Using Fragrance Sticks: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Reed diffusers are an effective way to fill a room with your favourite fragrance. They are long-lasting, convenient, and safe, as they don't require a flame. They are also decorative, adding a stylish touch to your home décor. Reed diffusers have three main components: fragrance oil, reed sticks, and a vessel. The fragrance oil is placed inside the vessel, and the reed sticks are inserted so that one end is submerged in the oil, while the other end is exposed to the air. The reeds then absorb the oil and disperse the scent through evaporation.

To use a reed diffuser, first, place a few paper towels under the vessel to catch any spills, and then pour the oil into the vessel until it is half to three-quarters full. Insert the reeds into the vessel, ensuring they are immersed in the oil, and wait a few minutes for the oil to be absorbed. Remove the reeds and flip them over, so the dry end is in the vessel and the saturated end is in the air. Spread the reeds out to allow air circulation, and place the diffuser in a well-ventilated area. Flip the reeds periodically to keep the scent strong and prevent clogging.

How to prepare the fragrance stick bottle

To prepare the fragrance stick bottle, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove the cap from the bottle containing the fragrance. If your diffuser comes with oil already inside, you can skip this step. Otherwise, pour the oil into the bottle until it is about half to three-quarters full. Be careful not to overfill the bottle, as this may cause the oil to overflow when you insert the reeds. Place a few paper towels underneath the bottle during this process to catch any spills, and avoid doing this on a wooden or delicate surface as the oil may stain.

Next, insert the reeds into the bottle, ensuring that the ends of the sticks are fully immersed in the fragrance. The number of reeds you add will determine the intensity of the scent, so add more reeds for a stronger fragrance and fewer reeds for a more subtle fragrance. Allow a few minutes for the reeds to absorb the oil.

Finally, carefully flip the reeds so that the saturated end is exposed to the air and the dry end is now in the bottle. This will help to kickstart the diffusion process and ensure the fragrance permeates your space.

Placing the fragrance sticks

The placement of your fragrance sticks is key to ensuring your reed diffuser works effectively. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you get the most out of your fragrance sticks:

• Number of Sticks: The number of sticks you use will depend on the size of the room and the desired fragrance intensity. For smaller rooms, such as bathrooms, it is recommended to use fewer sticks (around 4-6) to avoid an overwhelming scent. For larger spaces, you may need to use more sticks (6-10) to fill the entire space with fragrance.
• Immerse in Oil: When placing the sticks in the diffuser bottle, ensure that the ends of the sticks are fully immersed in the fragrance oil. This will allow the sticks to absorb the oil and disperse the scent effectively.
• Even Distribution: Make sure the sticks are evenly distributed within the bottle. This will ensure uniform diffusion of the scent and prevent certain areas from becoming too concentrated or overpowering.
• Air Circulation: Place the diffuser in an area with good air circulation to help spread the fragrance throughout the room. Avoid placing it in corners, or directly next to windows or air conditioning units, as this can affect the performance of the diffuser.
• Avoid Heat Sources: Keep the diffuser away from direct heat sources or sunlight. This will not only affect the fragrance but can also impact the lifespan of the diffuser.
• Central Placement: For maximum fragrance throw, place the diffuser in the centre of the room. This will allow the scent to disperse evenly and reach all areas of the space.
• Surface Protection: Fragrance oils can stain or damage certain surfaces, such as wood. Always place the diffuser on a suitable surface or use a coaster to protect your furniture.
• Flip Sticks: To refresh the fragrance, periodically flip the sticks (around once a week) so that the saturated end is in the bottle and the dry end is exposed to the air. This will help to intensify the scent and prevent the sticks from becoming clogged.

Adjusting the fragrance intensity

The number of sticks inserted into the bottle will determine the strength of the fragrance. If you want a more subtle fragrance, use fewer sticks. For example, in a small space like a bathroom, you may only need 4 out of 10 diffuser sticks. Conversely, if you want a stronger fragrance, increase the number of sticks used. For a larger, more open space, you may need to use more sticks to fill the room with your chosen scent.

You can also adjust the intensity of the fragrance by flipping the sticks. The more often you flip the sticks, the more fragrance will be released as this exposes more of the sticks to the air, allowing the oil to evaporate more quickly. If you want a stronger fragrance, flip the sticks more often. If you prefer a more subtle scent, you can reduce the frequency with which you flip the sticks.

Positioning the fragrance diffuser

Positioning your fragrance diffuser is a key step in ensuring your space is filled with your chosen scent. Here are some tips for placing your diffuser for optimal results:

Choose a Well-Ventilated Area

Place your diffuser in an area with good airflow and circulation. This will help the fragrance spread more effectively throughout the room. However, be mindful that placing it near a window or vent may cause the oil to dissipate faster, reducing the lifespan of your diffuser. So, it's worth trying a less airy spot first and adjusting if needed.

Avoid Direct Heat and Sunlight

Direct heat sources and sunlight can affect the performance and lifespan of your diffuser. Keep your diffuser away from radiators, stoves, or other heat-emitting appliances. Placing it in a cool, shady spot will help the fragrance last longer, even if the bottle gets a little warm from the sun.

Consider the Size of the Room

The number of reeds and the placement of your diffuser will depend on the size of the room. For smaller spaces, like bathrooms or foyers, use fewer reeds (around 4-6) to prevent an overwhelming scent. For larger areas, increase the number of reeds and consider positioning the diffuser centrally to help the fragrance reach all areas of the room.

Think About Traffic Flow

Place your diffuser in an area where people will walk by and benefit from the scent. Think of it like a vase of flowers—you want people to be able to appreciate the fragrance as they pass by.

Protect Your Surfaces

Fragrance oils can stain or damage certain surfaces, especially wooden ones. Always place your diffuser on a coaster, or on a glass or ceramic surface, to protect your furniture. And remember to wipe the bottom of the bottle before placing it on any surface, in case of spills or leaks.

Rotating the fragrance sticks

Firstly, it is recommended to rotate the sticks every few days or every one to two weeks. This will help to renew the surface of the sticks and prevent them from becoming clogged with dust or oil. A clogged reed will hinder the fragrance oil from diffusing properly, resulting in a weaker scent.

When rotating the sticks, it is important to be careful and avoid spilling any oil onto your furniture. Place a paper towel or tissue underneath the diffuser before beginning, and always rotate the sticks over a sink or trash can. You may also want to use a tissue to hold the sticks, to keep your fingers from getting oily.

To rotate the sticks, simply remove them from the diffuser bottle and flip them over, so that the dry end of the stick is now closest to the bottle and the saturated end is in the air. Then, place the unsaturated end of the sticks back into the bottle.

If you want to increase the intensity of the fragrance, you can also add more reeds to your diffuser. However, remember that in smaller spaces, using fewer reeds can be more effective as it may become overwhelming if the scent is too strong.

Frequently asked questions