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Reed diffusers have a certain undisputable elegance and charm. They look beautiful in any setting and diffuse their aroma quietly and unobtrusively. Once you learn how to use a reed diffuser, you’ll have a simple and stylish way to add a lovely aroma to your home or workspace.
If you’re new to using this aromatherapy accessory, it helps to first understand how a reed diffuser works and how to use it. This will help you enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in a safe, stylish, and affordable manner.
What Is A Reed Diffuser?
A reed diffuser is a type of passive diffuser for essential oils. Passive diffusers disperse scents into the atmosphere through absorption and evaporation. Unlike nebulizing and ultrasonic diffusers, they don’t use any active mechanism.
A reed diffuser uses thin, naturally absorbent rattan or bamboo sticks that disperse its fragrance into the air.
It consists of a glass or ceramic container that contains scented oil, carrier oil, and a bundle of thin reeds or sticks that are inserted into the oil.
The carrier oil is added to dilute the essential oil and also to help it disperse more steadily. On their own, essential oils are highly volatile and would evaporate way too quickly.
The reed diffuser sticks are naturally absorbent. When dipped in the bottle, the reed diffuser sticks absorb the oils slowly until they are completely oil-soaked from the bottom end to the top end. This helps to carry the aroma out of the bottle and disperse it into the atmosphere.
How Does A Reed Diffuser Work
The secret lies in the oils and the reeds that are used.
The oil is a combination of essential oils and a carrier oil. The essential oils provide the aroma and the carrier oil helps to dilute and steady the diffusion of the essential oil.
The reed diffuser sticks used are always porous. That’s important. When placed in the container, the bottom end of the reeds absorbs the oils, which travel up the reed through capillary action.
As the oil reaches the top of the reed, it evaporates and releases its aroma into the air.
The diffuser continuously releases fragrance into the air as long as there is oil in the container and the reeds are in contact with it.
It can provide a continuous aroma for several weeks or even months, depending on the size of the container and the amount of oil used.
How To Use Reed Diffusers
Learning how to use a reed diffuser is key to getting the most out of this type of aromatherapy diffuser.
Most readymade containers come with a cork stopper or a screw-on cap that seals the contents. The reed diffuser sticks come separately.
Remove the bottle stopper carefully, taking care not to spill the contents.
Insert the reed sticks into the bottle making sure the bottom of the reeds are in contact with the oil.
How many reeds should you add to the bottle? It depends on the scent intensity you want. Add one or two reeds for a subtle scent. If you want a stronger scent, add three or more reeds to the bottle.
If this is your first time using this type of diffuser, I strongly recommend starting with fewer reed diffuser sticks. You can then adjust the intensity by inserting additional reeds one at a time so the scent is not overpowering.
Flip the reeds after a few hours. This helps to saturate the dry ends with the fragrance oil and maximize the scent throw.
The aroma typically last for several weeks, depending on the size of the bottle, the number of reeds used, and whether you use it continuously or only occasionally.
Check the fragrance level regularly and add more oil as needed.
Benefits Of Using A Reed Diffuser
Reed diffusers offer a couple of benefits that make them preferable to other types of diffusers under certain circumstances.
They offer a practical diffusing solution in a room that does not have an available plug point.
They are also better to use for aromatherapy purposes in smaller rooms such as a bathroom or a small study. This is because they emit an aroma that is subtler than that emitted by larger ultrasound or nebulizing diffusers.
Whether you want to create a cozy atmosphere in your kitchen, add a refreshing scent to your bathroom, or bring some energy to your workspace, knowing how to use a reed diffuser can help you achieve your desired ambiance.
How To Choose The Best Reed Diffuser For You
These sets come in a variety of aromas and decorative containers, making it easy to find one that suits your taste and decor.
There are a few important factors you need to consider when choosing the best reed diffuser for you.
Type Of Oil – The containers may contain synthetic fragrance oils or natural essential oils. Although both have pleasant aromas, I strongly recommend only using reed diffusers with essential oils. Essential oils are safe to inhale and offer powerful benefits in addition to refreshing aromas.
Aroma – The aroma depends on the essential oil used. Some contain a single essential oil, others may contain a blend of two or more essential oils. Choose a scent that suits your preferences and the benefits you wish to avail of.
Container Material – Top-quality reed diffusers with essential oils will always come packed in a glass or ceramic container. Glass containers do not react with essential oils, which helps to protect the properties and benefits of the oil. On the other hand, essential oils will eat into plastic containers, damaging the oil as well as the container.
Container Style – Reed diffuser bottles double as lovely décor accessories even when they’re not in use. With that in mind, it does help to choose a bottle in a style that complements your décor.
The most important thing is to make sure you buy a reed diffuser with pure essential oils and not one with fragrance oils. Fragrance oils contain synthetic ingredients that don’t offer any benefits. Sometimes they can also be toxic.
Using a reed diffuser with pure essential oils allows you to get the aroma as well as the benefits of the oil in the diffuser.
The Yankee Candles brand makes the best reed diffusers with essential oils. You can find these in a wide range of aromas.
Are Reed Diffusers Safe To Use?
Yes, they are generally considered safe as they don’t require heat or electricity to work but you do need to take a few precautions.
Keep reed diffuser bottles out of reach of children and pets at all times Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic if ingested. Even when the container is empty, the glass can break, resulting in serious injuries.
Place the reed diffuser base on a steady surface to prevent it from toppling over.
Avoid inhaling essential oils if you are pregnant or nursing.
How To Use Reed Diffusers: FAQS
What types of aromas are available for reed diffusers?
They come in a wide variety of aromas, ranging from floral and fruity to woody and spicy. Some popular fragrances include lavender, vanilla, citrus, sandalwood, and cinnamon.
Can I adjust the strength of the aroma in my reed diffuser?
Yes, it’s easy to adjust the strength of the aroma by adding or removing reeds. The more reeds you add, the stronger the scent will be.
How many reed diffuser sticks do I need to use?
There’s no single option that’s right for everyone. The right number of reed diffuser sticks will depend on how strong you want the aroma to be. Add fewer reeds for a subtle aroma and more for a stronger scent.
How often should I replace the oil in my reed diffuser?
You need to replace the oil when it is no longer fragrant or has evaporated completely. Depending on the size of the bottle and the number of reeds used, this could be anywhere from several weeks to several months.
How long do reed diffusers last?
The lifespan of varies depending on the size of the bottle, the number of reeds used, and how often it is used. On average, the aroma can last anywhere from several weeks to several months.
How do I make my reed diffuser last longer?
To make the conents last longer, place it in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. You can also flip the reeds every few days to help the fragrance last longer.
Can I reuse reed diffuser sticks?
It is possible to reuse reeds, but it is not recommended. Over time, the reeds will become saturated with oil, making it difficult for them to absorb new scents. It is best to replace the reeds when they are fully saturated.
Where can I buy refills for reed diffusers?
You can find a wide variety of reed diffuser refills on Amazon. These can be from the same brand or from another brand.
Can I make my own reed diffuser with essential oils?
Yes, it is possible to make your own reed diffuser. You will need a glass or ceramic container, essential oil, and reeds. You can find detailed instructions in this article on how to make your own reed diffuser with essential oils.
How do I dispose of the used container and accessories?
Reed diffuser sticks are biodegradable so you can simply remove them and discard them in the trash. The glass or ceramic container can be recycled or repurposed but be sure to check the instructions before doing so.
If you have any more questions on how to use a reed diffuser, feel free to ask in the comments below
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
