

How to select your oils

There are hundreds of essential oils, each with unique uses, applications, and benefits. They are highly concentrated natural extracts located in a plant's seeds, leaves, bark, flowers, roots, stems, rinds, and other parts.

Aromatic Use

The hallmark way to use essential oils is aromatically. All essential oils feature a signature aroma that can be inhaled for various effects. One oil's crisp scent can invigorate you when you need an afternoon pick-me-up, while another's soothing aroma can help you relax after a long day.

Topical Use

Another popular way to apply essential oils is topically, allowing the oil to absorb into your skin. Always dilute oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, before applying them to your skin. Topical oils can be added to your favourite lotion, cream, bath gel, or moisturiser.

Internal Use

Some essential oils can be ingested, allowing you to savour their flavour and enjoy their benefits. However, it is important to note that not all essential oils are safe for internal use, so always check the label instructions to ensure the oil is safe for ingestion.

Choosing the Right Oil

When choosing an essential oil, consider the benefit you want to achieve. Different oils offer different advantages, depending on how and where you apply them.

• Lavender: One of the most well-known and versatile oils, lavender can be used almost anywhere. It can be added to water to make a room-freshening spray, included in your bath, or mixed with your favourite lotion. It also promotes restful sleep and works as an antidepressant and stress reliever.
• Lemon: The tangy scent of lemon can liven up your day. It can be diffused to share its summery aroma, applied to a cotton ball to rub away sticky adhesive, or added to your nighttime skincare routine to promote youthful-looking skin.
• Tea Tree: Tea tree oil is widely used for its cleansing properties, particularly when applied topically to the skin, hair, and nails or to neutralise unwanted odours.
• Oregano: With its warm, herbaceous aroma, oregano can be added to a carrier oil and rubbed into your joints after a long day.
• Eucalyptus: This Australian oil can be used from head to toe. It helps rejuvenate hair, hydrates dull, dry skin, and can be inhaled as you wind down for bed.
• Peppermint: Peppermint's cool, crisp scent and tingling sensation make it a versatile oil. It can be rubbed into fatigued muscles for a refreshing post-workout cooldown.
• Frankincense: Its grounding, complex aroma is often diffused during prayer or meditation to encourage self-reflection.
• Cedarwood: This essential oil's rich, balmy scent can chase away unwanted smells and invite an atmosphere of coziness and peace.
• Orange: Orange's sweet smell makes everything feel right. Adding it to your linen spray will give your wash a citrus-fresh scent.
• Grapefruit: Grapefruit oil brings a burst of freshness, whether you're diffusing it or using it to zest up your household cleaners.

When selecting essential oils, it is important to choose high-quality, pure oils from reputable sources. Always follow safety guidelines, such as performing a patch test before use and diluting the oils with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.

How to clean an oil burner

To clean an oil burner, you must first let the burner cool down completely. Once it is cool, wipe down the burner with a damp cloth. If there is any wax residue, you can use a plastic ruler or old credit card to scrape it off. To remove any remaining wax residue, use a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Finally, wipe the burner again with a damp cloth to remove any traces of alcohol and prevent a fire hazard.

• Clean your oil burner regularly to ensure maximum performance and longevity.
• Never leave a lit candle unattended, and always keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Always use a tea light candle in your oil burner, and ensure there is at least 6 cm between the candle and the bowl.
• Do not let all the water evaporate from the bowl, as it may crack.
• Wash your burner between uses to prevent residue build-up.
• If using an electric oil burner, unplug it and let it cool before cleaning.

Frequently asked questions