Make your own essential oil reed diffusers for a natural fresh scent in your home! They’re cheaper and safer than the commercial diffusers, and you can customize your own fragrance blends with essential oils.
Many years ago I was completely obsessed with commercial air fresheners. Spray fresheners, plug-in fresheners, scented candles…you name it. Every room in our home had some sort of air-freshening device that left a strong, fruity, cheery scent in the air.
Now that I know better (thank God!), commercial air fresheners have become a thing of the past. And now that we don’t live with the constant strong scents in our home, it gets pretty overwhelming when we’re at a friend or family member’s house and all we can smell are those strong chemicals wafting through the air!
One of my favourite inventions are those nifty reed diffusers – you know those little jars of scented oils with all the sticks popping out of them? They’re wonderful and always look so pretty in a room, but the artificial fragrances in those scented oils are not so wonderful, and definitely not something I want my family to be inhaling day in and day out.
So today I’m going to show you how easy it is to make your own essential oil reed diffusers right at home!
Homemade Essential Oil Reed Diffusers
There are five items you’ll be working with here and all of them can be sourced pretty inexpensively.
Also, there are two ways you can make these – with water or with oil – so I’ll be referring to both of these methods below.
The Jars
I picked up these jars from the thrift store for $1 each. I didn’t know what I’d use them for but I knew I just had to have them, and I’m so glad I got them because they’re perfect for this project!
When choosing your jars, look for small, short jars with a narrow opening at the top. The smaller the opening, the slower your oils will evaporate. My jars had somewhat large openings but luckily, they came with cork tops, so I just drilled about a 1″ hole into the cork and voila! Smaller opening!
Examples of jars you can repurpose for this project include old perfume bottles, small oil bottles, small vases, spice jars and shakers, etc.
Carrier Oil or Water (Base)
From what I’ve read online, it seems the most common carrier oils to use are safflower oil and sweet almond oil, as they are lighter oils that will travel up the reeds more easily. You DON’T want to use regular vegetable oil as it will be way too thick and won’t work at all.
You’ll use about 1/4 cup of oil for each diffuser, depending on your jar’s size, so try to source inexpensive oil, even if you have to order it online.
If you can’t find these oils, or don’t want to use oils as your base, you may also use plain water as the base. Distilled water is best, as it will last much longer since it’s purified. Using previously filtered and boiled water should be ok, but always check your diffuser; if it looks or smells “off” then toss the liquid, wash the jar, and make a new one.
If you use water, however, your diffuser liquid will evaporate much more quickly than an oil would. Some people have more luck with the oil, and others with the water, so see which one works best for you!
Alcohol (Binder)
You’ll also add a small amount of alcohol to the oil mixture to help thin the oils and bind them all together so they can travel up the reeds more effectively. You want as high a concentration of alcohol as you can get – at least 90%.
You can use either perfumer’s alcohol, rubbing alcohol (also called surgical spirits), or plain old vodka (which I hear works best). I’ve also read that you might be able to use witch hazel for this, though I haven’t tried it.
I just used 95% rubbing alcohol I picked up from the drug store.
Essential Oils (Fragrance)
This is where it gets fun! You can either play it nice and simple with one or two essential oils, or you can get creative and experiment with different oil blends to create all kinds of lovely aromatic concoctions. Here’s a great list of essential oil blends that you can try.
For your 1/4 cup of carrier oil, you’ll use about 25-30 drops of essential oil. I blended 2 oils for each of my diffusers – cinnamon and lavender in one, and spearmint and rosemary for the other.
You can find essential oils at your local health food store or order them online. My favourite brands are Plant Therapy (pictured above) and NOW.
The Reeds (Sticks)
The commercial diffusers usually use reeds made from rattan because they contain small channels that help the oil travel up the stick to scent the room.
If you’re using water as your base, you’ll be fine with using simple bamboo skewers. They’re less porous than traditional reeds, so they won’t get oversaturated (and clogged) with the water.
But if you’re using a carrier oil, you’ll want to use something like these traditional reeds, as they’re more porous and better for the thicker consistency of the oil. If you use bamboo skewers with an oil base, the oils just won’t be able to travel up the sticks.
Make sure your reeds/sticks are about twice as tall as your jars so they can distribute the scent well.
Essential Oil Reed Diffusers
Simple, easy, and inexpensive homemade version of commercial reed diffusers.
- Small jar with small opening
- 1/4 cup carrier oil (<a href="http://amzn.to/1FY2dm5">safflower oil</a> or <a href="http://amzn.to/112HzYb">sweet almond oil</a>. Or you can use distilled water.)
- 5-6 <a href="http://amzn.to/17ZOI6A">reed sticks</a> (if using oil. Or bamboo skewers (if using water).)
- 25-30 drops <a href="http://amzn.to/1zJlSPD">essential oils</a>
- 1-2 tablespoons <a>rubbing alcohol</a> or <a href="http://amzn.to/17A0jcM">perfumer's alcohol</a> (or vodka (whatever you use, make sure it's at least 90-95% alcohol))
- In a glass measuring cup, add 1/4 cup of your carrier oil or 1/3 cup distilled water.
- Add about 25-30 drops of essential oils
- Add the alcohol and stir thoroughly to help it bind with the oils. Be sure to keep stirring until it’s all incorporated well.
- Add the mixture to your jar.
- Insert the sticks into the jar.
- After a few hours, flip the sticks over and insert the dry end into the jar to saturate the other end.
- Continue to swirl the jar and flip the sticks over about every week or so until the scent has diminished. Then, you can just add some more essential oils to the mix, swirl, and start again!
Once the sticks become completely saturated with oil, they lose the ability to diffuse and will need to be replaced.
If your liquid starts to look or smell “off”, dump it out, wash the jar, and make a new batch.
Some final notes:
- These essential oil reed diffusers release a very light, subtle scent and do not compare to the very strong, overpowering scent that’s released by the commercial reed diffusers which use artificially scented oils.
- One of these diffusers will work well in a small, enclosed room, like a bathroom. Anything larger, and you won’t really notice the scent. You could try placing several of them in a larger room for more scent.
- You’ll need to flip the reeds every few days to a week to refresh the scent. Once the reeds are completely saturated, you’ll need to replace them with new reeds. You will also need to replace your oil once it starts to lose its scent or if it starts to smell “off” – usually after a month or so.
- If these diffusers are not for you and you need something with more scent, especially for a whole room, look into buying an ultrasonic essential oils diffuser like this one or this one. These are great for aromatherapy, especially during cold and flu season!
WOW, this is an awesome craft project and or DIY gift. Where do you recommend getting oils from?
Under the essential oils section of the post, I include the best places to source your oils in the last paragraph. Your local health food store, Amazon, or Mountain Rose Herbs is what I recommend. 🙂
Mountain Rose is a wonderful shop!
I’d love to see a DIY essential oil burner one day!
I’ve been using DoTerra oils. I think they last the longest.
WOW, this is an awesome craft project and or DIY gift. Where do you recommend getting oils from?
Under the essential oils section of the post, I include the best places to source your oils in the last paragraph. Your local health food store, Amazon, or Mountain Rose Herbs is what I recommend. 🙂
Mountain Rose is a wonderful shop!
I’d love to see a DIY essential oil burner one day!
I’ve been using DoTerra oils. I think they last the longest.
It seems to me the oils would turn rancid quickly. I keep my sweet almond oil in the fridge because if I don’t, it turns rancid and smells awful in only a few days. Have you found that other oils are better? I’m going to try this soon so any advice you can give will be appreciated.
Hmm that’s an interesting point but no, I haven’t had that happen yet. I did a ridiculous amount of research for this post and everything I read recommended using either safflower or sweet almond oil. Good luck!
It seems to me the oils would turn rancid quickly. I keep my sweet almond oil in the fridge because if I don’t, it turns rancid and smells awful in only a few days. Have you found that other oils are better? I’m going to try this soon so any advice you can give will be appreciated.
Hmm that’s an interesting point but no, I haven’t had that happen yet. I did a ridiculous amount of research for this post and everything I read recommended using either safflower or sweet almond oil. Good luck!
I find those shakers you use for parmesan cheese work really well for reed diffusers 🙂 Also you can add in some food coloring or vegetable based fabric dye, which is super cheap and make the oils pretty colors 🙂
Aminah, parmesan cheese shakers? That’s brilliant! 🙂
yea they have the short ones and the tall ones and they have some pretty cool stylized ones as well 🙂 Etsy is a treasure trove!!1
Very smart idea……thank you so much ??
I find those shakers you use for parmesan cheese work really well for reed diffusers 🙂 Also you can add in some food coloring or vegetable based fabric dye, which is super cheap and make the oils pretty colors 🙂
Aminah, parmesan cheese shakers? That’s brilliant! 🙂
yea they have the short ones and the tall ones and they have some pretty cool stylized ones as well 🙂 Etsy is a treasure trove!!1
Very smart idea……thank you so much ??
I tried these. The oil does not travel up the skewer. In order to get any scent, you have to turn the sqewers upside down every few days. Messy.
I had the same experience. I tried making these twice. The 2nd time I added almost double the amount of essential oil and plugged the already narrow jar opening with spanish moss. Still nada. I would not recommend these. Bummer because I was really excited.
I tried these. The oil does not travel up the skewer. In order to get any scent, you have to turn the sqewers upside down every few days. Messy.
I had the same experience. I tried making these twice. The 2nd time I added almost double the amount of essential oil and plugged the already narrow jar opening with spanish moss. Still nada. I would not recommend these. Bummer because I was really excited.
Thank you. Always looking for ways to save money.
Thank you. Always looking for ways to save money.
Can you utilize different oils like jojoba, olive or canola for the base oil?
The oils have to be light enough to be able to travel up the reeds, and that’s why safflower or almond oil are recommended. Other oils are much too heavy to be wicked up by the reeds, although you can definitely experiment to see if you can find a light enough oil. I know when I tried grape seed oil, it worked, but not very well. That’s why I ordered the safflower oil and it really made a world of difference!
Ah, that might be the reason why mine don’t work so well. Used (organic) sesame oil, is that too thick of a carrier oil? Put a lot more of essential oil though but the fragrance does not travel. Love. Maria
I’m currently using grape seed oil. So far so good.
Can you utilize different oils like jojoba, olive or canola for the base oil?
The oils have to be light enough to be able to travel up the reeds, and that’s why safflower or almond oil are recommended. Other oils are much too heavy to be wicked up by the reeds, although you can definitely experiment to see if you can find a light enough oil. I know when I tried grape seed oil, it worked, but not very well. That’s why I ordered the safflower oil and it really made a world of difference!
Ah, that might be the reason why mine don’t work so well. Used (organic) sesame oil, is that too thick of a carrier oil? Put a lot more of essential oil though but the fragrance does not travel. Love. Maria
I’m currently using grape seed oil. So far so good.
I wouldn’t use rubbing alcohol as, IMO, it has a medicinal smell to it that would alter the scent of the EO’s.
Vodka is readily available in small bottles (even airline size in some stores) so if you don’t drink you would use this up rather quickly so there are no left-overs hanging around.
Hi Trish,
I love this post and have tried making a couple of these diffusers using rubbing alcohol (although the only one i could get hold of is only 70%), however I agree that the smell of it is revolting and really adversely affects the smell of the delicious essential oils. Fortunately, the oils don’t seem to be travelling up the rattan reeds at all, so it doesn’t matter 😀 Is ‘perfumers alcohol’ completely scent-free? It’s just that I don’t want to keep buying things that don’t work and wasting my lovely essential oils…
Would vodka be better do you think?
Thanks,
Mandy
Using Vodka adds a significant amount of cost to your diffuser. I mixed about 1/4 cup of sweet almond with about 2 -3 tablespoons of 90% rubbing alcohol with .33 fl oz of essential oils. I then added about 12 reed rattan sticks. I made sure that the carrier oil and the rubbing alcohol was mixed very well before adding the essential oils. I didn’t have any medicinal smell after I mixed it. However, I did before mixing it. As soon as I added the essential oils that smell vanished almost instantly. I probably could have reduced the essential oil amount and I will on my next batch. Good luck
I wouldn’t use rubbing alcohol as, IMO, it has a medicinal smell to it that would alter the scent of the EO’s.
Vodka is readily available in small bottles (even airline size in some stores) so if you don’t drink you would use this up rather quickly so there are no left-overs hanging around.
Hi Trish,
I love this post and have tried making a couple of these diffusers using rubbing alcohol (although the only one i could get hold of is only 70%), however I agree that the smell of it is revolting and really adversely affects the smell of the delicious essential oils. Fortunately, the oils don’t seem to be travelling up the rattan reeds at all, so it doesn’t matter 😀 Is ‘perfumers alcohol’ completely scent-free? It’s just that I don’t want to keep buying things that don’t work and wasting my lovely essential oils…
Would vodka be better do you think?
Thanks,
Mandy
Using Vodka adds a significant amount of cost to your diffuser. I mixed about 1/4 cup of sweet almond with about 2 -3 tablespoons of 90% rubbing alcohol with .33 fl oz of essential oils. I then added about 12 reed rattan sticks. I made sure that the carrier oil and the rubbing alcohol was mixed very well before adding the essential oils. I didn’t have any medicinal smell after I mixed it. However, I did before mixing it. As soon as I added the essential oils that smell vanished almost instantly. I probably could have reduced the essential oil amount and I will on my next batch. Good luck
I am a perfumer and aromatherapist researching for product development and I am loving the tips in this article.
I highly recommend checking out these companies for exotic high quality essential oils:
Floracopeia
Ananda Apothecary
They carry many hard to find top quality exotics like saffron attar and Agarwood.
I am a perfumer and aromatherapist researching for product development and I am loving the tips in this article.
I highly recommend checking out these companies for exotic high quality essential oils:
Floracopeia
Ananda Apothecary
They carry many hard to find top quality exotics like saffron attar and Agarwood.
I love this and have tried it with many empty reed diffuser bottles I have! But can you please tell me why mine are all cloudy and not clear?
Is you room cold? Sometimes oils start to turn solid in cooler temps.
I love this and have tried it with many empty reed diffuser bottles I have! But can you please tell me why mine are all cloudy and not clear?
Is you room cold? Sometimes oils start to turn solid in cooler temps.
I tried grapeseed oil but it became rancid after an hour or so. i chucked in more essential oil to cover the rancid smell but didn’t really help as the nice smell quickly dissipated within minutes.
I have been using grape seed oil,,,but,,, I use a half and half mixture of oil and vodka with at least 20-30 drops of essential oils. So far so good.
I tried grapeseed oil but it became rancid after an hour or so. i chucked in more essential oil to cover the rancid smell but didn’t really help as the nice smell quickly dissipated within minutes.
I have been using grape seed oil,,,but,,, I use a half and half mixture of oil and vodka with at least 20-30 drops of essential oils. So far so good.
Fabulous article
Fabulous article
Hi there- great article:) Could you help with a question?
I bought some diffusers on clearance online, and I think they are rancid. They are two totally different scent families, but both have the same unpleasant stale/soapy smell.
It’s definitely not the scents themselves: The Bluewick one smelled like caramel when it arrived, but I stupidly left it on the windowsill for 2 months. When I sniffed it this week it had the rancid smell, and no trace of caramel at all.
The Archipelago diffuser just arrived and smells exactly the same as the ruined Bluewick. I think it was subject to extreme temperatures and/or is old stock.
I was wondering if it’s possible add new essential oil to the rancid diffuser oils I received in an effort to cover the rancid smell ? Because they were “deep clearance/ final sale”, they are not returnable.
Thank you so much for your expertise:)
I don’t think you can really do anything about rancid oils. I would buy new oil to replace it. Adding essential oils to already rancid oils will just be a waste of your essential oils.
Hi there- great article:) Could you help with a question?
I bought some diffusers on clearance online, and I think they are rancid. They are two totally different scent families, but both have the same unpleasant stale/soapy smell.
It’s definitely not the scents themselves: The Bluewick one smelled like caramel when it arrived, but I stupidly left it on the windowsill for 2 months. When I sniffed it this week it had the rancid smell, and no trace of caramel at all.
The Archipelago diffuser just arrived and smells exactly the same as the ruined Bluewick. I think it was subject to extreme temperatures and/or is old stock.
I was wondering if it’s possible add new essential oil to the rancid diffuser oils I received in an effort to cover the rancid smell ? Because they were “deep clearance/ final sale”, they are not returnable.
Thank you so much for your expertise:)
I don’t think you can really do anything about rancid oils. I would buy new oil to replace it. Adding essential oils to already rancid oils will just be a waste of your essential oils.
I was looking at the site you suggested for the oils ,but i can,t find the shopping cart to buy some. Ì know this seems silly, I want to purchase some oils. THANKS
Hi Kathy, which site are you referring to? The Amazon link or the Mountain Rose Herbs link?
I’m an LMT and get my oils from Rocky Mountain Oils or Cosmic Flower. These may be a little more expensive but with my allergies I need a good quality oil and I find I have not problem with these. Also was wondering about Fractionated Coconut Oil…use this for massage and as a carrier oil.
(Just a note for a previous post Jojoba is not an oil but a liquid wax.)
I was looking at the site you suggested for the oils ,but i can,t find the shopping cart to buy some. Ì know this seems silly, I want to purchase some oils. THANKS
Hi Kathy, which site are you referring to? The Amazon link or the Mountain Rose Herbs link?
I’m an LMT and get my oils from Rocky Mountain Oils or Cosmic Flower. These may be a little more expensive but with my allergies I need a good quality oil and I find I have not problem with these. Also was wondering about Fractionated Coconut Oil…use this for massage and as a carrier oil.
(Just a note for a previous post Jojoba is not an oil but a liquid wax.)
I make my own vanilla essence using vodka and vanilla beans, apparently it lasts for years. So now I am thinking of using this to make my own diffuser oil, I have had a brew that is 18 months old, so should be perfect for this. I would like to mix it with Jasmine, and wonder how much oil to mix with my home made vanilla essence. Margaret Western Australia
Margaret I would love it if you would share your vanilla essence recipe with me.
I make my own vanilla essence using vodka and vanilla beans, apparently it lasts for years. So now I am thinking of using this to make my own diffuser oil, I have had a brew that is 18 months old, so should be perfect for this. I would like to mix it with Jasmine, and wonder how much oil to mix with my home made vanilla essence. Margaret Western Australia
Margaret I would love it if you would share your vanilla essence recipe with me.
Hi ,
i love clean breeze and ocean scent ,i need your advise and website link
many thanks
Hi ,
i love clean breeze and ocean scent ,i need your advise and website link
many thanks
could you use an orange or a lemon instead of the oils as they are oils aswell ?
I’m not sure, but I also don’t know how long they will last in the oil…
You could use the oils from the peel only not the fruit. I use any orange peel I tear off an orange or lemon and squeeze the oils out. You don’t get much but what you do squeeze has a wonderful scent and I find it mixes well with ginger.
could you use an orange or a lemon instead of the oils as they are oils aswell ?
I’m not sure, but I also don’t know how long they will last in the oil…
You could use the oils from the peel only not the fruit. I use any orange peel I tear off an orange or lemon and squeeze the oils out. You don’t get much but what you do squeeze has a wonderful scent and I find it mixes well with ginger.
Great idea. My only hesitation would be to use caution with pure essential oils. Treat them like medicine and learn about the properties of each one that you’re planning on using.
I would not want to sniff cinnamon in my blend because it can bring out anger and fighting in the household.
that is silly, cinnamon is considered a relaxant, so why would adding cinnamon bring out anger and fighting, unless your household is already prone to that type of behaviors??
Great idea. My only hesitation would be to use caution with pure essential oils. Treat them like medicine and learn about the properties of each one that you’re planning on using.
I would not want to sniff cinnamon in my blend because it can bring out anger and fighting in the household.
that is silly, cinnamon is considered a relaxant, so why would adding cinnamon bring out anger and fighting, unless your household is already prone to that type of behaviors??
This blog is really remarkable. Thanks for sharing this great. Keep sharing more useful and conspicuous stuff like this. Thank you so much.
Sarah, what a great article. I followed your recipe precisely but am still not getting any scent coming from the diffuser unless I put my nose right up to it. I made mine as a remedy to keep moths away from my clothes but am afraid that the scent won’t be strong enough. Can anyone offer any recommendations on what I can do differently with the recipe? I’ve already tried doubling the amount of essential oil but that hasn’t worked. Thanks!
Sarah, what a great article. I followed your recipe precisely but am still not getting any scent coming from the diffuser unless I put my nose right up to it. I made mine as a remedy to keep moths away from my clothes but am afraid that the scent won’t be strong enough. Can anyone offer any recommendations on what I can do differently with the recipe? I’ve already tried doubling the amount of essential oil but that hasn’t worked. Thanks!
Hey faced the same problem! I’ve used up too many essentials oils, vodka, rubbing alcohol, safflower oil and sweet almond oil. Really can’t smell it unless I put my nose to it. Could you tell me where I’m going wrong? Estimate proportions maybe? Like for a 100ml reed diffuser or 50ml, how much oil, how much essential oil, and how much alcohol would I require?
Thanks so much for your DYI post. It was thorough and well-written and just what I was looking for!
To the person who had a cloudy oil solution, two possible causes could be: a very cold room or stirring the mixture too vigorously.
Thanks so much for your DYI post. It was thorough and well-written and just what I was looking for!
To the person who had a cloudy oil solution, two possible causes could be: a very cold room or stirring the mixture too vigorously.
Can anyone recommend a mix of oils that would effective against tobacco odours. I smoke cigars and while the aroma fresh is lovely the next day it is not. Thanks in anticipation.
Hi Alan, leave a saucer of brown vinegar in the room overnight and any tobacco smells will disappear, this has always worked for us (non smokers) until we banned smoking in our home!
Can anyone recommend a mix of oils that would effective against tobacco odours. I smoke cigars and while the aroma fresh is lovely the next day it is not. Thanks in anticipation.
Hi Alan, leave a saucer of brown vinegar in the room overnight and any tobacco smells will disappear, this has always worked for us (non smokers) until we banned smoking in our home!
Thanks for the great article. Like Jenn, a few comments above, I followed these instructions but my reed diffuser isn’t making an aroma. I used Safflower oil and put in a bit of rubbing alcohol (it does have a medicinal smell but it was gone from my bathroom in about 30 minutes). I have reeds rather than bamboo skewers, and I bought the reeds from amazon- they had good reviews for working with reed diffusers. I used an orange essential oil- maybe 20 drops, and couldn’t smell anything. I left it for a few days and then gave up on it- even right after I flipped the sticks I couldn’t really smell much aroma. I tried a peppermint essential oil, thinking that it may be a bit stronger- I’m still not smelling anything. Any ideas what I’m doing wrong?
I’m not really sure – it works pretty well for me. Maybe try using a different oil? I will say though that this will in no way smell as strong as the store bought diffusers that use artificial fragrance oil. But I do get a subtle scent from mine, especially in smaller spaces like the bathroom.
Try sweet almond oil. You can buy it in bulk and also use it as a moisturizer or even cooking. It is very light and works great in my diffuser.
Thanks for the great article. Like Jenn, a few comments above, I followed these instructions but my reed diffuser isn’t making an aroma. I used Safflower oil and put in a bit of rubbing alcohol (it does have a medicinal smell but it was gone from my bathroom in about 30 minutes). I have reeds rather than bamboo skewers, and I bought the reeds from amazon- they had good reviews for working with reed diffusers. I used an orange essential oil- maybe 20 drops, and couldn’t smell anything. I left it for a few days and then gave up on it- even right after I flipped the sticks I couldn’t really smell much aroma. I tried a peppermint essential oil, thinking that it may be a bit stronger- I’m still not smelling anything. Any ideas what I’m doing wrong?
I’m not really sure – it works pretty well for me. Maybe try using a different oil? I will say though that this will in no way smell as strong as the store bought diffusers that use artificial fragrance oil. But I do get a subtle scent from mine, especially in smaller spaces like the bathroom.
Try sweet almond oil. You can buy it in bulk and also use it as a moisturizer or even cooking. It is very light and works great in my diffuser.
I love this idea! I can’t wait to try this out at my house. I have everything except the skewers.
I love this idea! I can’t wait to try this out at my house. I have everything except the skewers.
Hi there. Thank you for this recipe. I have tried it with Eucalyptus in my bathroom, and lemon in the kitchen. I can’t smell either!! I’ve added more essential oil to each… and I still can’t smell it!
I’ve flipped the sticks, I’ve sloshed it around…. nothing. The only time I smell it is when I flip the sticks and get it on my fingers… that I smell.
Help! Any suggestions?
It could be either the oil you’re using, the reed sticks, or even the type of essential oils. This is in no way going to smell as strong as the store bought ones made with artificial fragrance oils, but it does impart a subtle scent for me – especially in smaller spaces like the bathroom.
Hi there. Thank you for this recipe. I have tried it with Eucalyptus in my bathroom, and lemon in the kitchen. I can’t smell either!! I’ve added more essential oil to each… and I still can’t smell it!
I’ve flipped the sticks, I’ve sloshed it around…. nothing. The only time I smell it is when I flip the sticks and get it on my fingers… that I smell.
Help! Any suggestions?
It could be either the oil you’re using, the reed sticks, or even the type of essential oils. This is in no way going to smell as strong as the store bought ones made with artificial fragrance oils, but it does impart a subtle scent for me – especially in smaller spaces like the bathroom.
Tho also didn’t work for me. I made two and placed each in our bathrooms and you cannot smell it at all! It’s a tiny space so I figured it would be perfect. I used fragrance oil 15 drops in each and in 50ml jars and almond oil and followed the steps exactly! 🙁
Tho also didn’t work for me. I made two and placed each in our bathrooms and you cannot smell it at all! It’s a tiny space so I figured it would be perfect. I used fragrance oil 15 drops in each and in 50ml jars and almond oil and followed the steps exactly! 🙁
I tried this with water and rubbing alcohol and it worked. Next time, I have tried with
safflower oil and rubbing alcohol its not working … there is no smell coming
out of the diffuser. I used bamboo skewers.
I tried this with water and rubbing alcohol and it worked. Next time, I have tried with
safflower oil and rubbing alcohol its not working … there is no smell coming
out of the diffuser. I used bamboo skewers.
Nice work Sarah. adding glycol nd more alkohol to ur recipe should solve d problem for those who could perceive nothing.
Nice work Sarah. adding glycol nd more alkohol to ur recipe should solve d problem for those who could perceive nothing.
Thank you SO much for this blog post! I’m reviewing some essential oils, and I’ve never used them before. I have always loved the idea of using diffusers around my apartment, and your post definitely makes this undertaking feel easy. Great instructions! I got everything I need from you to head to the store and get what I need! Thank you!
Thank you SO much for this blog post! I’m reviewing some essential oils, and I’ve never used them before. I have always loved the idea of using diffusers around my apartment, and your post definitely makes this undertaking feel easy. Great instructions! I got everything I need from you to head to the store and get what I need! Thank you!
Homemade diffuser is also my interest. For personal, I love terra-cotta necklace. For my house, my room, reed diffuser is my favourite. With the jars as you mentioned, the diffuser becomes a creative product. And follow you I also can use vases or small oil bottles for the project. It’s wonderful!
Homemade diffuser is also my interest. For personal, I love terra-cotta necklace. For my house, my room, reed diffuser is my favourite. With the jars as you mentioned, the diffuser becomes a creative product. And follow you I also can use vases or small oil bottles for the project. It’s wonderful!
Can I use vegetable oil for base? Also, never heard of using alcohol in this blend, will try it next time I use the recipe of homemade air freshener. One query, how long can a set of sticks be used?
Vegetable oil is much too thick so I don’t think it would travel up the reeds very well. It has to be a light oil like the ones mentioned in the post.
Can I use vegetable oil for base? Also, never heard of using alcohol in this blend, will try it next time I use the recipe of homemade air freshener. One query, how long can a set of sticks be used?
Vegetable oil is much too thick so I don’t think it would travel up the reeds very well. It has to be a light oil like the ones mentioned in the post.
There’s nothing more comforting or invigorating than a home scented with essential oils. I am a huge fan of EO and thanks for sharing Homemade Reed Diffusers recipe. Cant wait to try this out.
There’s nothing more comforting or invigorating than a home scented with essential oils. I am a huge fan of EO and thanks for sharing Homemade Reed Diffusers recipe. Cant wait to try this out.
What’s wrong with plug-in diffusers? I think you’re talking about the cheesy plug-in scents you get from Bath and Body works and not the real ones. The real ones are meant to diffuse the essential oil you put in it and not buy with it, like this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FZ29ICO/ref=s9_simh_gw_p121_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=0C33VMP2YBV97NHY51KF&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2079475242&pf_rd_i=desktop And many are eco-friendly.
I put frankincense in mine, only about 2-3 drops, and it lasts for hours which puts me in a calm state before I sleep. Plus they actually save you money by diffusing less oil for the same smell that completely fills a small room.
Hey Alex,
This post is about making reed diffusers, which is a completely different product from the electric diffusers that you’re referring to. That being said, we love our electric diffusers as well! The reed diffusers just add a little bit of decor to a room, which some people like. 🙂
What’s wrong with plug-in diffusers? I think you’re talking about the cheesy plug-in scents you get from Bath and Body works and not the real ones. The real ones are meant to diffuse the essential oil you put in it and not buy with it, like this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FZ29ICO/ref=s9_simh_gw_p121_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=0C33VMP2YBV97NHY51KF&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2079475242&pf_rd_i=desktop And many are eco-friendly.
I put frankincense in mine, only about 2-3 drops, and it lasts for hours which puts me in a calm state before I sleep. Plus they actually save you money by diffusing less oil for the same smell that completely fills a small room.
Hey Alex,
This post is about making reed diffusers, which is a completely different product from the electric diffusers that you’re referring to. That being said, we love our electric diffusers as well! The reed diffusers just add a little bit of decor to a room, which some people like. 🙂
Hi and thanks for the article. I watched online someone making diffuser base with baby oil as it is v light. I didn’t try it yet but I think you need to add more essential oil to get rid of the scent in the oil.
Niaz NSW
Hi and thanks for the article. I watched online someone making diffuser base with baby oil as it is v light. I didn’t try it yet but I think you need to add more essential oil to get rid of the scent in the oil.
Niaz NSW
HI,
Hi, great article, I’ve never worked with these types of oils & want to try it for all my gift-giving needs.
But can you help me with my confusion?
I’ve heard others using the cheaper fragrance oils; do you stick with the essential oil because of the natural element?
I’d like to learn the cheapest method, altho. I’d also like to try the better ingredients to compare the results.
So… is it correct to assume that people who like the ‘natural thing’ do the essential oil rather than the cheaper version for that reason? But I’m wondering is it really more expensive when you use so much less of the essential oil than fragrance oil?
I
Definitely because of the natural element – cheap fragrance oils can comprise of any number of ingredients that are inhaled and can cause respiratory issues, especially for those who are sensitive.
HI,
Hi, great article, I’ve never worked with these types of oils & want to try it for all my gift-giving needs.
But can you help me with my confusion?
I’ve heard others using the cheaper fragrance oils; do you stick with the essential oil because of the natural element?
I’d like to learn the cheapest method, altho. I’d also like to try the better ingredients to compare the results.
So… is it correct to assume that people who like the ‘natural thing’ do the essential oil rather than the cheaper version for that reason? But I’m wondering is it really more expensive when you use so much less of the essential oil than fragrance oil?
I
Definitely because of the natural element – cheap fragrance oils can comprise of any number of ingredients that are inhaled and can cause respiratory issues, especially for those who are sensitive.
I wish I had read this before buying my first essential oil diffuser! Even though I love it, it would’ve been a good idea to try a homemade one before buying one. Definitely still going to try and make one for another room…
Not a complete waste. When you are ready just use the bottle for you newly homemade concoction.
I wish I had read this before buying my first essential oil diffuser! Even though I love it, it would’ve been a good idea to try a homemade one before buying one. Definitely still going to try and make one for another room…
Not a complete waste. When you are ready just use the bottle for you newly homemade concoction.
Great tips here, I can do it by myself now. I used to DoTerra oils but now I think about an DIY oils. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips here, I can do it by myself now. I used to DoTerra oils but now I think about an DIY oils. Thanks for sharing!
Another amazing diy craft project. Sarah, thanks for the detailed and clear instructions. I especially like his project because at home we don’t use chemical air fresheners as my little girl is allergic to them. I will try it out asap.
Another amazing diy craft project. Sarah, thanks for the detailed and clear instructions. I especially like his project because at home we don’t use chemical air fresheners as my little girl is allergic to them. I will try it out asap.
This is fun reading. I tied using ice-cream sticks instead of rattan sticks. Of course my jars are rather small in size. Lets hope it helps!
This is fun reading. I tied using ice-cream sticks instead of rattan sticks. Of course my jars are rather small in size. Lets hope it helps!
All I could smell was the alcohol and I didn’t even put the full amount in of 91% alcohol. I think we need to leave that out. Without it, it smelled nice.
2 tablespoons of the alcohol and mix it well. Then add the essential oils after the alcohol has binded with the base oil. 30 minutes you will not smell that alcohol and it will help it last longer and diffuse better.
All I could smell was the alcohol and I didn’t even put the full amount in of 91% alcohol. I think we need to leave that out. Without it, it smelled nice.
2 tablespoons of the alcohol and mix it well. Then add the essential oils after the alcohol has binded with the base oil. 30 minutes you will not smell that alcohol and it will help it last longer and diffuse better.
Dear Sarah,
I thank you very much for such nice tutorial and recipe!
Today I will do my best to make my own reed diffuser.
KR!
Igor
Best of luck!
Dear Sarah,
I thank you very much for such nice tutorial and recipe!
Today I will do my best to make my own reed diffuser.
KR!
Igor
Best of luck!
Do you need less essential oils for kids in this diffuser?
No, this is not like an electric diffuser, and will not yield the same results. This is a very light scent used as a mild air freshener. If you’re looking for a diffuser for aromatherapy, I would look into the electric ones for sure.
Do you need less essential oils for kids in this diffuser?
No, this is not like an electric diffuser, and will not yield the same results. This is a very light scent used as a mild air freshener. If you’re looking for a diffuser for aromatherapy, I would look into the electric ones for sure.
Thanks for all the research! How long will the diffuser last for before replacing the oil inside? Looking for something that will last more than 3 hours as I’m trying to get rid of mice (want to do a peppermint one). Thanks again!
Hey Jenn! These little diffusers are going to be way too subtle if you’re wanting to use them for a mouse problem. I would buy an electric diffuser as they’re much stronger and will disperse the essential oils much more efficiently!
Thanks for all the research! How long will the diffuser last for before replacing the oil inside? Looking for something that will last more than 3 hours as I’m trying to get rid of mice (want to do a peppermint one). Thanks again!
Hey Jenn! These little diffusers are going to be way too subtle if you’re wanting to use them for a mouse problem. I would buy an electric diffuser as they’re much stronger and will disperse the essential oils much more efficiently!
AA
Could I use coconut oil as a carrier oil instead of the oils you mention?
No, coconut oil is way too thick for this.
AA
Could I use coconut oil as a carrier oil instead of the oils you mention?
No, coconut oil is way too thick for this.
Sarah,
Thank you for helping us learn how to start using diffuser sticks and oils. I also wanted to let you know, in case you didn’t, that earlier in your article, you said to use 1/4 cup carrier oil with 10-15 drops of essential oil. In your recipe, near the end of the article, you said to use 25-30 drops of essential oil with 1/4 cup carrier oil.
My Mom is real sensitive to strong scents, so we will probably start with the lesser amount, and work up if needed. I just wanted to let you know about the discrepancy, in case you wanted to change that aspect of the article.
Again, thank you very much … Joey
Thanks for catching that, Joey – just fixed it! I use the higher amount (25-30 drops) and it’s really a very light scent.
Sarah,
Thank you for helping us learn how to start using diffuser sticks and oils. I also wanted to let you know, in case you didn’t, that earlier in your article, you said to use 1/4 cup carrier oil with 10-15 drops of essential oil. In your recipe, near the end of the article, you said to use 25-30 drops of essential oil with 1/4 cup carrier oil.
My Mom is real sensitive to strong scents, so we will probably start with the lesser amount, and work up if needed. I just wanted to let you know about the discrepancy, in case you wanted to change that aspect of the article.
Again, thank you very much … Joey
Thanks for catching that, Joey – just fixed it! I use the higher amount (25-30 drops) and it’s really a very light scent.
Great article. You made a good point with reed diffusers not being as strong of a scent. Sometimes regular diffusers can be a bit overpowering at times
True – they definitely are overpowering! Which I think is also why most people are disappointed when the homemade diffusers don’t smell as strong. It’s an issue of sensitization – if your olfactory senses are used to being constantly bombarded by very strong, artificial fragrances, it can be difficult to pick up lighter, more subtle scents. But with time, it can be done!
Great article. You made a good point with reed diffusers not being as strong of a scent. Sometimes regular diffusers can be a bit overpowering at times
True – they definitely are overpowering! Which I think is also why most people are disappointed when the homemade diffusers don’t smell as strong. It’s an issue of sensitization – if your olfactory senses are used to being constantly bombarded by very strong, artificial fragrances, it can be difficult to pick up lighter, more subtle scents. But with time, it can be done!
Hi I was wondering if you could use rubbing alcohol
Yes!
Hi I was wondering if you could use rubbing alcohol
Yes!
Thanks so much..I am eager to try this..I really appreciate all of the specifics that you offered. This is another way to
“save the planet”…I reuse glass containers for everything that I can.
You’re very welcome!
Could you confirm on the quantity of alcohol per 1/3 cup for the water base method please.
You could try using just water, and no alcohol, and see how that works for you. Otherwise, just a splash of alcohol will help the oils disperse in the water more easily.
Thanks so much..I am eager to try this..I really appreciate all of the specifics that you offered. This is another way to
“save the planet”…I reuse glass containers for everything that I can.
Could you confirm on the quantity of alcohol per 1/3 cup for the water base method please.
You could try using just water, and no alcohol, and see how that works for you. Otherwise, just a splash of alcohol will help the oils disperse in the water more easily.