Reed Diffusers - The Modern Alternative To Scented Candles

The fragrance given off by a reed diffuser is a delight to the senses devoid of smoke or any other medium that can detract from or interfere with the purity of the smell. Reed diffusers emit beautiful fragrances in a host of different aromas and with no heat or flame required to operate, there is nothing to detract the natural aroma of the essential oil. Reed diffusers enable you to appreciate the scent of the essential oil of your choosing in its purest form.

Scented candles have been regarded for some time now as a simple and effective way of filling your home with beautiful fragrance, but although they remain popular, when it comes to selecting fragrances for your home, an increasing number of people are opting for the convenience and appeal of a fragrance diffuser. So what exactly do we mean by a reed diffuser or a fragrance diffuser - the terms are often used interchangeably - and in what respect is a diffuser different from a candle?

A typical reed diffuser comes in a box or gift set comprising an attractive jar, bottle or container for holding the fragrant oil, a number of rattan reeds, through which the fragrance is dispersed and a disposable bottle containing the scented oil for use in the diffuser. You cannot cut corners if you want your diffuser to operate properly. The correct type of reeds is essential because rattan has an absorbent honeycomb structure, quite different in this regard from wood or bamboo which do not have the necessary absorbent qualities. As a result, neither wood nor bamboo are appropriate for use in scented diffusers, because they do not properly absorb the scented oil and thus are not capable of diffusing it into the air, creating the fresh-smelling aromas for which reed diffusers are known.

A handful of slim reeds is usually sufficient to fill an average size room with subtle fragrance. If you are looking to create a lighter aroma or the diffuser is being used in a smaller room, such as a bedroom, you may prefer to use fewer reeds, thereby producing a more delicate fragrance. Place the reeds in a container, preferably a glass jar, into which the fragrant oil has been poured. The oil will then be absorbed into and up through the reeds before being dispersed into the surrounding air via the reed stems. Just as you cannot stint on the choice of reeds, so you must ensure that the correct type of oil is used, that is, fragrant oil which is specifically designed to be used in reed diffusers.

The amount of oil you use is a matter of judgement. You cannot really use too much, but if you do not use enough, the reeds will not become properly infused with the scented oil, resulting in little or no aroma being spread through your room, or alternatively the diffuser will run out prematurely.A good quality reed diffuser, using the correct reeds and oil, should last for 4-6 months with normal use.

Finally, do not try to reuse reeds in an attempt to save money. After a while, the fragrant oil will coagulate, while the reeds themselves can become blocked with dust, preventing proper absorption of the scented oil. If you need more reeds these can be easily obtained from a specialist store or online retailer.

Among the advantages that a reed diffuser has over scented candles and other forms of home fragrance is that they provide a continuous fragrance, unlike a candle which will only provide a scent when lit or an electrical diffuser which must be switched on. And, of course, there is no flame, and accordingly no risk of fire. They are also more convenient than electrical diffusers since you can place them wherever you wish – you are not restricted to an area which has an electrical socket nearby. There is also no need to heat the oil in a reed diffuser. The diffuser works by capillary action so you enjoy the fragrant oil in its purest form.

So, what are the benefits of fragrance diffusers and why do people use them? One of the most obvious benefits of using a reed diffuser at home is it's ability to freshen a room's atmosphere, masking any lingering stale odours. However, like other forms of home fragrances, they also have the ability to soothe away your stresses. They are one of life’s little pleasures, like a hot relaxing bath, a good book or a chilled glass of wine after a long, hard day. You don't need to justify it, just relax and enjoy!


Further information on home fragrances is available from http://www.scentedcandlestore.com where you will also find reed diffusers that will make your home or office smell great.