Have you ever considered creating your own reed diffuser using essential oils? It’s actually a straightforward DIY project that requires just a few common ingredients and only a few minutes of your time. However, it’s crucial to get the right ingredients and proportions to ensure that the scented mixture is thin enough to rise through the reeds and fragrance your space, yet not so thin that it evaporates too rapidly. Fortunately, after extensive research and experimentation, I’ve discovered the perfect method for you. Simply follow the detailed recipe below, and you can easily craft your own homemade reed diffuser. Customize your base recipe with any of 20 delightful fall scents I’ve provided. You’ll find recipes for all my autumn favorites, including pumpkin spice, apple orchard, vanilla bean candle, candy corn, gingersnap cookie, and more! This means you can say goodbye to artificial fragrances found in commercial room sprays, candles, or plug-ins. Instead, you can create your own reed diffusers to naturally infuse every small room and nook in your home with wonderful aromas! These diffusers are perfect for revitalizing smaller spaces like bathrooms, closets, foyers, offices, and bedrooms.
What You Need to Make Your Own Reed Diffuser
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I’ve experimented to find a DIY reed diffuser recipe that effectively scents a room while minimizing rapid evaporation. The secret lies in using a combination of a light, viscous carrier oil along with high-proof alcohol to further thin the oil. By blending essential oils with a bit of carrier oil and a substantial amount of high-proof grain alcohol, the essential oils retain their fragrance and therapeutic benefits. This mixture becomes a much thinner liquid that can easily travel up the reeds to disperse the scent.
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own homemade reed diffuser:
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Essential Oil
I prefer using essential oils as a natural way to scent my reed diffusers. Oils like cinnamon, clove, sweet orange, vanilla, cedarwood, and spruce evoke the warm and cozy feelings of fall. Check out the 20 fall-scented recipes below to discover your favorite essential oil combinations, including blends for pumpkin spice latte, apple orchard, gingersnap cookies, mulled cider, vanilla bean candle, and many more.
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Light and Viscous Carrier Oil (Optional)
Adding a carrier oil is optional, but I’ve found that including a small amount helps slow down evaporation and aids in carrying the essential oils up through the reeds. Opt for a light, thin, free-flowing oil such as apricot kernel oil, sunflower oil, or safflower oil, which are thin enough to travel efficiently up the diffuser reeds.
While many DIY reed diffuser recipes only incorporate alcohol and essential oils (or a watered-down version), those blends tend to evaporate quickly and aren’t true reed diffuser mixes. It’s best to add carrier oil along with the alcohol and essential oils. Carrier oils do not evaporate quickly, thereby prolonging the life of your reed diffuser scent. Avoid heavier oils like olive, jojoba, and avocado, as they won’t wick up the reeds effectively; stick to lighter oils for the best results.
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High-Proof Grain Alcohol
This alcohol is essential for thinning the oils. A thin, low-viscosity liquid is required for a reed diffuser so that the fragrance can travel up the reeds and scent the air. If the mixture is too thick, it will not ascend the reeds effectively, resulting in minimal fragrance dispersion.
You’ve likely heard the adage that water and oil don’t mix. This principle is relevant when crafting a well-formulated reed diffuser blend. Essential oils behave like oil, so they must be blended with a solvent that forms a uniform solution but is also light and thin enough to ascend the reeds. That’s where alcohol comes into play.
Using only essential oils and water will not work, as the essential oils will simply float on top of the water. Alcohol acts similarly to water, being an extremely thin liquid that easily travels up the reeds. However, high-proof alcohol differs from water in a significant way: when sufficient high-proof alcohol is combined with essential oils (and optional carrier oil), the alcohol and oils create a uniform solution that blends everything seamlessly. This oil-essential oil-alcohol solution is ideal for reed diffusers as it’s thin enough to travel up the reeds while also being highly fragrant, effectively scenting small spaces.
The key is to use 140 proof or higher grain alcohol. You can find these in the grain alcohol (or vodka) section of your local liquor store. I personally use Everclear, but there are other high-proof grain alcohol options available. Look specifically for grain alcohol that is at least 140 proof. Regular vodka contains too much water to be effective for this use.
- Everclear (190 proof, 92.4% ethanol)
- Spirytus Vodka (Note: While most vodka sold in the United States is only 80 proof or 40% alcohol, Spirytus Vodka is 192 proof, 96% alcohol. When using vodka in this blend, ensure you select one that is at least 140 proof to effectively mix with the essential oils.)
- Golden Grain (190 proof, 95% alcohol)
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Glass Jar with Lid
Using a glass jar with a lid (such as a mason jar) is important for shaking the oil and alcohol mixture thoroughly. This shaking is essential as it allows the alcohol to dissolve the larger oil and essential oil molecules. Stirring with a spoon may not achieve the same level of mixing, and the alcohol may not fully incorporate with the essential oils and carrier oil.
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Small Neck Vase
Any narrow-opening container made from an essential-oil-safe material can serve as a reed diffuser. Glass, ceramic, earthenware, wood, or stainless steel are all excellent choices. Take a look around your home; you likely already have an appropriate container available. The smaller the neck of the bottle, the slower the oils will evaporate from it.
- Almost anything with a narrow neck can function as a vase—match it to your decor!
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Reed Sticks
Typically crafted from rattan, reed sticks are designed with small channels that facilitate the movement of the oil mixture up through the reeds and into the air. While some people opt for bamboo skewers as a substitute, I advise against this, as they do not wick the oil as effectively, which can result in the oils remaining stagnant in the vase rather than dispersing their delightful scents into the atmosphere.
How to Create Your Homemade Reed Diffuser Oil
Step 1: Add 40-50 Drops of Essential Oil to a Mason Jar
Refer to the list below for 20 of my favorite fall-scented essential oil blends. These recipes include delightful combinations for pumpkin spice, apple orchard, vanilla bean candle, mulled cider, woodland walk, candy corn, pumpkin spice latte, and more.
Tip: Use an 8-ounce or larger glass jar with a lid. If you don’t have a mason jar, a jelly jar or any other glass jar with a lid will also work perfectly.
Step 2: Add 1/2 Tablespoon of a Light Oil (Optional)
Choose a light carrier oil to ensure it flows easily up the reeds to scent the room. Apricot kernel oil, safflower oil, or sunflower oil are excellent choices due to their low viscosity (they flow easily). While adding a carrier oil is optional, it can significantly slow down evaporation and help carry the essential oils up the reeds for better scent distribution.
Step 3: Stir Well
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the essential oils and carrier oil are well combined. This can be done by stirring with a wooden or metal spoon, or simply swirling the jar until everything is blended.
Step 4: Add 1/2 Cup of Everclear Alcohol to the Mason Jar
The alcohol serves to thin out the oils. It’s essential to have a low-viscosity liquid for the reed diffuser to ensure the fragrance can travel easily up the reeds and scent the surrounding area. If the mixture is too thick, it struggles to rise through the reeds, limiting the fragrance dispersion.
Remember, the key is to use 140 proof or higher grain alcohol, which you can find in the grain alcohol (or vodka) section of your local liquor store. Regular vodka has too much water content to be suitable for this purpose.
Step 5: Put on the Lid and Shake Mixture Well
Shaking the mixture is essential as it allows the alcohol to dissolve the essential oils and carrier oil, creating a uniform solution that remains mixed.
Step 6: Refer to the Instructions Below on How to Use Your Homemade Reed Diffuser Oil
20 Essential Oil Blends for Fall-Scented Reed Diffusers
I absolutely love that I can utilize my essential oils to create a variety of autumn-scented reed diffusers! With just a few essential oils, I can tailor my base diffuser recipe to create delightful scents such as pumpkin spice, apple orchard, or vanilla bean candle. You can even craft scents perfect for Halloween (like candy corn, friendly ghost, or witch’s brew). It’s incredibly simple, and every time I can achieve the exact fall fragrance I desire. Click here for a free printable of recipes and instructions.
1. Cinnamon Buns
15 drops sweet orange, 15 drops cinnamon, 12 drops vanilla, 8 drops cardamom
2. Autumn Breeze
16 drops lemon, 16 drops sweet orange, 16 drops fir
3. Pumpkin Spice
15 drops sweet orange, 6 drops vanilla, 6 drops cardamom, 10 drops cinnamon, 6 drops clove, 6 drops ginger
4. Sweater Weather
25 drops eucalyptus, 15 drops juniper berry, 7 drops sage
5. Stay Cozy
12 drops cedarwood, 12 drops spruce, 12 drops cypress, 6 drops vetiver, 6 drops sage
6. Woodland Walk
25 drops cypress, 12 drops fir, 12 drops sandalwood
7. Evening by the Fire
14 drops fir, 7 drops frankincense, 7 drops sandalwood, 7 drops lavender, 14 drops sweet orange
8. Mulled Cider
24 drops sweet orange, 10 drops cinnamon, 7 drops clove, 5 drops nutmeg, 3 drops cardamom
9. Flannel
12 drops cardamom, 4 drops cinnamon, 7 drops sweet orange, 3 drops clove, 12 drops cedarwood, 3 drops spruce
10. Vanilla Bean Candle
35 drops vanilla, 7 drops cedarwood, 5 drops cypress, 3 drops spruce
11. Enchanted Forest
10 drops spruce, 5 drops pine, 8 drops patchouli, 10 drops lavender, 5 drops frankincense, 5 drops cedarwood
12. Apple Orchard
10 drops lemon, 10 drops green mandarin, 8 drops copaiba, 8 drops fir, 6 drops cedarwood, 6 drops frankincense
13. Friendly Ghost
12 drops spearmint, 12 drops lemon, 12 drops sweet orange, 12 drops vanilla
14. Gingersnap Cookies
14 drops ginger, 8 drops cinnamon, 4 drops clove, 8 drops vanilla, 8 drops tangerine, 8 drops ocotea
15. Witch’s Brew
5 drops ylang ylang, 15 drops eucalyptus, 15 drops lavender, 15 drops spearmint
16. Trick or Treat
21 drops copaiba, 10 drops bergamot, 6 drops grapefruit, 8 drops cedarwood
17. Candy Corn
15 drops lemon, 15 drops sweet orange, 10 drops copaiba, 5 drops vanilla
18. Spooktacular!
7 drops frankincense, 7 drops cedarwood, 7 drops sandalwood, 7 drops ginger, 7 drops clove, 15 drops sweet orange
19. Pumpkin Spice Latte
15 drops coffee, 10 drops cinnamon, 4 drops clove, 4 drops ginger, 6 drops sweet orange, 6 drops cardamom
20. Graveyard
18 drops coffee, 18 drops sweet orange, 5 drops cinnamon, 5 drops clove
If you’re looking for more fall scents, be sure to find ideas and recipes for additional fantastic autumn aromas in my fall diffuser blends post and my Halloween diffuser blends post.
How to Use Your Homemade Reed Diffuser
Step 1: Pour the Reed Diffuser Mixture into a Small, Narrow-Opening Glass Vase or Jar.
Tip: The wider the opening of your diffuser, the faster the mixture tends to evaporate. If you’re using a container with a slightly wider opening, consider adding just an inch or two of the diffuser mixture at a time and store the rest in the sealed mason jar. Refill your diffuser as needed.
Step 2: Trim the Reeds to the Desired Length for Your Vase or Jar
Step 3: Bundle 5-8 Diffuser Reeds and Insert Them into the Neck of the Vase
Step 4: Fan the Reeds Out
Step 5: Allow the Oil Mixture to Saturate the Reeds. After a Few Hours, Flip the Reeds Over So That the Other End Will Now Be in the Oil Mixture.
This will encourage the oils to travel up the reeds and effectively scent the room.
Step 6: After Another 24 Hours, Flip the Reeds Over Again.
The oil will saturate into the reeds, and as it rises, it will release the delightful aroma into the air. It may take a few days for the reeds to fully absorb the oil.
Step 7: Flip the Sticks Every Few Days to Refresh the Scent. Replace the Oil-Alcohol Mixture Once It Evaporates and Change the Reed Sticks About Once a Month.
Tip: Reed diffusers work best in smaller, enclosed spaces like closets, bathrooms, foyers, bedrooms, offices, and pantries. The scent may not be as strong in larger, more open areas.
Where to Find Your Supplies
This website contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on certain links and subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Reed Sticks: Click here for natural-colored reed diffuser sticks or black reed diffuser sticks.
Reed Diffuser Bottle: You can use any narrow-neck glass jar or vase. The amber glass diffuser I used in the photos is from the Hearth & Hand fall collection at Target. The black beaker used in the Halloween diffuser blend photo is from Michael’s Crafts. Click here for reed diffuser bottles available on Amazon.
Apricot Kernel Oil, Safflower Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Everclear (140 proof or higher grain alcohol): Find Everclear in the grain alcohol (or vodka) section of your local liquor store. I use Everclear, but you may also find other high-proof grain alcohol options. Look for grain alcohol that is at least 140 proof, as regular vodka contains too much water for this purpose.
Click here for a free printable of recipes and instructions.
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Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and the information provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website does not substitute professional care. Always consult your medical doctor regarding your medical care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this website.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that this website contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on certain links and subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link.
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