Safe and flameless reed diffusers use the simple concepts of absorption and diffusion to disperse appealing fragrances throughout your home. When porous reeds--not bamboo or wood--are placed in a solution containing aromatic essential oils, the reeds absorb the scented oils while normal air circulation disperses molecules of fragrance around the room. Make your own reed diffusers with inexpensive supplies and custom-blended, signature scents.
Step 1
Choose the essential oils for your diffuser based on your desired sensory experience. Citrus fragrances like grapefruit, orange and lemon excite and awaken the senses, while lavender soothes and relaxes. Rose and other floral scents add a romantic touch. Cinnamon, vanilla and patchouli lend a spicy gourmand note.
Step 2
Mix the diffuser oil in the plastic bowl by combining three parts essential oil(s) to seven parts dipropylene glycol, fragrance grade (DPG), a solvent commonly used in cosmetics and bath products. The DPG dilutes the essential oils so they can be readily wicked up by the diffuser reeds. Oils alone are too viscous to be wicked well. Stir or shake the mixture until it is thoroughly blended.
Step 3
Pour the mixture into the narrow-necked glass bottle until it is three-quarters full. Use a funnel to reduce spills.
Step 4
Insert the reeds into the bottle, making sure that they extend several inches out of the neck. Cut the reeds to equal lengths if necessary. Don't stuff the reeds into the bottle; air needs to circulate around the reeds so the fragrance can diffuse into the room. Fan out the reeds to increase circulation. Depending on the neck's circumference, 8 to 12 reeds should suffice. Order reeds from online perfumery retailers.
Step 5
Allow the reeds to absorb and diffuse the fragrance oil over several days. If the oil isn't wicking up smoothly, use perfumer's alcohol, available from online retailers, to further dilute the oil/DPG mixture. Add a few drops at a time, blending after each addition, increasing as needed up to a proportion of 10 percent of the total solution.
Step 6
Adjust the proportion of oil to DPG if the fragrance seems too faint or too quickly dispersed. Begin by remixing four parts oil to seven parts DPG, and increasing if necessary to no more than a 50/50 ratio. Consider using aromatic oils with strong staying power over those with delicate or subtle scents.
Step 7
Place your reed diffuser in an area with good air circulation, such as a doorway or tabletop, to best diffuse the scent.
Things You'll Need
- Narrow-necked glass bottle
- Plastic bowl or bottle
- Plastic funnel
- Essential oil(s)
- Dipropylene Glycol, Fragrance Grade (DPG)
- Perfumer's alcohol
- 8 to 12 reeds
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