Antonio Mcgowan
Reed diffusers are an excellent way to fill your home with a gentle scent and aromatherapy benefits. However, commercial diffusers can be expensive and may contain artificial fragrances that are harmful to your health and the environment. Making your own reed diffuser at home is a cheap, easy, and customizable alternative. All you need are a few simple materials: a narrow-necked glass bottle, reeds or bamboo skewers, a base or carrier oil, and your choice of essential oils. With these ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can create unique and beautiful fragrances that fill your space with natural, fresh scents.
How to make a homemade reed diffuser and fragrance oil:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Glass or ceramic bottle with a narrow opening at the top |
| Reeds | Rattan reeds, bamboo skewers, twigs or reed diffuser sticks |
| Base oil | Sweet almond, safflower, grapeseed, sunflower oil, or vodka and water |
| Essential oils | Vetiver, grapefruit, petitgrain (bitter orange), geranium, eucalyptus, lavender, cinnamon, spearmint, rosemary, lemongrass, citrus, etc. |
| Additional items | Alcohol, water, funnel |
| Cost | $3-11 |
| Benefits | Cheap, easy, customisable, natural, safer than commercial diffusers, gentle scent, aromatherapy benefits, stylish |
| Tips | Use several reed diffusers for larger spaces, flip the reeds over several times a week, replace reeds once a month or as they get clogged |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a container
Material
The best containers for reed diffusers are typically made of glass or ceramic. Glass containers are easy to find and provide a stylish look, while ceramic containers offer a more rustic or artisanal feel. If you opt for ceramic, just be sure that the container is glazed inside to prevent leakage.
Narrow Neck or Opening
It is recommended to choose a container with a narrow neck or opening. This is because a wider opening will cause the oils to evaporate more quickly, reducing the longevity of your fragrance. A narrow opening allows for a slower, more controlled release of the scent.
Size and Proportion
The size of the container should be proportional to the reeds or diffusing materials you plan to use. Ideally, the reeds should be about twice as tall as the container. This ensures that the reeds can effectively distribute the fragrance throughout the space.
Aesthetics
The beauty of making your own reed diffuser is that you can customise it to fit your unique style. Choose a container that complements your home décor or personal taste. Consider the colour, shape, and design of the container to create a stylish statement piece.
Cost
Containers for reed diffusers can range in price, but they don't have to be expensive. You can often find affordable options at thrift stores, craft stores, or even online. Keep in mind that you can always repurpose containers you already own, such as vases or bottles, to save costs.
By considering these factors when choosing a container, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing reed diffuser that enhances the fragrance experience in your space.
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Selecting carrier oils
Selecting the right carrier oil for your reed diffuser is crucial. The carrier oil can significantly affect your aromatherapy experience and the overall success of your homemade diffuser. The base oil should be thin in consistency and liquid at room temperature. This will increase the chances of saturation and allow the oil to travel up the reed stick more easily.
Some carrier oils that are well-suited to be used as base oils include those with a neutral scent profile and moderate viscosity, such as sweet almond oil, which is perhaps the most widely available and budget-friendly option. Other options include safflower oil, grapeseed oil, and fractionated coconut oil. Fractionated coconut oil differs from regular coconut oil in that it does not become solid at room temperature, providing your reed diffuser with a nice clear base.
It is important to note that heavily scented oils may alter the fragrance profile of the essential oils you combine with the base. However, this can also be used to your advantage by choosing a scented base oil that complements the notes in your chosen essential oils.
If you are struggling to find a suitable carrier oil, you can also use alcohol instead. However, be aware that using alcohol may cause the oils to evaporate more quickly into the air.
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Picking essential oils
When picking essential oils, it's important to consider the scent you want to create. You can blend two or more oils to create a unique fragrance. For example, cinnamon and lavender or spearmint and rosemary are great combinations. You can also add a tablespoon of perfume or a couple of drops of essential oil to your base oil to create a high-end fragrance.
It is also important to consider the type of essential oil you are using. Thinner essential oils, like citrus oils, evaporate faster and are considered “top notes.” Heavier, fixative essential oils (base or middle notes) help the scent last longer. Oils like sweet almond, safflower, and grapeseed are commonly used as carrier oils and are lighter, allowing them to travel up the reeds more easily. However, regular vegetable oil is too thick and will not work. You can also use alcohol instead of a carrier oil to help thin the oil mixture and bind them together so they can travel up the reeds more effectively.
Additionally, some essential oils can be harmful to children and pets, so it is important to do your research before using them. For example, lemongrass and ylang-ylang are too harsh for children's skin but are safe to diffuse.
By blending different essential oils and considering their properties, you can create a natural, safe, and elegant reed diffuser with your desired fragrance.
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Blending oils
When blending oils for a reed diffuser, it is important to use light, neutral carrier oils such as sweet almond oil, safflower oil, or fractionated coconut oil. These oils are necessary to carry the fragrance up through the reeds and into the air. You can also use alcohol or vodka instead of a carrier oil, but these may evaporate more quickly. The general ratio for blending essential oils and carrier oil is 30% essential oil to 70% base oil. However, you can experiment with the percentages to achieve your desired scent strength.
To create a custom fragrance, you can blend two or more essential oils. For example, you can combine cinnamon and lavender or spearmint and rosemary. You can also add depth and variety to your fragrance by using unique and affordable oils like vetiver, grapefruit, petitgrain, or geranium. It is important to do your research and ensure that the essential oils you choose are safe for children and pets.
The strength of your reed diffuser can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of drops of essential oil. A good starting point is to use 20 to 30 drops of essential oil per 1/4 cup of carrier oil or water. If using alcohol or vodka, add a small amount to help bind the oils. Remember to flip the reeds regularly to disperse more fragrance and replace them once they become clogged.
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Adding reeds
When adding reeds to your homemade reed diffuser, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that the reeds you use are made from the right material. Rattan reeds are commonly used in commercial diffusers because they contain small channels that help the oil travel up the stick and distribute the scent effectively. While bamboo skewers are an option, they are not as porous, and the oil may not travel up the sticks as easily. If you do use bamboo skewers, be sure to cut off the pointed ends before placing them in your diffuser. Alternatively, you can use twigs from outside, which are not only free but also perfect for diffusing. Just make sure to bake them in an oven at 200 degrees for 45 minutes to get rid of any bugs.
The length of your reeds is also important. Ideally, your reeds should be about twice as tall as your jar so that they can distribute the scent well. If you are using a bottle with a narrow opening, you will need to adjust the number of reeds accordingly. For example, if you are using a bottle with a very narrow opening, you may only need 3-4 reeds, while a wider bottle opening may require 6-8 reeds.
When placing the reeds in your diffuser, simply put them into the jar opening. The number of reeds you use will depend on the size of your container. It is recommended to fill as much of the bottle opening as possible with reeds to reduce evaporation. You can always adjust the number of reeds later if needed.
Once your reeds are in place, you will need to maintain them to ensure your diffuser works effectively. Every few days, flip the reeds over to disperse more of the fragrance. As the mixture evaporates, you can top it off with more oils. When the reeds become completely saturated, simply replace them with new ones.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a glass or ceramic container with a narrow opening at the top, reed diffuser sticks, a base oil, and essential oils.
You can use any light oil such as sweet almond, safflower, or grapeseed oil. Alternatively, you can use alcohol instead of a base oil.
You can use any essential oils you like, but if you have pets, make sure to do your research as some essential oils can be harmful to dogs and cats. Common choices include eucalyptus, lavender, and citrus oils.
For a stronger scent, use 30% essential oil to 70% base oil. For a weaker scent, use 20-25 drops of essential oil per 1/4 cup of base oil.
Pour the carrier oil and essential oils into your glass jar. Place the reeds into the jar, making sure they are long enough to distribute the scent well. Flip the reeds over several times a week to refresh the fragrance.
