Katrina Rosales
Reed diffusers are a stylish and safe way to fill your home with fragrance. Unlike candles, they don't pose a fire hazard, and unlike plug-in air fresheners, they don't require electricity. While store-bought diffusers can be expensive and limited in their range of scents, homemade diffusers are a cost-effective alternative that gives you full control over the fragrance and design of your diffuser. With just a few household items and essential oils, you can create a unique and luxurious scent experience for your home.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a vase
You can source a vase from a thrift store or recycle a glass bottle, such as a small juice bottle or an old perfume bottle. This is a great way to upcycle and create a unique diffuser. If you are using a recycled bottle, be cautious when cutting it to size, as a dull blade or scissors may cause splintering and leave a jagged edge.
The size of the vase is also important. The reeds or diffuser sticks should be about twice as tall as the vase to distribute the scent effectively. You may need to cut the reeds to size, especially if you have a vase that is not very sturdy, as shorter reeds will increase stability.
Finally, consider the style of the vase and how it will match your aesthetic and the space where the diffuser will be placed. You can choose a simple, elegant design or something more decorative and ornate. The vase should complement your chosen reeds or sticks and enhance the overall look of your homemade reed diffuser.
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Selecting the right reeds
It is recommended to use diffuser reeds as they function better than wooden skewers. Diffuser reeds are typically made from rattan, which contains small channels that help the oil travel up the stick and scent the room. Rattan reeds are more porous than bamboo skewers, allowing the oil to travel more easily. Make sure your reeds are about twice as tall as your jar or vase for optimal scent distribution.
If you opt for wooden skewers, you may need to cut off the spiked ends, especially if you have young children or pets. However, keep in mind that wooden skewers may not be as effective at diffusing the scent.
The number of reeds you use will also impact the strength of the scent. For a stronger fragrance, use more reeds. Typically, 3-8 reeds are sufficient, but you can adjust this based on your preference and the size of your space.
To maintain your diffuser, remember to rotate the reeds regularly. Flip the reeds after the first hour or when half-saturated. For a continuous scent, flip the reeds once a week and replace the oil mixture monthly. If the scent starts to fade, remove the reeds, place them upside down, and re-insert them into the oil.
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Preparing the oil mixture
When preparing the oil mixture, it's important to note that the scent of a homemade diffuser is usually milder than store-bought ones. It is recommended to place the diffuser in a small area, like a bathroom, rather than a large room. You can also add vodka to the diffuser to help the oils travel up the reeds.
To prepare the oil mixture, you can use either perfumer's alcohol, rubbing alcohol, or witch hazel. You will need a quarter cup of unscented baby oil or another unscented or lightly scented oil like almond, mineral, safflower, or jojoba oil. Add 3 tablespoons of alcohol to the oil and then add 20 to 25 drops of your chosen essential oil. If you want to use a perfume, add a tablespoon to the mixture. You can also use Augeo Clean Multi, a solvent made from glycerin, as a base for the oil mixture. It has a low evaporation rate and is very soluble, making it a perfect base solvent.
If you have pets, be sure to research whether your chosen oil is considered toxic to them. Some essential oils can be harmful to dogs and cats.
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Combining the oil and reeds
Next, you will need to prepare your oil mixture. Pour your carrier oil into the jar, adding your essential oils and any additional ingredients, such as alcohol or flower water, to enhance the fragrance. The amount of each ingredient will vary depending on the recipe you are following, but a typical mixture might include around 60ml of carrier oil and 5-10ml of essential oil. You can also add a small amount of vodka or rubbing alcohol to help the oils travel up the reeds.
Once your oil mixture is ready, it's time to add the reeds. Place 5-8 reeds into the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged in the oil. After about 10 minutes, remove the reeds and turn them over so that the dry end is now in the oil. This will help the oil travel up the reeds and start diffusing the scent.
To maintain the fragrance, it is recommended to flip the reeds regularly, about once a week, and replace the oil mixture monthly. If you notice the scent starting to fade before a month, you can try removing the reeds, placing them upside down, and then reinserting them to refresh the fragrance.
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Maintaining the fragrance
To keep the fragrance strong, flip the reeds every week and replace the oil mixture once a month. You can also try taking the reeds out and placing them back in the liquid upside down. It is recommended that you rotate the diffuser rods so that the dry end goes into the liquid and then back out the following time. You will need to replace the rods every four to six months, when they no longer diffuse the fragrance.
To make the scent stronger, you can also add more essential oil to the mixture. It is recommended that you use a vase with a narrow opening to slow down the rate of evaporation.
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Frequently asked questions
Homemade reed diffusers are a great way to fill your house with a scent you love without the fire hazards of candles or the limitations of store-bought diffusers. They are also cost-effective, eco-friendly, and customisable.
You will need a glass or ceramic vase with a narrow opening, 5-8 reed diffuser sticks or wooden skewers, 60ml of carrier oil (e.g. sweet almond oil), and 20-25 drops of your chosen essential oil blend. You can also add alcohol to help the oils travel up the reeds.
First, prepare your vase and reeds. If using wooden skewers, cut off the pointed ends and trim the reeds to fit your vase. Next, pour the carrier oil and essential oils into the vase and add alcohol if desired. Swirl to combine. Then, place the reeds into the oil and turn them after 10 minutes. For a stronger scent, flip the reeds once a week and replace the oil mixture monthly.
Yes, be cautious when cutting bamboo skewers as they may splinter. Additionally, if you have pets, research your chosen essential oils to ensure they are not considered toxic.
