What You Should Know About Reed Diffusers

Whether you live in a private home, apartment complex, or college dorm, most people like to add fragrance to their environment. But in some of these locations, candles are forbidden due to fire risk. Reed diffusers are quickly becoming a popular new trend in home scents with no guidelines preventing their use. 

These merely consist of rattan reeds placed in a glass bottle, jar, or even a ceramic pot, that holds a scented diffuser oil. All reed diffusers work when the “channels” running along the reed draw the oil from the container to the top of the reed, kind of reminiscent of a straw. The fragrance evaporates into the air creating the desired effect in your home. 

There is no heat or flame required with these as compared to a candle. The scent is released naturally disallowing a fire risk and no opportunity for soot to be released, meaning a much safer option.

The Fundamentals of Reed Diffusers and How to Use Them

Reed diffusers are becoming a popular alternative to candles for many people who are restricted from using candles based on their housing regulations and fire restrictions. While the essential oils are flammable and need to be kept away from open flames, the system requires no type of flame or heat in order to emit the fragrance.

The oil will cause the container holding it to leave a ring on any surface where it’s sitting, so it’s important to use a beverage coaster to avoid damages especially to wooden surfaces. 

As with any type of adult product containing chemicals, you should ensure these stable standing upright in a high location where children are unable to reach. You want to protect your children from potential harm and the oils are not to be ingested. Click here for tips and tricks on using your diffuser. For those new to the process, steps to follow include: 

FIRST STEP

Make sure you have your chosen oil in a glass or ceramic container and place the reeds (rattan not bamboo - rattan has the channels, bamboo does not) into the jar to soak in the oils. A good number to start with would be up to approximately 10 sticks.

SECOND STEP

Turn the reeds so the dry end goes into the bottle and the “oily” side is now extended outside the jar. You want to make sure you have a towel or cloth handy, so you don’t spill any of the oil on surfaces and to wipe the jar down after you switch sides.

THIRD STEP

The diffuser will naturally release the fragrance into the air. You can continue to refresh the scent by merely repeating the second step in flipping the sticks from the dryer side to the saturated side.  

Unfortunately, once you use a set of sticks for a particular scent, they can only be used for that fragrance. If you try to place them in another oil, these can mix with the new aroma and create an undesirable combination. 

You want to have a separate set for each individual scent. After a period of time, you’ll need to replace those that might be overly saturated or develop clogs in the channels. These won’t produce as strong of a fragrance letting you know it’s time for new.  

It’s important to remember not to fill the container completely full, only approximately ¾ of the way. And you don’t want to dilute the oils in any way with any other liquid or substance. This could prove to be potentially harmful depending on what you use. The diffuser products are specially mixed to provide simplistic wicking with no fuss and little maintenance on your part. The only requirement is to flip the reeds when you notice the fragrance has waned or if you want an extra strong scent. 

When you place your reed diffuser, you might choose to locate it near an area where there is sufficient air flow like a window or close to a vent. Doing so will allow the scent to travel through the space much quicker and further. On the other hand, it can also shorten the life of the reed diffuser because the oils will dissipate at a faster rate. For homemade DIY guidance go to https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/homemade-reed-diffusers-147411 .

Always use caution when using products around small kids and pets.