DIY Reed Diffuser Base

DIY Reed Diffuser Base

Juliette van der Meer

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • what a reed diffuser is and how it works
  • how to make a natural reed diffuser base at home
  • which carrier oils work best for reed diffusion
  • how much essential oil to use for scenting
  • tips for scent strength, placement, and maintenance

What Is A Reed Diffuser?

A reed diffuser is a home fragrance system that uses porous reeds or wicks to draw scented liquid up from a container and disperse fragrance into the air over time.

Reed diffusers are a gentle and passive way to diffuse essential oils in your space, without the need for a flame or electricity - making them a safe and cost effective way to fragrance your home or office. While conventional reed diffuser bases are often made with a concoction of fragrance oils, alcohols and glycols, you can very easily make your own natural and vegan base oil with a few simple ingredients.

While simple, reed diffusers give a luxury aesthetic to any space and make a lovely gift. You could even wrap up the individual ingredients as a set and let the receiver make it up themselves - it's easy enough for anyone!

What Reed Diffusers Are Used For

Reed diffusers are intended for scenting indoor spaces, not for skin contact. They are best suited to small rooms like bathrooms, bedrooms, or offices where a gentle, continuous scent is preferred.

When Reed Diffusers Work Well

  • Small, enclosed spaces
  • Subtle, background fragrance
  • Flame-free, low-maintenance scenting

When Reed Diffusers May Not Be Ideal

  • Large open-plan areas
  • Very strong or immediate scent throw
  • Homes with pets that may knock containers over

Making The Diffuser Base

A reed diffuser base oil needs to be neutral scented, so as to not interfere with the scent of the essential oils, and relatively thin so it can travel up the reeds. We find safflower oil, almond oil and fractionated coconut oil to be the best options here. Fortunately they are all reasonably priced too, so pick your favourite.

Depending on the size of your diffuser jar, you will need about 50-60ml of oil.

Some like to add in 2 tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol, to thin out the oil even more and help the scent travel up the reeds. This is optional, but if you find your reeds aren't drawing the oil up then you can add it in.

Safety And Isopropyl Alcohol

If using isopropyl alcohol, work in a well-ventilated area and keep the finished diffuser out of reach of children and pets. Isopropyl alcohol is used here only to help thin the oil and improve diffusion.

Formulation Guidelines For Natural Reed Diffusers

  • Use a neutral-scented, low-viscosity carrier oil
  • Keep containers narrow-necked to slow evaporation
  • Natural oils produce a softer scent than synthetic fragrance bases
  • Flip reeds occasionally to refresh scent throw
  • Replace the mixture monthly or as needed

Essential Oils For Scent

For every 50-60ml of base oil you will need around 25-50 drops of essential oils. This variance is because some essential oils are stronger than others so you may need to use less or more. Do a smell test after adding every few drops to determine whether you may need to add in more essential oil.

As for which essential oils you can use in a reed diffuser, well the list is endless! You can go simple and just add your favourite for a clean scent, or you can mix up a blend for a more complex scent.

Here are some scent blend ideas:

We also have essential oils blend recipes available here: Essential Oil Blends

Natural Reed Diffuser Fragrance

This recipe creates a natural, oil-based reed diffuser suitable for small indoor spaces.

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Blend the carrier oil and the essential oils together until you get a nice strong scent.
  2. If you want to thin out the mixture, add 2 tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol to the carrier oil first, mix well to incorporate it, and then add in the essential oils.
  3. Add the oil to the jar and insert the reeds. It will take a few days for the reeds to wick up the base and begin effectively diffusing the scent.
  4. You can top up the essential oils in the mixture as necessary when the scent fades, and don't forget to flip the reeds every now and again. Replace the entire mixture once a month or as required.

Please note that using natural scents and solvents will yield a much softer scent in your space than using artificial fragrances. It may be best to place your reed diffuser in a smaller space such as an office or bathroom, rather than trying to scent your entire living room for instance.

Reed Diffusers FAQ

How do reed diffusers work?

Reed diffusers work by drawing scented liquid up through porous reeds or wooden wicks. As the liquid travels up the reeds, the fragrance slowly evaporates into the air, providing a gentle and continuous scent without heat, flames, or electricity.

How much essential oil should I use in a reed diffuser?

For every 50–60 ml of base oil, around 25–50 drops of essential oil is usually sufficient. The exact amount depends on the strength of the essential oil used. It’s best to add oils gradually and smell the blend as you go, adjusting until you’re happy with the scent strength.

Can I use any carrier oil for a reed diffuser?

Not all carrier oils work well. Lighter, neutral-scented oils like safflower oil, almond oil, or fractionated coconut oil are best because they wick easily through the reeds and don’t interfere with the fragrance. Heavier or strongly scented oils may not diffuse well.

Why is my reed diffuser not smelling strong?

Natural reed diffusers produce a softer scent than synthetic fragrance bases. Weak scent can also be caused by thick carrier oils, old or clogged reeds, or placing the diffuser in a large or open space. Using fresh reeds, flipping them occasionally, and placing the diffuser in a smaller room can help improve scent throw.

How long does a DIY reed diffuser last?

A DIY reed diffuser typically lasts around one month, depending on room temperature, airflow, and how often the reeds are flipped. The mixture can be refreshed by topping up essential oils, but the base oil should be replaced periodically for best performance.

Are natural reed diffusers safe to use indoors?

Yes, when used as intended. Natural reed diffusers are designed for scenting indoor spaces only and should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Ensure good ventilation, avoid skin contact, and place the diffuser on a stable surface to prevent spills.

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Juliette van der Meer

Fascinated with all things Nature, Science, Chemistry and Cosmetic Formulation; slave to four cats; my sweet tooth fuels my sweet nature.

I like to constantly learn new things. I also love crime series, which is totally not a red flag :)

I graduated from Rhodes University with a Degree in Geology but later switched to Cosmetic Science and haven't looked back - proof that flipping your life around can lead to much happiness.

BSc Hons, Adv. Dip. Cosmetic Science


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