Why do you need a reed diffuser?

There are some areas of the house where an electric diffuser just isn’t feasible. There isn’t always a powerpoint or sometimes there isn’t enough space for a large diffuser. This is often the case in bathrooms and toilets where we would like to improve the aroma permanently, but you can’t put an electric diffuser in there. Making your own reed diffuser can be the perfect solution for such rooms!

Step 1: Choose your container

Any container will work, but typically they are glass jars that have a narrow opening at the top. The narrow opening helps prevent evaporation, but theoretically that is what you want to happen anyway so a bit more doesn’t really matter. A wider opening may also mean the scent is stronger so keep that in mind as well.

My recommendation: use something you’ve already got at home or go and check out your local op-shop for something suitable.

Step 2: Choose your base liquid

Your choices are many and varied – but I recommend two options: 1. an oil base or 2. an alcohol base. An oil base can be as simple as Fractionated Coconut Oil or another oil that has no scent (to allow the essential oils to shine through). An alcohol base can be a high percentage rubbing alcohol or vodka.

My recommendation: I use fractionated coconut oil for reed diffusers that are out of reach of the children and a mix of vodka and water for the ones that they could possibly knock or tip over. I would rather clean up a mess of alcohol than oil.

Step 3: Choose your reeds

There are so many different types of reed materials that are suitable for these diffusers. These include everything from simple bamboo skewers to authentic rattan reeds.

My recommendation: I use the rattan reeds as they are specifically designed for this purpose. They have many hollow tubes inside each reed to transport the liquid up and out into the air surrounding the diffuser. You do not need to turn these reeds upside down regularly to make the scent continue. In fact you should never have to turn them upside down. You just refill the liquid when it runs out.

Step 4: Choose your essential oils

Remember you only want natural pure essential oils in your reed diffuser. Your choice of essential oils is a completely personal thing – not everyone likes the same smells. Common essential oils that smell amazing in bathrooms and toilets include Citrus Bliss, Wild Orange, Purify, Clearify, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus and many more.

My recommendation: whatever you like is best! My favourites are Lemongrass, Eucalyptus and Wild Orange (I alternate between these oils).

Sample recipe with oil base

1. Add 1/4 cup of Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil to your chosen container
2. Add 15 drops of your chosen essential oil
3. Add 4 to 10 reeds
4. Wait – it may take up to a day for the reeds to suck up your mixture and for it to reach the air for you to smell – and then enjoy.

Sample recipe with alcohol base

1. Add 1/4 cup of distilled water to your chosen container
2. Add 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol or vodka to the water
3. Add 15 drops of your chosen essential oil
4. Add 4 to 10 reeds
5. Wait – it may take up to a day for the reeds to suck up your mixture and for it to reach the air for you to smell – and then enjoy.