A quick search online will give you tons of options and methods for making reed diffusers at home, each claiming to be the best or easiest way. But here, we’re focusing specifically on how to create a DIY essential oil reed diffuser at home — a simple and natural way to keep your space smelling fresh without any chemical-laden fragrances or harsh chemicals. Reed diffusers are a great option for anyone looking to add a continuous scent to their room without needing to light candles or use electric diffusers. Plus, they’re easy to make and customize, and also provide a beautiful aesthetic touch to any space!
What is a Reed Diffuser?
We have already written an elaborate piece on reed diffusers with instructions on how to use them. You can find that in our blog section for more detailed information. But here, we’ll just touch upon some important stuff.
Candles can be fun to use, creating a cozy and warm ambiance, but they come with their risks—open flames, wax spills, and the need for constant monitoring. That’s where reed diffusers come in as the perfect alternative. Reed diffusers work by naturally dispersing essential oils into the air through porous reeds, making them a safer and more convenient option. They’re flame-free, easy to maintain, and offer a continuous, gentle aroma that can last for weeks. Unlike candles that burn out, reed diffusers are always working in the background, providing a consistent scent without any safety concerns. Plus, they make for stylish home décor! Homemade reed diffusers are anyday better than air freshener.
DIY Essential Oil Reed Diffuser at Home – Recipes
Making DIY recipes with essential oils is fun, and if your olfactory senses are pristine, then the different aromas that emanate from the diffuser is a pleasurable experience. Here are some of the DIY recipes of essential oil reed diffuser at home.
DIY Essential Oil Reed Diffuser with Fragrance Oil
Creating your own essential oil reed diffuser at home is easy and requires just a few simple ingredients. Below are two recipes for making a DIY diffuser, one using a fragrance oil blend and the other with just essential oils. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- Fragrance Oil (optional): 2 tablespoons of your favorite fragrance oil.
- Essential Oils: 15-20 drops of essential oil (choose strong scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or citrusy).
- Carrier Oil: ¼ cup of a lightweight carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil, almond oil, or safflower oil.
- Rubbing Alcohol or Vodka: 1-2 teaspoons (helps the oils move up the reeds).
- Reed Sticks: 5-7 porous reeds (available online or at home goods stores).
- Glass Container or jar: A small bottle or vase with a narrow opening to slow the evaporation process.
Recipe 1: Basic Essential Oil Reed Diffuser
Instructions:
- Combine the oils: In a small bowl or directly in the glass container, mix ¼ cup of carrier oil with 15-20 drops of your essential oil blend.
- Add alcohol: Add 1-2 teaspoons of rubbing alcohol or vodka to the mixture. This helps thin the oil and makes it easier for the scent to travel up the reeds.
- Pour into the container: Carefully pour the mixture into the glass bottle or vase.
- Insert the reeds: Place the reed sticks into the oil mixture and let them absorb the oil. Flip the reeds after a few hours to ensure the scent begins to fill the room.
- Flip regularly: Every few days, flip the reeds to refresh the scent and keep your room smelling great!
Recipe 2: Essential Oil + Fragrance Oil Blend Reed Diffuser
Instructions:
- Mix oils: Combine 2 tablespoons of fragrance oil with 15 drops of essential oil in a small bowl.
- Add carrier oil: Pour ¼ cup of carrier oil into the mix and stir well.
- Add alcohol: Add 1-2 teaspoons of rubbing alcohol or vodka to help the oil travel up the reeds more effectively.
- Fill the container: Pour the mixture into your glass bottle or vase.
- Insert reeds: Place the reeds into the oil mixture and allow them to soak for a few hours. Flip them to ensure even distribution of the scent.
- Flip the reeds: For the best results, flip the reeds every few days to keep the fragrance circulating in the room.
Tips for Best Results:
- Choose the right bottle: Use a narrow-necked bottle to slow down evaporation, allowing the scent to last longer.
- Adjust the scent strength: Add more essential oil if the scent is too faint or fewer reeds if the fragrance is too strong.
- Flip the reeds regularly: This ensures the oil is consistently drawn up, keeping the scent fresh.
DIY Essential Oil Reed Diffuser with Carrier Oil
Making your own essential oil reed diffuser using carrier oil is a fantastic way to enjoy continuous, natural scents in your home. The process is simple, and you can customize it with your favorite essential oils. Here’s a recipe to get you started.
Ingredients:
- Essential Oils: 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oils (lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, etc.).
- Carrier Oil: ¼ cup of a light carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or grapeseed oil). Light oils work best because they travel up the reeds more efficiently.
- Rubbing Alcohol or Vodka: 1-2 teaspoons to help the oils move up the reeds.
- Reed Sticks: 5-7 porous reeds.
- Glass Container: A small bottle or vase with a narrow opening to reduce evaporation.
Instructions:
- Mix the Essential Oils and Carrier Oil
- In a small bowl or directly in your glass container, mix ¼ cup of the carrier oil with 15-20 drops of essential oil.
- You can blend oils for a more complex fragrance (e.g., lavender and vanilla for relaxation, or lemon and peppermint for a refreshing scent).
- Add Alcohol
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of rubbing alcohol or vodka. This helps the oils travel up the reed sticks more easily.
- Mix the oils and alcohol thoroughly.
- Pour into the Glass Container
- Carefully pour the oil mixture into your chosen glass bottle or vase. Make sure to leave enough room at the top so the reeds can easily fit without spilling.
- Insert the Reed Sticks
- Place 5-7 reeds into the bottle, making sure they are fully submerged in the oil mixture.
- After an hour or so, flip the reeds to help the scent start dispersing.
- Flip the Reeds Regularly
- Every few days, flip the reeds to refresh the scent and keep your room smelling fresh. If the fragrance starts to fade, add more essential oil to the mix.
Tips:
- Choose a light carrier oil: Fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil are excellent choices because they don’t have a strong scent of their own and will allow the essential oils to shine.
- Flip reeds often: To maintain a consistent scent, flip the reeds every few days.
- Adjust oil quantity: If the scent is too strong or too faint, adjust the number of reeds or the amount of essential oil.
DIY Essential Oil Reed Diffuser with Essential Oil
If you want a natural and chemical-free way to keep your home smelling fresh, making a reed diffuser with essential oils is an excellent option. This method uses only essential oils, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy while keeping your indoor air clean.
Ingredients:
- Essential Oils: 15-20 drops of your preferred essential oil (like lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus).
- Carrier Oil: ¼ cup of a light oil such as fractionated coconut oil, almond oil, or safflower oil.
- Rubbing Alcohol or Vodka: 1-2 teaspoons to help the oils travel up the reeds.
- Reed Sticks: 5-7 porous reed sticks.
- Glass Bottle: A narrow-necked glass bottle or vase to hold the oil and reeds.
Instructions:
- Combine the Essential Oils and Carrier Oil
- Start by mixing 15-20 drops of essential oil with ¼ cup of carrier oil. You can blend different essential oils for a personalized scent. For example, lavender and chamomile for a calming atmosphere, or lemon and peppermint for an uplifting, fresh fragrance.
- Add Alcohol
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of rubbing alcohol or vodka to the oil mixture. This helps the essential oils thin out, so they travel more effectively up the reeds. Mix well to ensure the oils and alcohol are fully combined.
- Pour into a Glass Bottle
- Carefully pour the mixture into your glass bottle or vase. Be sure to leave some space at the top so the reeds fit comfortably.
- Insert the Reed Sticks
- Place 5-7 reeds into the bottle, ensuring they are submerged in the oil. After an hour, flip the reeds to help the oil start diffusing into the air.
- Flip the Reeds Regularly
- Every few days, flip the reeds to refresh the scent and keep it circulating in the room. If the scent starts to fade, you can add more essential oil or flip the reeds more often.
Tips for Best Results:
- Use a light carrier oil: Lighter oils like fractionated coconut oil work best because they allow the essential oils to travel up the reeds more efficiently.
- Customize your scent: Mix and match essential oils to create your own unique blend. For example, a citrus blend with lemon, orange, and bergamot can energize the space, while lavender and sandalwood can create a calming effect.
- Flip reeds every few days: This ensures the oils are evenly distributed and the scent remains fresh.
This DIY essential oil reed diffuser is a fantastic, low-maintenance way to naturally freshen up any room in your home. You get to control the strength of the scent, and you can change the oils based on the season or your mood.
Conclusion
Creating your own DIY essential oil reed diffuser at home is an easy, affordable, and natural way to fill your space with continuous, soothing fragrances. By using essential oils, you can customize the scent to match your mood, while avoiding harmful chemicals found in commercial fresheners. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a fresh and inviting atmosphere for weeks on end!