Home Fragrance Oils

The term home fragrance oils refers to both essential oils (home fragrance oils derived from the actual plant, root, fruit, herb, leaf, bark, etc ) and to fragrance oils (home fragrance oils derived from synthetic compounds). Home fragrance oils are used to enhance the ambience of a room, and in the case of home fragrance oils based on essential oils, as Aromatherapy. Home fragrance oils are a fast growing part of the home fragrance market. Common methods of using home fragrance oils include inhalation, vaporization, massage, bathing, and compresses.

The market for candles and home fragrances reached $8.4 billion in 2004, on growth of 14.1 percent over previous year. Driven by consumers' desire for their homes to smell good, some 80 percent of all adult Americans bought some kind of home fragrance product in the past year, including candles and candle accessories, sprays, plugs-ins, room fresheners, potpourris, air fresheners, air purifiers and more.

Types of Home Fragrance Oils

Essential Oils are oils derived from the actual plant, root, fruit, herb, leaf, bark, etc usually through distillation. They are used in aromatherapy diffusers, aromatherapy lamps, blends, baths, massages and inhalations. Because essential oils are more natural, many prefer them for their aromatherapeutic properties.

Fragrance oils, on the other hand are derived from synthetic compounds. Because there are so many more synthetic compounds available than natural ones, a much wider variety of scents is available (many scents can not be distilled as essential oils). Fragrance oils also tend to have a longer "staying" power and do not dissipate into the air as rapidly. However, fragrance oils do not offer the caliber of therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer.

Home Fragrance Oils Diffusers

Heated Pad Home Fragrance Oils Diffusers:
This kind of home fragrance oils diffuser is a plastic ball, with a low-level heat plate. You put a pad on the plate that has been treated with a few drops of essential oils. These home fragrance oils diffusers you can leave plugged in all the time with no safety hazard. To get full benefits, treat daily with a few drops of oil on the pad.

Reed Home Fragrance Oils Diffusers:
These home fragrance oils diffusers use reeds soaked in a fragrance solution to diffuse the scent. A reed diffuser is not only attractive but does not require electricity. If the scent needs to be replenished the reeds easily be flipped over to renew the fragrance.

Steam Home Fragrance Oils Diffusers:
These home fragrance oils diffusers use steam to diffuse oils, ensuring the purity of the fragrance. This diffuser is ideal for use in a child's room and is suitable for the home or office.

Candle Heated Burner Home Fragrance Oils Diffusers
A few drops of home fragrance oils are added to the water - filled reservoir of the burner and a night - light candle is placed below, which, when lit, gently heats the water, causing the oils to vaporize and scent the room.

Forced Air Home Fragrance Oils Diffusers:
There are quite a few of these home fragrance oils diffusers on the market today. These are also inserted into an outlet and use a low level heat. However, these models have liquid inserts and small fans built in to help diffuse the scent even further.

Light Ring Home Fragrance Oils Diffusers:
Usually metal or ceramic, you literally put a few drops of oil in the ring, and place on a light bulb (while it's cool). These home fragrance oils diffusers can be hazardous - don't burn yourself or break the light bulb. Nice for reading and relaxing before bed.

Dashboard Home Fragrance Oils Diffusers:
These insert into the cigarette lighter orifice in your car. They do use a low-level heat, and are prepared in the same manner as the Scentball, by inserting a treated pad. Daily treatment is recommended. This home fragrance oils diffuser is great for when you are traveling or in your car a lot. Treated with Basil or Peppermint, it will help to keep you alert.

Candles:
Home fragrance oils candles can be purchased all ready made however you should inquire on the quality and validity of the ingredients. Many "aromatherapy" stated candles are made with fragrance oils, not pure essential oils. You can also use an unscented candle and add a couple drops to the melted wax as the candle is burning.

Low Heat Home Fragrance Oils Diffusers:
These home fragrance oils diffusers insert into the outlet. They do use a low-level heat that heats up an insert in the diffuser. The length that the insert will last varies to each manufacturer. This kind of home fragrance oils diffuser is good for a bathroom but if you want large area coverage you might consider something else.

Ceramic Home Fragrance Oils Diffusers (Angels, Pyramids, etc.):
These types of home fragrance oils diffusers do not involve heat (normally). They rely on room temperature, sunlight, or a small breeze to distribute the fragrance. A drawback to these as opposed to having a disposable pad, the oils permeate the container. You will then need to treat the ceramic with compatible oils.

Homemade Home Fragrance Oils Diffusers:
Treating a piece of ribbon, then hanging it from the window. Putting a few drops of essential oil in a bowl of very hot water can scent a small room. Refreshing Potpourri with essential oils. Putting a few drops on a candle (before lighting).