Fill the dish of a tea light oil burner with water, add a few drops of fragrance oil, and light a tea light underneath. The gentle heat releases the scent. Keep the water topped up, never let the dish run dry, and never leave a burner unattended.
What kind of burner do I need?
Tea light burners heat a dish with a small candle, and electric burners use a heating element. See the oil burner collection, the tea light oil burners, the electric oil burners, the soapstone burners and the aroma lamps. You will also need tea lights from the tea light collection.
Which oil should I use?
Use an oil made for burners and diffusers. Fragrance oils hold their scent well and come in many styles. Try a single scent such as the PHATOIL White Musk Fragrance Oil, or browse the fragrance oil collection. For how fragrance oils differ from essential oils read aromatherapy oils explained.
How much oil and water?
Start small. A few drops of oil in a dish of water is enough for most rooms. Add more only if you still cannot smell it from across the room. Too much oil can make a scent heavy and can leave residue in the dish.
Steps at a glance
- Fill the dish of a cooled burner with water.
- Add a few drops of fragrance oil to the water.
- Place a lit tea light in the space under the dish.
- Top up the water as it evaporates so the dish never dries out.
- Snuff the candle, let the burner cool, then pour out the water and wipe the dish.
Keep it safe
- Never let the dish run dry. Top up the water as it evaporates.
- Never leave a burner with a lit candle unattended.
- Place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from curtains and paper.
- Keep the burner, matches and oil out of reach of children and pets.
- Let it cool before you move it or clean it.
Cleaning the dish
Once the dish is cool, pour out the water and wipe it with a damp cloth. Clean it before you change to a new scent so the old one does not linger.
Related reading
- Aromatherapy Oils Explained: Essential, Fragrance, Carrier and Body Oils
- Hotel Scent at Home: How Hotel-Style Diffuser Oil Works and How to Choose One
Frequently asked questions
How many drops of fragrance oil should I use?
A few drops in a dish of water is enough for most rooms. Start with fewer and add more if needed.
Can I use essential oil in an oil burner?
Many people do, but check the product page and your burner's instructions.
Why does my burner smell burnt?
The dish may have run dry. Top up the water and clean the dish.
Can I leave an oil burner burning overnight?
No. Never leave a burner with a lit candle unattended, and put it out before you sleep.
This guide is general information about fragrance, aromatherapy and home use. It is not medical advice.
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