Reed Diffuser Oil: Can You Use It In A Water Aroma Diffuser?

Reed diffusers are a great way to fill your home with the scent of essential oils. They are also easy to make at home. All you need is a glass or ceramic container with a narrow opening, essential oils, a base liquid (oil or water), a binder (vodka or rubbing alcohol), and reeds or bamboo skewers.

To make your own reed diffuser, simply blend your chosen essential oils with your base liquid and binder, pour the mixture into your container, and place the reeds or skewers inside. The oil will travel up the reeds or skewers, releasing the scent into the air.

Experiment with different essential oil combinations to find your favorite scents, and be sure to flip the reeds or skewers regularly to refresh the scent.

The base liquid: oil or water?

The base liquid for a reed diffuser can be either oil or water. The choice of base liquid depends on the desired consistency and evaporation rate of the diffuser liquid.

Using Oil as the Base Liquid

Oil is a popular choice for reed diffuser liquid as it is naturally fragrant and can be easily infused with essential oils. However, oil has a higher viscosity than water, which means it may not travel up the diffuser reeds as easily. To improve the flow of oil up the reeds, a thinner carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or safflower oil can be used.

Using Water as the Base Liquid

Water is another option for the base liquid in a reed diffuser. It has the advantage of being less viscous than oil, which means it will travel up the diffuser reeds more easily. However, water and oil do not naturally mix, so an emulsifier or binder such as alcohol (vodka or rubbing alcohol) or Polysorbate-20 is needed to create a stable mixture. Using water as the base liquid also results in a less greasy mixture, which is preferable to some users.

The binder: vodka or rubbing alcohol?

When making your own reed diffuser liquid, you'll need a binding agent to help the oil bind with the water. Alcohol is used for this purpose. A homemade reed diffuser recipe will usually call for either vodka or rubbing alcohol. Vodka is often preferred as both witch hazel and rubbing alcohol have a strong scent that can interfere with your essential oils. However, if you don't have vodka, rubbing alcohol will work just as well. The alcohol smell will fade fast and won't come back.

If you are using vodka, you can use any percentage. However, if you are using rubbing alcohol, it is recommended to use 99% or 90% if possible. 70% can also be used, but the smell may be stronger and linger for longer.

The amount of vodka or rubbing alcohol you will need depends on the size of your bottle. For a small bottle, you can use 1 tablespoon of vodka or 2 teaspoons of rubbing alcohol. For a bigger bottle, you can increase the measurements.

The sticks: reeds or bamboo skewers?

When it comes to the sticks used in reed diffusers, there are a few options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of sticks used are reeds and bamboo skewers, but fibre reeds are also an option.

Reeds

Reeds, specifically rattan reeds, are one of the most recommended types of diffuser sticks. Rattan reeds have small tunnels that allow essential oils to travel up the stem and diffuse a refreshing scent. This makes them an excellent option for oil wicking. When using rattan reeds, it is best to let them soak in the fragrance oil for at least 30 minutes before use. Rattan reeds also tend to last longer than other types, as they are less likely to become saturated or clogged, resulting in a slower diffusion of essential oils. To enhance the natural aesthetic of rattan reeds, consider using oils with earthy or woody scents such as sandalwood or vetiver.

Bamboo Skewers

Bamboo skewers, also known as bamboo reeds, are another option for diffuser sticks. However, they are less porous than rattan reeds, making them more prone to clogging or oversaturation from thick fragrance oils. To improve the diffusion of scent with bamboo skewers, it is recommended to use water as the fragrance liquid instead of a carrier oil. While bamboo skewers may be less effective in diffusing strong scents, they remain a pure and natural alternative to synthetic reeds. For those seeking a light and natural diffuser, bamboo skewers are a good choice.

Fibre Reeds

Fibre reeds are a synthetic option, typically made from materials like terylene or cotton. They are designed specifically for effective oil wicking and scent diffusion, thanks to their uniform porosity distribution. Fibre reeds are highly absorbent and can be matched to a variety of home aesthetics as they come in a range of colours. However, due to the use of synthetic materials, fibre reeds have a higher environmental impact than natural reeds.

In conclusion, when deciding between reeds or bamboo skewers for your reed diffuser, consider the advantages and limitations of each. Reeds, especially rattan reeds, offer better diffusion of scents due to their porous nature, while bamboo skewers provide a more natural and pure alternative, even if they may be less effective in scent diffusion. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences for your reed diffuser.

The fragrance: essential oils

The fragrance is the fun part! Essential oils can be blended in so many ways to create a unique scent for your reed diffuser. You can either play it nice and simple with one or two essential oils, or you can get creative and experiment with different oil blends to create all kinds of lovely aromatic concoctions.

• Cinnamon and lavender
• Spearmint and rosemary
• Peppermint and wild orange
• Lavender and lemon and rosemary
• Cinnamon and wild orange
• Grapefruit and lemon and lime
• Lavender and eucalyptus
• Juniper berry and lavender
• Bergamot and patchouli

You can find essential oils at your local health food store or order them online. Some recommended brands are Plant Therapy and NOW. These brands also carry pre-made blends to save you the effort of finding the right fragrance combination.

The bottle: small opening to prevent quick evaporation

When making your own reed diffuser, it's important to choose the right kind of jar. The smaller the opening of the jar, the slower your oils will evaporate. So, if you want your diffuser to last longer, opt for a jar with a narrow neck. For example, small, short jars with a narrow opening at the top, old perfume bottles, small oil bottles, small vases, or spice jars and shakers.

If you can't find a jar with a small enough opening, you can always modify it. For instance, if you find a jar you like that has a large opening, you can drill a smaller hole in the cork or lid to create a smaller opening. This will help slow down the evaporation of your oils.

Additionally, the type of oil you use can also affect evaporation rates. Oils like safflower and sweet almond oil are recommended as they are lighter and will travel up the reeds more easily. Heavier oils, like coconut oil or vegetable oil, may be too thick and won't wick up the reeds as effectively.

Frequently asked questions