5 Different Types of Diffusers for Your Car
Love aromatherapy and looking for an effective way to start experiencing the same benefits of a scented home while on-the-go? It may be time to buy a car diffuser. Read on to find out about five different types of scent diffusers specifically designed for use in cars for help with deciding which one will be the best fit.
Vent Clips
Vent clips are a type of scent diffuser designed to clip onto the air vents in modern cars. As cool or warm air passes through the vents and the vent clip, it slowly releases essential oils that help to reduce unpleasant odors and improve drivers’ moods. Not all vent clips are created equal, though, and many use chemical scents that are neither effective nor particularly pleasant to be around. Drivers who want to take advantage of the longevity and subtle scenting of vent clips should check out AromaTech to find a high-quality diffuser that uses only genuine essential oils or aroma oils.
Terracotta Diffusers
Terracotta diffusers are made from clay, which absorbs the essential oils and releases them slowly over the course of several days. They don’t last anywhere near as long as vent diffusers, but they can be refilled. Terracotta aromatherapy pendants don’t provide consistent results, though. Middle and base note oils tend to last longer than other scents, and the scent loses its potency quickly so it may be all but unrecognizable within a day or two. On the flip side, some scents may also be too strong when drivers first start using terracotta diffusers.
Ultrasonic Diffusers
Ultrasonic car diffusers plug into vehicles’ cigarette lighters or USB ports. They consist of reservoirs and scent wicks and can be turned on and off as needed. Ultrasonic diffusers are high-tech compared to vent clips and terracotta diffusers, which can make inexpensive models prone to malfunctions. They also create a lot of mist, which can land on upholstery or clothing and cause the scent to linger longer than drivers might want or even follow them to work.
Rechargeable Diffusers
Rechargeable diffusers are similar to plug-in ultrasonic diffusers, except that they do not need to be plugged in all the time. The benefit of this model is that it can be plugged in at home then used in any vehicle without having to worry about plugging it into the car charger or a USB port, but this also comes with a drawback: limited battery life. Rechargeable diffusers can also cause the same issues described above in regard to plug-in ultrasonic diffusers.
Portable Nebulizers
Nebulizers are similar to ultrasonic diffusers, except they don’t require water. They are run off of USB connections, so they can be plugged into any charger with USB ports, and typically have batteries. Since portable nebulizers only diffuse essential oils without requiring the use of water in their reservoirs, they don’t produce additional humidity, which can be a benefit in warm, humid climates.
The Bottom Line
There’s no one scent diffuser that works best for every driver, so consumers will need to consider their unique needs before purchasing new products. Vent diffusers and terracotta diffusers require no power, which means they’re not prone to equipment malfunctions and since they don’t require water to work, there’s no added humidity. Those who don’t mind adding essential oils to their diffusers every few days will find that this solution is both affordable and effective, but consumers who prioritize convenience may want to look into longer-lasting scent technologies.