Create Your Own Aroma Oil Burner At Home

Aromatherapy is a great way to relax and enhance your well-being. One of the most popular methods of aromatherapy is using an essential oil burner. An essential oil burner is used to heat essential oils, causing them to vaporize and enter the air as tiny particles. This allows you to enjoy the scent of essential oils and their health benefits.

To use an essential oil burner, fill the bowl on the burner with water and add a few drops of your chosen essential oil. You can also use essential oil wax melts as an alternative. Then, place a tea light candle underneath the bowl, which will heat the water and oil mixture, causing them to evaporate and spread the aroma.

It is important to note that essential oil burners can get very hot, so always place them on a heat-resistant surface and keep them away from flammable materials. Additionally, never leave the burner unattended and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Choosing the right essential oils

When choosing essential oils for an aroma oil burner, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to select oils that appeal to your personal scent preferences. Whether you prefer soothing aromas like lavender or invigorating citrus scents, choosing oils that resonate with you will help create a positive atmosphere.

Secondly, research the therapeutic properties of different essential oils. For instance, eucalyptus oil is great for respiratory issues, while peppermint aids digestion. Understanding the specific health benefits of each oil will guide your selection.

Thirdly, some essential oils complement each other, creating harmonious blends. Experiment with combinations like lavender and bergamot or lemon and rosemary to find the perfect balance. You can also blend oils yourself to create unique aromas, such as mixing lavender with ylang-ylang.

Finally, ensure that the essential oils you choose are safe to use in an oil burner. Check for any contraindications or precautions to avoid any potential risks.

• Eucalyptus Essential Oil: This oil can help fight off coughs and colds by easing your cough, clearing your chest, disinfecting wounds, and soothing skin sores. Its purifying scent improves respiration, clears airways, and reduces mucus due to its expectorant and decongestant properties.
• Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender oil is commonly used to calm nerves and anxiety, making it ideal for improving sleep quality. Its peaceful, floral aroma helps create a relaxing atmosphere, making it a scent that most people adore.
• Immune Boost Essential Oil Blend: This blend of tea tree, lemon, bergamot, and eucalyptus oils helps strengthen your body's defence system, especially when stressed. It provides strong antioxidant properties to support your immune system when it needs it most.
• Bergamot Essential Oil: Bergamot oil offers a fresh and invigorating scent that can help reduce symptoms of anxiety. Its light, lemony fragrance brings calmness and stillness, making it a natural remedy for managing changing moods.

Preparing the burner

Before using an essential oil burner, it is important to understand the safety precautions to avoid any accidents. Firstly, ensure that the burner is placed on a heat-resistant surface to protect your furniture from heat damage. Always handle the burner with care as it can get very hot. Keep the burner away from flammable materials and out of reach of children and pets. Never leave the burner unattended, and extinguish the flame before leaving the room or going to sleep.

When preparing the burner, fill the bowl at the top with water, leaving at least 6 cm between the water level and the candle underneath. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to the water. You can adjust the number of drops based on the size of the room and the desired intensity of the scent. For larger spaces or a stronger aroma, add a few extra drops.

As an alternative to essential oils, you can use essential oil wax melts, which are easier to use and provide similar benefits. Place a lit tea light candle in the designated space underneath the bowl. The heat from the candle will cause the water and oil mixture to evaporate, releasing the aromatic vapours into the room.

Lighting the candle

First, ensure your oil burner is on a heat-resistant surface to protect your furniture. Oil burners can get very hot, so be sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets. Check for flammable items nearby and move them if necessary.

Next, fill the bowl of the oil burner with water. You can use tap water, but distilled water will prevent the build-up of residue over time. Then, add your essential oil. You only need a few drops—around 10—but you can adjust the amount depending on the size of your room and the intensity of fragrance you want.

Now you can light your candle. Place it in the space underneath the bowl. A tea light candle is ideal for this. As the water heats up, the essential oil will mix with the water and evaporate, filling the room with aroma.

Be sure not to leave the candle unattended. It's important to keep an eye on the water level in the bowl. If it dries up while the candle is still lit, it may start to smoke and create a burnt aroma.

Cleaning the burner

Firstly, it is important to let the burner cool down completely before attempting any cleaning. This is to ensure your safety and reduce the risk of burns. Once the burner is cooled, use a damp cloth and a mild washing-up liquid or soap to wipe away any grease or residue from the bowl. For stubborn stains that remain, create a mixture of baking powder and vinegar, which is effective at removing tough dirt. Avoid using abrasive tools like a metal scourer, as this could damage the burner.

If there is hardened wax stuck in the burner, a useful method to remove it is to place the entire burner in the freezer for about 30 minutes to an hour. The wax will then easily pop out in one block, leaving you with a clean burner. Alternatively, you can light the candle, and just as the wax starts to melt, remove the semi-liquid wax with a cloth.

Finally, wipe down the exterior of the burner with a soft cloth or sponge, and ensure it is thoroughly dried before reuse. Regular maintenance and cleaning will ensure your burner remains in good condition, and it is recommended to perform a thorough cleaning at least once a week.

Safety precautions

• Always use a proper oil burner. It should be firm and stable, and made from suitable materials such as ceramic, which is good at managing heat levels. Avoid using cardboard or homemade burners unless you are proficient at DIY.
• Place the oil burner on a heat-resistant surface to protect your furniture from heat damage.
• Keep the burner away from flammable materials and out of reach of children, pets, and vulnerable adults.
• Never leave the oil burner unattended. Ensure you extinguish the candle before leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Do not touch the burner while it is lit, as it can cause burns.
• Do not let the oil burner bowl go completely dry with the candle still lit, as this may result in a burnt aroma and smoke.
• Avoid using too much essential oil, as it is flammable and can easily ignite if excess oil leaks near the flame.
• Do not ingest essential oils. If swallowed, seek immediate medical help.
• Clean the oil burner after each use. Allow it to cool down completely, then use a damp cloth with washing-up liquid to remove grease. For stubborn residue, use a mixture of baking powder and water or vinegar. Do not use a metal scourer as it may damage the burner.
• Extinguish flames with a metal pan, baking powder, or salt. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby as a last resort.
• Ensure proper ventilation in the room and do not leave the burner running for too long.
• Keep the burner away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures when not in use.
• Store essential oils in a cool, dark place, using dark glass bottles with tight lids. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Frequently asked questions