When to Use a DIY Reed Diffuser
DIY Reed Diffuser: Learn how to make a reed diffuser – boho style with 9 essential oil reed diffuser recipes for your homemade diffuser.
If you were to knock on my door to borrow a cup of sugar or, more likely, an essential oil, chances are you would find an essential oil candle lighting the entryway and a diffuser humming in the living room adjacent.
It’s no secret that I love personalizing a space with scent.
While I enjoy the comfort of glowing handmade candles, I appreciate the aromatherapy most. Not to mention, I don’t feel comfortable leaving a candle burning when I am not keeping an eye on it.
Plug-in air fresheners are not an option in our home – they make me sneeze and give me headaches. Really, I shouldn’t be surprised as research shows commercial air fresheners significantly contribute to indoor air pollution. I can’t even walk into some stores because the fragrances are too overwhelming.
Plus, plug-in air fresheners smell so FAKE after years of using the real deal. Don’t you agree?
Why not use an essential oil diffuser? Well, some spaces just don’t have room for a diffuser or an outlet within reach.
So when I want to create a subtle ambiance for those spaces in our home that aren’t ideal for candles or diffusers, I turn to an essential oil reed diffuser.
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What is a reed diffuser?
A reed diffuser allows aromatherapy oils to travel slowly up reeds held in a container and then be released into the air.
Reed diffuser sticks are made from natural wood such as rattan reeds or bamboo. Similar to that of a vase of fresh flowers, reed diffusers gently fill a space with an aroma. The closer you are to the reeds, the more you’ll smell them.
DIY reed diffusers are not a new concept. In fact, natural wood reed diffusers are a great method for getting started with essential oils. And they are one of the easiest DIY essential oil projects one can make!
Reed diffusers are basically an effortless way to enjoy aromatherapy, compared to filling and turning on a diffuser or lighting a candle. Who doesn’t love a constant scent that requires no electricity or flame?
Related: Cozy Essential Oil Diffuser Blends
Where to Find Reed Diffuser Sticks
Whether you’re refilling a container with reed diffuser oil or making a homemade diffuser, you’re choice of diffuser sticks is important.
In the past, I tried bamboo skewers my husband uses for grilling. While I do love bamboo for many things like cutting boards and soft washcloths. It’s not the best option for a DIY reed diffuser.
You see, rattan reeds have little channels in the reed that allow diffuser oil to be pulled up and released into the air. You can see them if you look at the bottom of rattan reed diffuser sticks. I’ve found them to be much more effective in fragrancing a room.
How Many Reeds Should You Use?
8 to 12 rattan reed diffuser sticks will give you a great scent and fit into most containers. This pack of 100 reeds will go quite a long way, especially for short containers, because you can cut them in half.
Wondering where should you use a reed diffuser?
I’ve found that a DIY reed diffuser is great for spaces without easy access to an outlet. I have one sitting on the shelf in our laundry room and by the sink in our lower-level half bath. Small spaces like these work well for essential oil diffuser recipes!
7 Tips on How to Make a Reed Diffuser Smell Stronger:
Want to know how to make a reed diffuser smell stronger? Here are seven tips I’ve learned for getting a great scent throw!
reed diffuser Tips
How Do You Make Reed Diffuser Oil?
DIY essential oil projects are always a great experience! I especially love creating and enjoying the aroma of essential oil projects while they are being made.
And this one happens to be super simple and quick to make! All you need to make reed diffuser oil is a few ingredients.
The first is a carrier oil. What’s the best carrier oil for reed diffuser recipes? If you’re unfamiliar with carrier oils, check out this complete guide on everything you ever wanted to know about them including a printable carrier oil blending reference guide from the Oily Chic Library and what carrier oils you should avoid.
In my experience, the best carrier oil for reed diffusers is plant-based, light, and has little to no scent. Here are two carrier oils I recommend for making a DIY reed diffuser. Each is inexpensive and has a long shelf life.
How to Make a Reed Essential Oil Diffuser:
Altogether a DIY reed diffuser is simple and inexpensive to make. You likely have a small decorative vase or jar in your home that you can turn easily into a homemade diffuser.
DIY Reed Diffuser Supply List:
- 1 glass or ceramic jar or vase with a narrow opening
- 8 to 12 rattan diffuser reed sticks
- ¼ cup fractionated coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon vodka
- 20 to 25 drops of essential oils
Homemade Diffuser Instructions:
1. Cut the rattan reed diffuser sticks to size for the container you choose. They should extend approximately six inches above the top of the jar or vase. Set aside.
2. Pour ¼ cup of fractionated coconut oil into the container. Then add 1 tablespoon of vodka. (Why add vodka to a reed diffuser? It helps the essential oils bind together with the carrier oil for a great scent throw!)
3. Add an essential oil diffuser blend totaling 20 to 25 drops. Check out the printable blend recipes below!
4. Place the pre-cut reed diffuser sticks into the container.
5. Wait 2 hours, then turn the reeds over, end to end, inserting the dry ends into the container.
Enjoy the aromatherapy as it slowly absorbs and travels up the reeds. To refresh the scent, flip the diffuser reeds over every few days or once a week.
How long do the reeds last in a diffuser?
A DIY reed diffuser should last 2 to 4 months without needing a refill. However, this does depend on the temperature and moisture level of the room it’s in.
Essential Oil Reed Diffuser Recipes
This is where your personality and creativity take part. Do you love bright citrus scents like lime, lemon, and orange? Or it’s a spicy warm aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and clove you’re after?
You can use your own unique combination of essential oils or choose from one of these essential oil reed diffuser recipes.
Oh, and if you’re after seasonal scents, see my spring blends or cozy fall blends. Choose from the best essential oils for great sleep vibes in the bedroom. When it comes to kids’ rooms, I shared more than 20 blends for kids.
9 DIY Reed Diffuser Recipe Blends:
What’s even more fun is that when you want to try a new scent, you can simply wash your container, create a new diffuser oil, and add new reed diffuser sticks!
Rosewood Diffuser Oil Recipe
Embrace the earthy scent of Rosewood, a grounding blend that evokes feelings of peace and harmony. This blend features the woody aroma of Palo Santo, complemented by the floral tones of ylang-ylang and jasmine.
- 10 drops Palo Santo
- 5 drops Ylang Ylang
- 5 drops Sandalwood
- 5 drops Jasmine
Coastal Capri Blue Diffuser Oil Recipe
Transport yourself to a coastal paradise with Coastal Capri Blue, a fresh and invigorating blend that captures the essence of sun-kissed shores. This diffuser oil blend enriches the calming aroma of Stress Away with the uplifting scents of lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot.
- 8 drops Stress Away
- 6 drops Lemon
- 6 drops Grapefruit
- 4 drops Bergamot
Farmers Market Diffuser Oil Recipe
Bring the vibrant energy of the farmers’ market into your home with Farmers Market, a fresh and invigorating blend. This essential oil blend envelopes the floral aroma of geranium, the cooling sensation of peppermint, the herbal notes of rosemary, and the bright citrus scent of jade lemon.
- 10 drops Geranium
- 6 drops Peppermint
- 4 drops Rosemary
- 3 drops Jade Lemon
Aveda Spa Diffuser Oil Recipe
Create a spa-like atmosphere at home with Aveda Spa, a soothing blend that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. This diffuser oil recipe features the calming scent of lavender, the uplifting aroma of bergamot, and the herbal notes of marjoram and lemongrass, complemented by the floral tones of geranium and the grounding presence of frankincense.
- 8 drops Lavender
- 5 drops Bergamot
- 4 drops Marjoram
- 3 drops Lemongrass
- 2 drops Geranium
- 1 drop Frankincense
Positive Vibes Diffuser Blend
Infuse your space with positivity and energy with Positive Vibes, a cheerful diffuser blend that uplifts the mood and promotes a sense of well-being. Combine the bright citrus notes of bergamot and orange with the refreshing aroma of eucalyptus.
- 8 drops Bergamot
- 8 drops Eucalyptus
- 8 drops Orange
Luscious Lemon Diffuser Recipe
Awaken your senses with Luscious Lemon, a refreshing blend that invigorates the mind and uplifts the spirit. This zesty blend infuses the bright citrus notes of lemon and lemon myrtle with the floral sweetness of ylang-ylang and the cooling freshness of eucalyptus and spearmint, balanced by a hint of warm cinnamon.
- 5 drops Eucalyptus Globulus
- 4 drops Lemon
- 4 drops Ylang Ylang
- 3 drops Lemon Myrtle
- 3 drops Spearmint
- 2 drops Cinnamon Bark
Zen Found Diffuser Oil Blend
Create a serene atmosphere with Zen Found, a calming blend that promotes relaxation and tranquility. The soothing aroma of Stress Away is complemented by the floral notes of jasmine in a diffuser blend perfect for the bedroom.
- 10 drops Stress Away
- 10 drops Jasmine
Anthro Volcano Diffuser Recipe
Transform your space into a tropical paradise with Anthro Volcano, an iconic blend that captures the essence of lush foliage and exotic fruits. This diffuser recipe combines the zesty aroma of grapefruit and tangerine with the earthy notes of Idaho blue spruce and the floral hints of geranium, balanced by the refreshing scent of lemon myrtle.
- 6 drops Grapefruit
- 4 drops Tangerine
- 4 drops Idaho Blue Spruce
- 3 drops Geranium
- 3 drops Lemon Myrtle
Relax & Refresh Reed Diffuser Oil
Unwind and revitalize with Relax & Refresh, a rejuvenating blend that clears the mind and uplifts the spirit. This reed diffuser oil blend features the citrusy scent of lemongrass, the grounding aroma of sage, and the herbal notes of rosemary.
- 10 drops Lemongrass
- 5 drops Sage
- 5 drops Rosemary
Use these essential oil reed diffuser recipes to fragrance your home with our printable blend sheet from our Oily Chic Library.
DIY Reed Diffuser
Materials
- 1 glass or ceramic jar or vase with a narrow opening
- 8 to 12 rattan diffuser reed sticks
- ¼ cup fractionated coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon vodka
- 20 to 25 drops of essential oils
Tools
- measuring spoons
Instructions
- Cut the rattan reed diffuser sticks to size for the container you choose. They should extend approximately six inches above the top of the jar or vase. Set aside.
- Pour ¼ cup of fractionated coconut oil into the container. Then add 1 tablespoon of vodka. (Why add vodka to a reed diffuser? It helps the essential oils bind together with the carrier oil for a great scent throw!)
- Add an essential oil diffuser blend totaling 20 to 25 drops. Check out the printable blend recipes!
- Place the pre-cut reed diffuser sticks into the container.
- Wait 2 hours, then turn the reeds over, end to end, inserting the dry ends into the container.
Notes
Enjoy the aromatherapy as it slowly absorbs and travels up the reeds. To refresh the scent, flip the diffuser reeds over every few days or once a week.
Recommended Products
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A DIY reed diffuser makes a great gift, decorative, and with a beautiful scent. They also make a fun essential oil class idea. Ask your participants to bring their own containers and you supply the rest!
Have you tried one of these diffuser oil recipes or created your own? Tag #oilychic on Instagram to share yours with us.