Homemade Essential Oil Reed Diffusers

It’s been a few months since I got an essential oil box via my partnership with Simply Earth. And I have to tell you, I was waiting with anticipation.  Because this month’s box features how to make essential oil reed diffusers and other fun winter products. 

(Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and I received the products free of charge in exchange for this review. But the opinions are my own.) 

Yes, my Wisconsin house won’t see fresh air for months. Bring on the diffusers! 

My mother used to use a commercial chemical air plug-in. And we used to get a headache every time we entered her apartment. Yup, just like I don’t put synthetic chemicals on my skin, I don’t want to breathe them.

Years ago, I bought some lovely essential oil reed diffusers that really freshened up the house. But they were seriously expensive.  

So, when this month’s box suggested making my own, it was like, well duh! 

Making diffusers

How to Make Homemade Essential Oil Reed Diffusers

Making a reed diffuser at home is a simple process. You combine the ingredients, then place them in a narrow-mouthed bottle. (You could use a wider mouthed bottle, stopped with a cork with a hole for the reeds). Finally, you insert reeds (or bamboo skewers) to wick-up the scent.

Perfect diffuser bottles

Just remember that, for safety reasons, essential oils always need to be diluted. There are two main (natural) methods for dilution. The first is to dilute your oils in a mixture of alcohol and water. The second is to dilute them in a light carrier oil like safflower, fractionated coconut or sweet almond.

I tried both methods, using vodka as my alcohol, which left the oils floating on top. Afterwards I read that my 80-proof vodka didn’t have a high enough alcohol content. So something like rubbing alcohol may have worked better. I’ll have to update you with future trials!

But diluting in a carrier oil was perfect. And happily, the bonus box has both coconut oil and almond oil!

Here is a recipe for you:

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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Essential Oil Reed Diffusers

Making homemade essential oil reed diffusers is fun and easy. Here is a step by step guide along with some helpful tips and sources.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Author: Inger

Materials

• 25 drops of essential oil one of more varieties
• 1/4 cup light carrier oil like liquid fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil
• Narrow mouth glass bottle
• 3-5 reeds or bamboo skewers

Instructions

• Mix essential oil and carrier oil and place in bottle
• Insert reeds
• Wipe the outside carefully, then set out where it will not be knocked over
• Enjoy

I used a combination of lemon and orange oils in the first diffuser and in the other mixed Ho Wood and Orange. The first was very fresh and sunshine-y, while the second was similarly fresh but with a hint of sophistication.

The shorter official reeds (vs skewers)

Essential Oil Reed Diffuser Tips

• To set expectations, the fragrance is subtle. A diffuser isn’t going to cover up the fact that you fried fish last night. But, do you really want a scent that’s strong enough to cover up fried fish?
• The best container is one with a narrow opening since it will slow down evaporation. (I found a set of three at TJ Maxx for 3.99) Another option is a container that has a cork with a hole for the reeds.  
• You can “flip” the reeds if the scent starts to diminish. Take care when turning and wipe down the outside. I had an EO diffuser that dissolved the finish on a table from a reed-flipping dribble I couldn’t even see.
•  If you have pets, be sure that you are aware of safety issue with pets–and keep them separated.
• Despite being considered a “safer” alternative, people (and furniture and pets) can have bad reactions to even properly diluted oils. My oldest can’t touch anything lavender without breaking out into hives. This is more of an issue for touching than smelling, but check out the safety record of your chosen scent first and place where it won’t get knocked over.
• To share an old soap-makers trick for blending scents. If you are considering a scent combo, place a drop of each of the scents on a cotton ball or q-tip.  Seal in a bottle to allow scents to blend and vaporize, then open the cap to allow the scent to escape.  Adjust oils/ratios as desired.
  

  Pre-testing a scent combo

• ← Tasty Reuben Soup
• Easy Thai Peanut Soup →