Reed Diffuser How To and Tips

What is a Reed Diffuser?

Reed diffusers are a great way to add constant fragrance to your home. The diffuser reeds soak up the fragrance oil and disperse the scent into the air. They last until all the fragrance oil evaporates. Diffusers work really well in places where you always want it to smell nice but can't keep an eye on a candle. Some great locations are in a foyer so you and your guests are greeted with a beautiful fragrance when you walk in, or in a powder room, closet or basement where you always want it to smell nice but you can't always keep an eye on a candle.

How to Set Up a Reed Diffuser

Some diffusers are packaged with the oil already in the vessel.  If that is the case, simply remove the stopper and insert the reeds.  If the oil is packaged in a separate bottle, add just a few ounces of the oil to the vessel and keep the remaining oil in the bottle in a cool, dark cabinet.  The oil will stay fresh longer in a tightly sealed container.  When necessary, simply add a few more ounces of oil to the diffuser vessel to maintain the fragrance.

Use caution when inserting the reeds as sometimes the level of the fragrance oil can raise enough to spill out the top of the vessel.  It always a good idea to set up a diffuser on a non-porous surface and clean any oil drips off the vessel before placing on a delicate counter top.

Tips on How to Use a Reed Diffuser

1. Place your diffuser in a high traffic area where the fragrance will disperse throughout the room with air circulation.  Another great spot is just inside the room near the door so you pick up the scent as you enter the room.  In many cases, think of a diffuser as a bouquet of flowers - you'll smell the fragrance as you walk by, but it won't necessarily fill the room with fragrance.  
2. Flip the reeds for more fragrance. You can flip a few reeds every few days or all the reeds everyday.  Keep in mind the more reeds you flip and the more often you flip them, the faster the fragrance oil will evaporate. 
3. Use caution when flipping the reeds. Flip the reeds over a wastebasket or sink and be sure to clean the vessel of any fragrance oil drips before placing on a delicate counter top.
4. Use a coaster or plate under your diffuser to keep any oil drips from damaging a precious counter top.
5. Flip all of the reeds on all of your diffusers before leaving for vacation. When you return home you'll be welcomed by an inviting fragrance rather than a stale, stuffy home.
6. Pick the right size diffuser for your room.  Diffusers are just like candles - the larger the diffuser, the greater the fragrance so these will work well in big rooms.  For example, Lafco diffusers work well in large spaces.  Smaller diffusers work well in smaller spaces like powder rooms and small bedrooms.  For example, the mini Voluspa Japonica diffusers work well in small spaces.
7. If you buy refill oil for your diffuser, clean out the vessel with soap and water and let it dry completely before you refill it. It’s better to start with fresh oil thancontinuously add to old oil.
8. When you change the oil, change the reeds. Reeds get dusty and clogged over time and lose efficiency. Not all reeds are the same. Manufacturers select the optimum reeds for their oil so it’s best to stick with the same brand. For example, buy K. Hall diffuser replacement reeds for K. Hall diffuser refill oil.
9. Make your own diffuser with a vessel you have at home.  Any small, non-porous container with a narrow opening (like a small wine bottle) will work well. Buy diffuser refill oil and a set of reeds and set up as described above and you're good to go!

What is your favorite diffuser brand?