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:
Homemade Essential Oil Reed Diffusers
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
Happily, right now all of this is super easy with the March Simply Earth box. And if you’re committed to trying this, don’t wait–these boxes sell out around mid-month (there will be more new fun next month).
What’s in a Box…
The March box contains the following items, along with recipes and labels:
• Cypress Essential Oil
• Energy Blend Essential Oil
• Orange Essential Oil
• Patchouli Essential Oil
• 5 reeds
• Lava rock beads
• Aromatherapy inhaler
March Simply Earth Box
PLUS, every new subscriber gets an additional special offer–for free. It’s a bonus box with even more supporting products. Things like bottles and carrier oils that will help you make future recipes. My bonus box contained:
• 6 small Amber Bottles
• 6 Amber Roll-On Bottles
• 1 bag of Beeswax Pellets
• 12 oz. Jar of Solid Coconut Oil
• 4 oz. Bottle of Fractionated (Liquid) Coconut Oil
• 4 oz. Bottle of Almond Oil.
Bonus Box Even!
The two boxes would be over $150 if purchased from many of the other essential oil vendors.
Even better, for a limited time, I have a code that will get you $40 off on a future box. That means your first month is a great deal–and your second month could be free. How fun is that!
Just follow my referral link and use the code ARTOFNATURALLIVINGFREE
The Company
Part of the motivation for the founders of this company was the challenge experienced sourcing good quality natural products. They comment:
With the safety of your home in mind, we’re meticulous about every step of our process. To make sure each plant reaches its potential, we carefully and ethically choose a region where it will thrive. Then we work with our farmers. When our plants have reached maturity, they are harvested safely and fairly. From there we collect their natural essential oils through either cold-pressing or steam-distillation. Every batch is then tested to ensure 100% purity.
Yes, Simply Earth is so confident in their quality they offer a 365 day guarantee! Plus they donate 13% of their profits to charity. Why not add a little fresh air to your life with Simply Earth!
Lots of ideas!
Subscription recap
To recap…. For a limited time, you can subscribe to a $39/mo essential oil recipe box using my referral link and code ARTOFNATURALLIVINGFREE to get:
• Your first monthly box
• A new subscriber bonus box
• $40 off a future box
If you are thinking about getting started with essential oils, want to make some fun products for the home/gifts or just want the best smelling house, you should give it a try!
How do you keep the solution from separating?
The essential oil stays mixed with the carrier oil which is most important from the standpoint of any essential oil toxicity. But it did float on the water so I am planning a trial with a high alcohol blend. If that comes out better (which I expect), I will rewrite this post. So check back in a month or two for an update.
I like the idea of making your own essential oil diffuser. It sounds fun and you can get creative. Plus, it’s definitely more economical than buy ready made.
I am loving the idea of making my own diffuser…as I have so many essential oils…thank you so this post Inger!
I am surprised to read about the reaction to the lavender essential oil. It is one of the oils most people should be able to use with no issues. That would indicate to take care with all of them. I really should make my own diffusers at home as I have a lot of essential oils that can no longer be used therapeutically 🙂
How fun – and what a great gift to give friends!