How Do Reed Diffusers Work?

Reed diffusers have quickly become a must-have for home fragrance lovers, and for good reason. There’s something so inviting about stepping into a space that smells incredible; and  let's be honest, is there anything better than hearing: “your home smells amazing!”

Reed diffusers are one of those effortless luxuries that instantly make a house feel like a home. Simply set them up, and they’ll do the work for you, gently filling your space with a consistent fragrance, day and night; without the worry of an open flame. That means no sudden moments of panic when you remember the candle you left burning in the bathroom a few hours ago!

In this guide, we will explore exactly what reed diffusers are, how they work, why they’re a great choice for your home, and how to get the most out of them. After all, fragrance does so much more than smell good, it sets the mood, creates comfort, and is a beautiful way to express your personality throughout your home. 

What is a reed diffuser?

A reed diffuser is a stylish, flameless way to keep your home smelling beautiful around the clock. It works by drawing fragrance oil up through the reeds, which gently releases scent into the air for an effortless, continuous fragrance experience. 

Every reed diffuser has three main elements: 

• Fragrance oil: this is the heart of the diffuser, and arguably the most important element. It’s crafted from natural, synthetic or essential oils (or more often than not, a blend of all three) to create the perfect aroma.

• Reeds: these act as the scent carrier, soaking up the oil and dispersing the fragrance into your space. At Essence of Harris, we use natural rattan Diffuser Reeds because they’re eco-friendly and deliver a beautifully consistent scent throw. However, you might also find reed diffusers that use bamboo or synthetic reeds, each with their own benefits. The key is that the reeds are porous enough to absorb the fragrance oil well and diffuse the fragrance effectively.  

• Vessel: this is the final component and what brings it all together. Typically made from glass, the vessel holds the oil and reeds and doubles as a decorative piece designed to elevate the look of your home. 

Together, these elements create a home accessory that not only smells amazing but looks stunning too. 

Reed diffusers are great for many reasons – they’re a simple, stylish, and worry-free way to keep your home smelling amazing. With no flame or heat, they’re a safer alternative to candles, perfect for busy homes or spaces where you want peace of mind. Unlike more traditional aerosol sprays, they’re made with ingredients that are kinder to your home and the environment.

But what makes them truly special is their ability to provide a continuous, long-lasting fragrance. While candles and room sprays offer short intense bursts of scent, a reed diffuser delivers a consistent aroma that lingers, often lasting between 2 to 4 months depending on the size of reed diffuser you go for. 

How do reed diffusers work? 

Reed diffusers use a simple yet clever process to keep your space beautifully scented. The fragrance oil is poured into the glass vessel, and reeds are placed inside. Through a process termed capillary action, the oil is absorbed into the tiny pores of each reed and slowly travels upwards.

As the oil reaches the exposed end of the reed, it evaporates, releasing delicate fragrance molecules into the air. This gentle diffusion provides the continuous, long-lasting scent experience that you’d expect from your reed diffusers.

Setting up a reed diffuser

We like to think we’ve made it as simple as possible to enjoy your Essence of Harris reed diffuser. Here’s a short 3-step guide on how to set up your reed diffuser:

• Step 1: start by removing the cork stopper and place all the reeds provided into the vessel, making sure the bottom of the reeds is sitting nicely in the fragrance oil.

• Step 2: after a couple of minutes, flip the reeds for an instant boost of scent. Spread the reeds out to allow air to circulate between them. If any fragrance oil spills, wipe it away immediately.

• Step 3: place your reed diffuser in the desired spot in your home and allow up to 24 hours for the fragrance to fully fill the room. We’d always recommend you place your reed diffuser on a protective surface like a tray or coaster to avoid any damage to surfaces if the fragrance oil was to leak. 

Top tip: when setting up your reed diffuser, we suggest you place it on a paper towel to catch any fragrance oil that might drip. Always use all the reeds provided for the best scent throw, and don’t forget to recycle or upcycle the cork stopper once you’re done.

How to get the best from a reed diffuser?

Reed diffusers are wonderful because they are so low-maintenance, but a few simple tips can help you make them last longer and achieve the perfect scent throw.

It’s important to position your reeds properly. The amount of scent released can be managed by how the reeds are positioned in the vessel. We find it best to have your reeds evenly splayed, as this maximises airflow and allows for an even dispersion of scent throughout your space. Grouping the reeds together can restrict airflow and limit scent throw. 

To make the scent even stronger, some people may recommend adding more reeds. We don't tend to suggest this, as our reed diffusers come with the optimal number of reeds for the size and fragrance – something our production team has tested rigorously. If the scent feels too strong, you can remove a reed or two to reduce the intensity. 

Remember to flip your reeds! We’d suggest doing this a couple of times a week, however you can do this as often as you like. Flipping gives the fragrance a boost and prevents the reeds from clogging. Always use a paper towel or flip the reeds over a sink to avoid any oil drips on your surfaces. Try not to flip them too often though, as it will cause the oil to evaporate more quickly.

Place your reed diffuser in a high-traffic area in your home, like hallways or bathrooms with good airflow. This helps the fragrance circulate throughout your space.

Where to place a reed diffuser in your home?

Now that we know how to set-up our reed diffuser and get the most from it, it’s time to think about where to place them in your home. Reed diffusers are a great addition to any room, but there are a few places that they work best. 

Look for good airflow, as air circulation is key to helping the fragrance spread evenly. High-traffic areas are ideal, as movement helps carry the scent through your space. Placing your diffuser slightly higher, like on a shelf or console table, also helps the fragrance diffuse downward. Think of it like positioning a vase of flowers where people can enjoy its beauty, and in this case its scent too!

Which room is best for a reed diffuser?

Positioning will also depend on which room you’re keeping your reed diffuser in. To help you make the most of your placement, we recommend:

• Bathrooms: reed diffusers are perfect for smaller spaces where the fragrance feels more concentrated and refreshing.

• Hallways: reed diffusers create a welcoming scent as soon as you or your guests walk through the door. For something zingy and sweet to beckon your guests through the door, we love our Huisinis Reed Diffuser, rich with pink pomelo and orange.

• Bedrooms: add a relaxing, calming aroma to your bedroom with a scent to unwind.

• Home offices: a subtle scented reed diffuser can make your work environment feel more inviting.

• Kitchens: reed diffusers with a citrus scent are great for neutralising lingering cooking smells – like our Horgabost Reed Diffuser, enriched with vibrant lemongrass and ginger.

In larger, open-plan spaces, the scent will naturally be more subtle. For these areas, we recommend placing a couple of diffusers throughout the room for an even fragrance experience.

Try not to position your diffuser in drafty areas, like near windows or doors, as the scent can dissipate too quickly. Similarly, avoid heat sources such as radiators or sunny windowsills as heat can make the fragrance evaporate faster. We find that reed diffusers perform best in cool, shaded areas of your home.

Maintenance 

There’s not much maintenance when it comes to Reed diffusers. Typically, they will emit a beautiful fragrance around your home for up to 4 months with very little effort. 

If the fragrance feels faint or oil doesn’t seem to be evaporating, it may be time to replace your reeds. This usually happens because the reeds become saturated, clogged with oil or dust. Swapping them for fresh reeds will instantly improve scent throw. For best results, you should consider switching out your diffuser reeds every 2 to 3 months. 

When the oil runs out, top up with one of our Essence of Harris Reed Diffuser Refills. This way you don’t need to replace your vessel each time; you can simply reuse it and enjoy your favourite scent again and again – all while helping to reduce waste. 

Top tip: when adding more fragrance oil, we’d recommend replacing your reeds at the same time. All Essence of Harris refills come with fresh reeds so no need to buy these separately. 

Find luxurious reed diffusers at Essence of Harris 

At Essence of Harris, we’re passionate about creating fragrances that elevate everyday moments. While we adore the warm glow of a candle, there are times when a reed diffuser is the perfect choice. Think of summer nights when you want a scent that lingers without the coziness of a flame, or a fragrance that lasts longer than a candle and keeps your home feeling fresh and inviting all day long.

Reed diffusers are an effortless, stylish way to keep your home smelling fresh and inviting. With the right setup and a few simple tips, you can enjoy a long-lasting fragrance experience that truly elevates your space.

Ready to find your perfect scent? Shop our Reed Diffusers today!

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