Last year, we introduced our gorgeous collection of reed diffusers; and although we’ve used the same scent blends, we love the different type of aroma they give. Here’s a bit more about the versatile and low-maintenance reed diffuser, and how to get the best from it.
Why Use a Reed Diffuser, not a Scented Candle?
There’s definitely room in our homes for both! So when do you use a scented candle, and when is a reed diffuser the better option? They’re both designed to scent our rooms, but do so in different ways. The candle gives a more immediate and localised fragrance; and even though a good-quality candle will have a fairly wide “scent throw” (the fragrance released when it’s not lit), it’s not intended to create an ambient aroma.
If you want a more subtle but wider-reaching scent, the reed diffuser is an excellent choice. The scented oils release a softer but permanent fragrance that fills the space for weeks at a time. Unlike candles, you can leave a reed diffuser unattended, making them a lovely way to add an ambient fragrance to a bedroom, dressing room or bathroom. They’re also a welcoming detail in a hallway or lobby.
Find the Right Scent
Like scented candles, reed diffusers come in a wide variety of fragrances, from uplifting and zingy to calm and relaxing. Have a look at our room-by-room guide to choosing scented candles, as the same fragrance principles apply.
The bathroom, en-suite or downstairs cloaks often need a background scent boost. Try a refreshing ocean or linen-based blend of oils, or a clean smell like our Wild Mint diffuser. Delicate floral scents give a gorgeously spring-like lift to the bedroom or guest room. Like candles, you can change your diffuser to suit the season, such as smokey autumnal hints (without the smoke) or festive spicy notes.
Choose Where to Place your Reed Diffuser
We’ve talked about how a reed diffuser is a safer option than a candle – but we still don’t want an oil spillage courtesy of a wagging tail or small, inquisitive fingers. If you have young kids or bouncy pets, we suggest a higher spot. Diffusers don’t take up much space, and can sit comfortably on shelves, mantelpieces, cabinets, windowsills, dressers…
The oil shouldn’t leak, so you don’t need to stand it on a mat; however, move it away from wooden or painted surfaces when you rotate the reeds (more about this in a minute).
The scent from our reed diffusers will soon fill a space. If you’re lucky enough to have a large, open-plan, barn-sized room, you may choose to use two, placing one at each end for a seamless background aroma.
Making the Most of your Reed Diffuser
One of the many lovely things about a reed diffuser is how low maintenance it is. To set it up, simply remove the seal and stand the reeds in the oil, fanning them out slightly. The reeds will start to draw up the oil, and the scent will soon diffuse out.
Periodically, gently take the reeds out and turn them the other way up to give the scent a boost (wash your hands afterwards, and look out for drips of oil, which will need a swift wipe). And – that’s it. Your diffuser will just carry on, well, diffusing, for around twelve weeks. We meant it when we said “low maintenance”.
Replacing your Reed Diffuser
How can you tell when your reed diffuser has run out? Unlike candles, there isn’t a finality to it: the scent simply becomes more and more subtle until you can barely detect it. If you’re enjoying the background fragrance, it’s a good idea to replace your diffuser after about ten weeks so you don’t lose the scent.
Quick note: when you replace your diffuser, don’t be tempted to add any of the old reeds to your new jar. They will be saturated by then and won’t be able to soak up any more oil.
If you’d like to know more about our reed diffusers, please get in touch with us at Dexter & Mason.