Your Ultimate Guide to Using Reed Diffusers

Adding a reed diffuser to your home is an excellent way to infuse your living space with a delightful fragrance.

Not only do reed diffusers provide a long-lasting and continuous scent, but they also serve as an elegant decorative element.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to use a reed diffuser in a simple and practical way, answering common questions and giving you some helpful tips.

Reeds: These are thin sticks that soak up the diffuser oil and release the fragrance into the air.

Base or Carrier Oil: This is the liquid that holds the fragrance together.

Diffuser Oil: A blend of essential oils or synthetic fragrance oils mixed with the carrier oil to create the desired scent. But did you know, alcohols like vodka can also be used to enhance the smell?

Now, let’s get to the practical stuff.

Setting Up Your Reed Diffuser

Using a reed diffuser at home is pretty straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

STEP 1:
Unbox your reed diffuser and use a cloth to open the lid of the reed diffuser bottles. Be careful not to spill or touch the oil inside, especially if you have sensitive skin.

STEP 2:
Ensure that pets, children, and anything else that could create a spill are out of the way of the diffuser.

TIP : If you are concerned that oil spills will harm the surface, lay a placemat, tray, or coaster under it to absorb them.

STEP 3:
Place the reeds carefully in the bottle. Now you have successfully set up your reed diffuser!

TIP : For a scent boost, all you need to do is to flip the reeds! To catch oil droplets, perform the task over a sink or trash can. Take note that the oil will evaporate more quickly if you flip the reeds more frequently.

Changing Oil in Your Reed Diffuser

You don’t have to buy a whole new diffuser when the oil runs out. Just refill it:

STEP 1:
When you discover that the oil has all evaporated, wash the jar thoroughly with soap and water, then let it air dry. Do this
twice if you plan on changing the scent of your diffuser.

STEP 2:
Fill the clean and dry bottle with a base oil of around one-fourth full. There are several base oils that you can choose from such as Safflower oil or Sweet Almond oil. Just make sure the oil you intend to use is not too thick as it will take a long time to travel up the reeds, and doesn’t have a strong smell as it will hinder the smell of your essential oils!

STEP 3:
Start with 30 drops of your chosen essential oil and if the scent is not strong enough, add more. You can also add in your alcohol at this point to enhance the scent.

STEP 4:
Add in your reed sticks.

STEP 5:
Each time you change the oil, replace the reeds as well. Reeds collect dust and oil over time, so removing reeds regularly will help your aroma to be as potent as possible. And you’re done!

TIP : If you want an even shorter method, try our MScents Reed Diffusers and Reeds Oil Refills! It requires no mixing and can be used straight away!

Things to Know When Buying a Reed Diffuser

There are many things that affect the quality and longevity of your reed diffuser like the materials of the reeds, the amount of reeds used, the thickness of the reeds just to name a few. Here is a quick rundown of all these factors!

1. Types of Reeds :

When selecting reeds for your diffuser, look for ones specifically designed for this purpose. The best reeds are made from natural materials, such as rattan, bamboo or fibre as they possess excellent capillary action for efficient fragrance release. Avoid using synthetic reeds, as they may not work as effectively.

• Ratan Reeds
  Natural rattan reeds are made from the rattan plant, a type of climbing palm that grows in tropical regions. The rattan vine is hollow in the middle, so the reeds are cut from the vine and then dried.
  
  This process makes them very strong and lightweight, which is why rattan is an excellent material for diffusers. Compared to bamboo sticks, rattan reeds have more clear hollows and do not have nodes, which interfere with smooth fragrance oil flow.
  
  Compared to fibre reeds, rattan reeds have a slower diffusion rate, meaning it takes longer to absorb and diffuse the fragrance. Or in other words, you need more reeds to achieve the same diffusion.
  
  Due to moderate diffusion, rattan reeds take longer to fill, meaning they don’t clog that fast. It’s also an eco-friendly and sustainable option because rattan reeds come from the second-fastest-growing plant.

• Bamboo Reeds
  Even though bamboo reeds are less effective than other types of reeds, they can be a good option if you’re looking for a more affordable and natural diffuser.
  
  Bamboo reeds also include nodes, obstructing the oil flow and reducing the fragrance diffusion capability. On the plus side, the bamboo plant grows quickly, making it a more sustainable and eco-friendly option.

• Fibre Reeds
  Fibre reeds refer to reeds that are produced specifically for the purpose of wicking oil and dispersing scent. These reeds are typically made from polyamides, commonly a blend of polyester and cotton.
  
  They possess a consistent porosity distribution, ensuring optimal oil dispersion throughout the reed. Due to their strong scent throw, the diffuser may not last as long, or a smaller number of reeds may be needed to achieve a milder fragrance.
  
  Unlike natural reeds, fibre reeds are available in different colours to complement various aesthetics and home decor. However, since they are manufactured from a plastic mixture, they are not as environmentally friendly or biodegradable as rattan or bamboo reeds.

2. Thickness of Reeds :

Reeds come in a variety of thickness. Thicker reeds will absorb more oil in a shorter time and give you a more intense smell compared to thinner ones. Any thickness works, honestly, and it really depends on preference!

3. Number of Reeds :

This depends on the size of the space and your preference of fragrance intensity. We recommend starting with 2-3 reeds and adjust the number of reeds if you want a milder or stronger scent.

4. Temperature of The Surroundings :

The temperature of the surroundings greatly impacts the scent emitted by a reed diffuser.

As temperature rises, the volatile aromatic compounds in the diffuser liquid evaporate more quickly, intensifying the fragrance in the air.

In cooler environments, the diffusion process slows down, resulting in a more subtle and subdued scent.

5. Changing Reeds :

To maintain a consistent and fresh fragrance, it is recommended to change the reeds every two to three months.

Over time, the reeds can become saturated with old oil and lose their ability to diffuse the scent effectively. By replacing the reeds regularly, you ensure optimal performance from your reed diffuser.

6. Flipping The Reeds :

Reversing the reeds is a simple but effective way to invigorate the fragrance.

As a general guideline, you can reverse the reeds every one to two weeks. This process helps refresh the oil on the exposed ends of the reeds, promoting a stronger scent release.

7. Longevity of The Diffuser :

The longevity of a reed diffuser depends on various factors, such as the quality of the diffuser oil, the size of the container, and the number of reeds used.

On average, a reed diffuser can last anywhere from two to four months. But a standard 100ml diffuser will last about a month and any company claiming otherwise is making a far-fetched claim.

However, keep in mind that the scent may gradually weaken over time. To ensure a consistent fragrance, consider replacing your diffuser oil or reeds accordingly.

Where to Put Your Reed Diffuser?

Place your reed diffuser in a well-ventilated area where airflow is present, such as the living room, bedroom, or hallway. The gentle breeze will help disperse the fragrance throughout the space.

Ideally, position the diffuser away from direct sunlight, as excessive heat can accelerate the evaporation of the oil.

Here are some ideas :

• Kitchen
  You can use a diffuser to mask the strong odours of certain foods as you cook. A diffuser of a standard size of 100ml should be able to cover the area sufficiently. You can use more reeds here depending on the amount of cooking you do and the size of your kitchen.
• Washrooms
  Make your toilets and bathrooms smell heavenly even after a long trip with a standard 100ml diffuser!
• Living Rooms
  Living rooms don’t possess strong odours but are typically larger than most rooms in a house. This is why we recommend you use a few standard sized diffusers or a larger diffuser to help spread the scent to every corner of the room.
• Bedrooms
  A bedroom is usually bigger than a kitchen or washroom, but smaller than a living room. Hence, we suggest that you use a medium sized diffuser with a few additional reeds.

You are all set to go!

By following these tips and suggestions, you can make the most out of your reed diffuser, enhancing the ambiance of your living space with beautiful fragrances.

Remember to change the reeds and oil periodically, position the diffuser appropriately, and maintain proper care to enjoy a long-lasting and delightful aromatic experience throughout your home.

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