Pure essential oils are concentrated, so a little goes a long way – and a few simple habits make them last longer and smell better. Here is the honest, no-nonsense version of using them at home, whether you are diffusing for scent or making a simple room spray.

Diffusing for scent

The easiest way to enjoy an oil is to diffuse it. In a standard ultrasonic diffuser, fill to the water line and add 3 to 6 drops for a small room, a few more for a larger space. Start light – you can always add a drop, but you cannot take one out. Short sessions of 30 to 60 minutes work better than running it all day; the scent registers more when it comes and goes.

Diluting for skin and DIY

Essential oils are too strong to put on skin neat. To use them in a body oil, bath or homemade product, dilute them in a carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond or fractionated coconut. A good general guide for body use is about 2% – roughly 12 drops of essential oil per 30 ml of carrier. Do a small patch test first, keep oils away from the eyes, and check which oils are best avoided during pregnancy or for young children.

A few simple things to make

• Room spray: 15 to 20 drops in a small spray bottle with water and a splash of unscented alcohol or witch hazel to help it mix. Shake before each use.
• Scented drawer: a couple of drops on a cotton pad tucked into a wardrobe or drawer.
• Quick refresh: a single drop on a tissue, never directly onto fabric you care about.

Storing them so they last

Light, heat and air are what age an essential oil. Keep bottles tightly closed, upright and out of direct sunlight – a cupboard or drawer is ideal. Citrus oils such as lemon and bergamot have a shorter life than woods and resins like cedarwood or pine, so use the bright ones first. Stored well, most oils stay true for one to three years.

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