Reed diffusers are popular because they can fill a home with fragrance without the need for electric plug-ins, messy incense, or candles (which can be problematic in households with animals or young children).
Subtle in their appearance and suit any home aesthetic. But if you're new to the wonderful world of home fragrance this article tells you all you need to know about these lovely little bottles.
What are Reed Diffusers?
They come with three components: a small glass pot/jar/bottle, a set of stick-shaped reeds (which look like incense sticks), and liquid fragrance that is poured inside before the reeds are dipped into it.
How Do Reed Diffusers Work?
Reed diffusers are easy to use: just dip the reeds into whatever liquid you’re using and let them sit for a few hours before enjoying.
The reeds will absorb the liquid and emit an aroma naturally into the air. Just choose an area you wish to be filled with a fresh scent, the diffuser will do all of the work for you! No need for electricity, flames or sprays.
You'll need to use more reeds depending on the size of the space you're trying fill with aroma. For small spaces, such as a guest bathroom or toilet, one or two sticks should do it. If not, things can get overpowering!
What Are the Reeds Made From?
Generally, reeds are made from bamboo or rattan. You can also get fibre-based ones
Because rattan diffuses the oil’s aroma more effectively than bamboo can, it is preferable for making incense. However, because bamboo nodes often fill with scented oils during production and become clogged, rendering them ineffective at best and dangerous to handle at worst, bamboo sticks are less desirable for the casual user or home-made products but remain a popular choice in some regions.
The oil needs to travel up through the reed, so that it can enter and mix with the air outside of the glass bottle. But if all of the oil gets trapped inside a node (small area) within one section of reeds, then no fragrance will come out!
The Benefits of Reed Diffusers
Reed diffusers offer many advantages over other home-aroma methods. Some of these include:
- Unlike incense sticks, which create a dusty, messy brown ash that tends to smear when wiped; plug-in diffusers, which will add to your energy resource outgoings; or candles, which can be a fire hazard and are difficult if not impossible to clean up after use, reed diffusers are no hassle at all. They are self-sufficient and emit their aroma with the help of nothing other than the oil they are standing in.
- They can last for quite a long time. The oil creeps slowly up the reeds, and the material of their constructions holds onto it, so you don’t need to replace either very often, only when one wears out or loses its scent.
- Because the oil is long-lasting and doesn't need to be changed often, its aroma stays consistent.
- They can be moved from room to room easily and are convenient in situations where power outlets aren't readily available.
Fragrances made with natural fragrance oils are generally more safe than artificial ones. However, it is still recommended that you store them out of reach from young children and pets. - They’re vegan and environmentally-friendly, since they don't use any animal ingredients or create excess waste like aerosol cans would. The bottles are either reusable (if made of glass), or recyclable, and products such as bamboo and rattan biodegrade when disposed of properly.
- They're beautiful to look at. They blend in with any type of environment or décor theme, and the glass jar or bottle they come packed in often comes in different sizes, shapes, and colors.
- Unlike products that may affect those with respiratory issues, the way reed diffusers emit the aroma is completely natural and subtle, ideal for those who have sensitive or compromised systems. They generally don't contain harmful chemicals, so natural fragrances are perfect for them.
How Long Do Reed Diffusers Last?
Reed diffusers last about one month, unless they get knocked over or broken.
After thirty days, you will need fresh reeds to replace the old ones. Then all you have to do is top up your jar with oil again and insert the new reeds into it.
Reed Diffuser Maintenance
Caring for your reed diffuser properly will ensure its longevity and maximize effectiveness. Reed diffusers are low-maintenance, but still need some basic care:
- Flip the reeds every four to five days so that they stay moist and aromatic, as well as prolonging their inherent ability to emit a pleasing fragrance.
- Replace your reed sticks once a month, or when all of the oil has been absorbed.
When It Comes To Refilling Your Diffuser
As we noted above, once your diffuser oil is fully absorbed by the reeds and begins to lose its effectiveness, it's a good time to replace them.
You should wash the glass jar/bottle before refilling it because dust has likely gathered inside of it. Also, doing so will prevent any strange crossover smells if you decide to switch scents.
Clean the container with warm soapy water and allow it to dry thoroughly before refilling with oil.
Where Should You Place Your Reed Diffuser?
It's entirely up to you. Bathrooms and toilets are a great place for diffusers because they help maintain freshness, but really the only limit is your imagination!
However, keep in mind that smaller spaces will be more effective than larger ones since there is less space for the fragrance to dissipate. They should be kept away from any place where a child or pet might knock them over. It's also important to keep your diffusers out of reach when handling small children, they may mistake them for toys!
How to Control the Intensity of the Fragrance
Use fewer reeds for a milder effect, or more reeds to make the scent stronger. The size of your diffuser will also affect how strongly it smells.
For a smaller room, use one or two reeds and choose a fragrance that will still be pleasant after several weeks.
The first few weeks are the most fragrant, and then gradually become less so over time.