Are Car Diffusers Better Than Hanging Air Fresheners?
Let’s face it, our car interiors take a beating. Between kids, sports equipment, cookie crumbs, coffee spills and pets, a lot is going on in there. Getting into a car that smells fresh makes any commute more bearable. Not only does your car feel a little cleaner, but you feel fresh too. The only problem is that many car air fresheners only smell great on the first day. For the remaining days (or weeks) they seem to merely add to the clutter in your fun mobile.
If you’re tired of wasting money on a one-day wonder, it’s time to try a more effective (and eco-friendly) approach; a car diffuser.
What Is a Car Diffuser?
A car diffuser works by placing a drop or two of scented oil in a small diffuser. The diffuser contains a porous material, either an absorbent pad or a wooden lid that absorbs the fragrance. It then emits it gradually into the air. Car diffusers can be hanging, air vent clip-ons, plug-ins (USB or cigarette lighter) or rechargeable.
Do Car Diffusers Last Longer Than Hanging Air Fresheners?
There are two reasons that car diffusers last longer than other car fresheners. Firstly, since the oil gets absorbed into the pad or wooden lid, it doesn’t just evaporate and disappear. It is gradually released over days and even weeks. Secondly, although the scent will lessen over time, you simply have to add a few more drops of oil to revive it. You can use the same fragrance or switch it up.
Car Diffuser Benefits
Besides eliminating odors and giving your car a gloriously fresh scent, car diffusers have other benefits too.
1. Easy breathing
Essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree and ylang ylang are beneficial for the respiratory system. Citrus oils such as grapefruit, lemon and orange have antimicrobial properties. Choosing your oils carefully can promote clear breathing, clean air and healthy respiratory function.
2. Stress relief
Although we don’t want you sleepy at the wheel, diffusing a calming scent can help with anxiety and relaxation. Lavender, ylang ylang, lemon and neroli are all good options. Peppermint, on the other hand, can give you a great refreshing lift.
3. Natural air freshener
Most car air fresheners are made with synthetic fragrances whereas diffusers use natural oils. This is much better for you and the environment. Additionally, since you are refilling the same unit, you save on plastic waste.
4. Fragrance control
With a diffuser, you can choose the specific fragrance you want from a large variety, and change it up as you like. You can also control how strong you want the fragrance by the amount you add to the diffuser.
Tips When Using a Car Diffuser
- Essential oils are concentrated and can be very strong. You only need one drop in the diffuser daily to make a difference. A small bottle of oil can last you a few months.
- While diffusing oils in an enclosed space is fine for humans, pets are a different story. Avoid the fragranced drive when you have your pets with you in the car.
- When buying your first diffuser, getting a kit that includes essential oils will save you the hassle of having to find and purchase them separately. This is usually also a more cost-effective option.
Now you can enjoy all the benefits of aromatherapy while on the go.