If you have a question that you don't see answered here, please E-Mail us and we will respond to you individually and your query may end up on this page, with your permission. Every essential oil has a different chemistry. Essential oils are categorized like notes on a scale. Light notes require you use more oil 50 drops or more to get the same diffusion as the lower notes that might use 15 to 30 drops.
Experimentation is the key.
You can expect the oils to last from 1 to 3 days per compartment. You can safely use your essential oils directly on the tray. Your oils will evaporate faster and you may get even slightly stronger diffusion. You will have to clean the tray, by soaking it in alcohol for 10 minutes. The pads are there to make clean up easier.