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How to get the most out of your reed diffuser
Reed diffusers are one of those things that look simple but have a few small secrets that make a big difference. If yours ever felt like it stopped working, or you burned through a bottle faster than expected, this is for you.
Where to place your diffuser
Placement is everything. The goal is airflow — you want gentle movement in the room to carry the scent, but not so much that the oil evaporates too fast.
Good spots: An entryway, a bathroom shelf, a bedside table, or a hallway. Anywhere people move through regularly.
Avoid: Directly under a vent or fan, in direct sunlight, or next to a heat source. Heat accelerates evaporation and will drain your bottle much faster than expected.
If your diffuser is in a small room like a bathroom, you may only need 3–4 reeds. In a larger open space, use more to push more scent into the air.
How to use the reeds
When you first open your diffuser, insert the reeds and let them sit for a few hours. You'll notice the tops start to darken as the oil travels up. That's exactly what you want.
After the first hour, flip the reeds so the saturated ends are now pointing up. This gives you an immediate burst of scent and helps the dry ends start absorbing.
From there, flip once a week for consistent fragrance. The more often you flip, the stronger and faster the scent — but the quicker the oil is used up. Once or twice a week is a good rhythm for most people.
When to change the reeds
This is the part most people skip, and it matters. Over time, reeds get clogged with dust and dried oil. When this happens, flipping them won't do much — the scent just stops travelling up, even if there's still oil in the bottle.
A good rule: replace your reeds every 2-3 months, or whenever flipping them stops refreshing the scent. Starting with fresh reeds makes a noticeable difference in throw.
Our diffusers come with two sets of reeds, and we sell replacement reeds separately. It's a small thing that makes a real difference in how your home smells.
How long should a diffuser last?
A 100ml diffuser, used at a moderate pace (flipped once a week, not near a vent), will typically last 6-8 months. If yours is going faster, check your placement and how often you're flipping. If it's lasting longer but the scent has faded, it's likely time for new reeds.
Summer is actually the best time for reed diffusers
No flame, no heat — they're a natural fit for warmer months. Open windows create the gentle airflow that helps carry scent through your space. And unlike candles, you don't have to think about them. Just place, flip occasionally, and enjoy.
A few of our scents that feel especially right this time of year:
Olive Leaf + Lemon
Fresh, herbal, a little bright. Like a kitchen window in summer.
A few things to avoid
Don't tip the bottle. Reed diffuser oil can stain wood and fabric. Always handle on a stable surface, and if you spill, wipe it up quickly (wear gloves if possible, or wash your hands after any contact with the oil)
Keep reeds in. Removing all the reeds stops the diffusion entirely. If you want to dial the scent back (say, in a small room), remove a few reeds rather than all of them.
Keep away from kids and pets. The oil is concentrated and not meant to be ingested. High shelves or out-of-reach spots are always a good idea.
Ready to find your summer scent?
Our reed diffusers are handcrafted in-house in Edmonton using phthalate-free fragrances and clean ingredients. Every purchase funds one month of health insurance for someone in Rwanda.
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