So Many Great Reasons to Make Your Own Reed Diffuser
- Much less expensive than store-bought diffusers, and they work wonderfully.
- Almost any container with a narrow neck can serve as a vase—match your décor.
- Create a custom scent. Below are 11 favorite spring blends to try, or mix your own.
- It’s really simple: mix three ingredients and you’re done.
- Perfect for small spaces where plug-in diffusers aren’t practical—great for bathrooms.
- Makes a thoughtful gift.
How to Make a Reed Diffuser
Making a reed diffuser at home is quick and affordable. You only need a few items:
- A glass or other essential-oil-safe container with a narrow opening (to slow evaporation)
- 1/4 cup light carrier oil such as apricot kernel or safflower oil
- 15–20 drops of essential oil blend (see suggested blends below)
- 2 tablespoons alcohol (vodka works well) to help the oils travel up the reeds
- Reed sticks
Find a Container
Any narrow-opening container made from an essential-oil-safe material—glass, ceramic, earthenware, wood, or stainless steel—can be used. Look around your home first; you likely already have a suitable jar or vase. Other good places to look include garage sales, consignment or thrift stores, and craft stores.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1) Add 1/4 cup of a light carrier oil (apricot kernel or safflower) to a measuring cup.
2) Add 2 tablespoons of alcohol (vodka is fine). This thins the mixture and helps the scent travel up the reeds.
3) Add 15–20 drops of your chosen essential oil or blend.
4) Use one reed to stir the mixture well so the oils disperse into the alcohol.
5) Pour the mixture into your vase or container.
6) Bundle the reeds and insert them into the neck of the vase.
7) Fan the reeds out so air can circulate around them.
8) The oil will wick up the reeds and release the aroma. It may take a few days for the scent to fully develop.
9) Flip the sticks every few days to refresh the scent.
10) Refill the oil-alcohol mixture when it evaporates and replace reed sticks about once a month for best performance.
11 Favorite Essential Oil Blends — perfect for reed diffusers
10 drops eucalyptus + 10 drops spearmint
6 drops grapefruit + 6 drops orange + 4 drops lemon + 2 drops bergamot
3 drops geranium + 9 drops lavender + 6 drops orange
9 drops lavender + 6 drops clary sage + 6 drops orange
6 drops lemongrass + 6 drops lavender + 6 drops eucalyptus
6 drops tangerine + 6 drops spearmint + 6 drops lemongrass
3 drops geranium + 6 drops lavender + 9 drops lime
12 drops lemon + 3 drops frankincense + 3 drops ylang ylang
6 drops lavender + 6 drops lemon + 6 drops rosemary
6 drops lavender + 6 drops lemon + 6 drops peppermint
6 drops lemon + 6 drops lavender + 6 drops grapefruit
Would you like reed diffusers in other seasonal scents?
Explore fall and holiday recipes for more inspiration.
You might also like these other posts on essential oils:
DIY Peppermint Foot Cream {to refresh tired feet}
How to Make an Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace for Less Than $1
20 Favorite Roller Bottle Recipes with Free Printable Labels
Ultimate DIY Sugar Scrub for Softest Smoothest Skin EVER {15 essential oil recipes}
Kid-safe and effective DIY bug spray recipes using essential oils
31 Genius Essential Oil Tips & Hacks
21 Roller Bottle Blends for Emotions with Free Printable Labels
Diffuser Blends for Energy
Interested in more recipes, tips, and ideas for essential oils?
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