What is a reed diffuser?
A reed diffuser is a bottle of fragrance with thin sticks, or reeds, standing in it. The reeds draw the scented liquid up and release it into the air, so the room smells good all day without a candle flame, a plug or batteries.
How to set it up
Open the bottle, put the reeds in and leave them to soak up the fragrance for a little while. Check the box for any instructions specific to your diffuser. Fewer reeds give a softer scent; more reeds give a stronger one.
Should you flip the reeds?
Yes. Turning the reeds over every few days refreshes the scent, because the dry end that was in the air goes into the liquid. Do it over a sink or a tissue, because the wet ends can drip.
Where to put a diffuser
Put it where air moves gently: a hallway, a living room shelf or a bedside table. A bathroom diffuser keeps a small room fresh. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, which make the liquid evaporate faster, and somewhere it won't be knocked over by children or pets.
Protect your furniture
Fragrance oil can mark polished wood, varnish and fabric. Stand the bottle on a coaster or small tray, and wipe up drips straight away. Diffuser liquid is made for the air, not your skin: don't use it as a perfume.
How long does a reed diffuser last?
It depends on the room, the temperature and how many reeds you use. Several Shaik Bamboo diffuser boxes say they last up to 30 days, such as the Vanilla and Jasmine diffusers. Once the reeds are clogged and the scent fades, it is time for a new diffuser.
Reed diffuser or candle?
A candle gives scent and soft light when it is burning, but needs watching. A reed diffuser works on its own all day and night, which makes it a good choice for bathrooms, offices and rooms you are not always in.
Pets and children
Keep diffusers out of reach so the bottle cannot be knocked over or the liquid swallowed or licked. Some animals, especially cats, are sensitive to strong scents and fragrance oils; if you have pets, use a diffuser in a well-ventilated room and ask your vet if you are unsure.
Choose a scent
Shaik Bamboo reed diffusers are $15 each at Luxe Esscents, in scents such as vanilla, jasmine, sandalwood and green tea. See all room diffusers.
