So How Do You Actually Use Lava Stone Diffusers? Here's What You Should Know About This Fragrance Format Before Using It to Scent Your Space

From how much essential oil to use to how often to refresh your diffuser and more...

A close-up of a black vessel with a lava rock diffuser on a burl wood table
Lava rock diffusers are steadily rising in popularity, and I'm all for a mod fragrance format with an edge.
(Image credit: H&M)

If there's one home fragrance rule I live by, it's that all reed diffusers stay undercover —never to be placed front of house. But lava stone diffusers are an exception. These chic and gentle diffuser formats are better left on display. But it's important to know how to use them so you can scent your home efficiently.

Well, the working is fairly simple. And unlike reed diffusers, you don't need to get your hands dirty at all. Plus, the multi-functional format, lending both style and scent, is worth exploring if you haven't already.

Now, let's take a closer look at how to properly use lava rock diffusers. And if you find your interest piqued, I've included some recommendations of the best-looking ones out there.

How Do You Use Lava Stone Diffusers?

A wooden stool with a lava rock diffuser in a white vessel and a bottle of essential oils beside a hand soap and a lotion on a light tiled floor

This format has the ability to garner major design and fragrance points when used with intention.

(Image credit: H&M)

Lava stone diffusers are fairly straightforward in the way it works to make your home smell good. Compared to how reed diffusers work, this decorative fragrance format is much easier and a little less messy, too.

Depending on how strong you want the scent to be and how potent your essential oils are, you can apply anywhere from three to ten drops of the fragrance oil directly onto the lava rocks.

The oil will then soak into the perforated surface of the stones and slowly disperse the scent into the surrounding atmosphere. For lava stone diffusers to work at their best, it's important to place them in a well-ventilated area.

That's all there is to it. And whenever you feel the scent fading, you can reapply your chosen cocktail of fragrance oils to revive the fragrance. To keep the diffuser clean and efficient, I recommend cleaning the vessel and the stones every month.

If you're into the simplicity in function and the stylish look of this diffuser format, here are some of my favorites to shop.


FAQs

How Long Does a Lava Stone Diffuser Last?

Although the shelf life of a lava stone diffuser varies from brand to brand, on average the scent of the essential oil can last anywhere between one to three days, depending on the strength and quality of the fragrance.

As for the lava stones, your diffuser is likely to last around eight months before it requires cleaning and around a year or more before it needs to be replaced. Simple steps like covering the stones when not in use and placing in low dust zones will extend your lava stone diffuser's use.


For anyone who prefers a more traditional finish that still carries an air of mystery, this charming, one-of-a-kind matchbox fragrance diffuser should be your next payday buy. But if you like a little splash of metallic chic, then Alessi's Rocc might be more your speed.

Amiya Baratan
Home Wellness Writer

Amiya is a Home Wellness Writer at Livingetc. She recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, and has lent her words to beauty, fashion, and health sections of lifestyle publications including Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s Health. Her experience as a research analyst has equipped her with an eye for emerging trends. When she’s off the clock, she can be found reading, listening to music, or overanalyzing her latest Co-Star update.