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Learn the benefits of essential oils and how to create your own DIY oil reed diffuser for a healthier, fresh-smelling home environment.
Ever since I embarked on my journey towards a more natural lifestyle, my candle collection and harsh chemical cleaners have become a thing of the past. You might wonder why. Well, candles, as cozy and delightful as they seem, are often filled with chemicals that can make breathing in their fumes harmful. The shift was gradual, but I can confidently say, my love for candles has been replaced with something much healthier—essential oils and oil reed diffusers. Keep reading and learn how you can save money AND be healthier by making your own DIY oil reed diffuser.
WHY CANDLES CAN BE HARMFUL
Candles might set the mood with their warm glow and soothing scents, but many of them are not as innocent as they appear. Most commercial candles are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct. When burned, paraffin wax releases harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene, both of which are known carcinogens. Additionally, the artificial fragrances and dyes used in many candles can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues. Yikes!
EMBRACING ESSENTIAL OILS
As I began exploring more natural alternatives, I discovered the world of essential oils. These little bottles of plant extracts have become a staple in my home. Not only do they smell amazing, but they also offer numerous health benefits. I’ve found that my tolerance for artificial fragrances has dwindled, and instead, I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for the pure, natural scents of essential oils.
THE JOY OF Oil Reed DIFFUSERS
To replace my candle habit, I started using diffusers. I now have multiple essential oil diffusers in my home and studio, and I refresh them frequently, so my space is always smelling fresh. Diffusing essential oils can help deodorize your home, lift your mood, purify the air, and just make everything smell fantastic. A nicely scented home creates a whole mood, and trust me, it’s a vibe worth experiencing.
Make Your Own DIY OIL REED DIFFUSER
Today, I’m excited to share a simple tutorial for making your own DIY oil reed diffuser. These are a great, easy to make and are a natural alternative to candles that can be customized with your favorite scents.
You Will Need:
- A glass container with a narrow opening (check thrift stores).
- 4-5 reed diffuser sticks (I use uncoated bamboo skewers; a package of 100 will only cost a few dollars).
- Enough carrier oil to fill the glass container about half full (I recommend lighter oils such as fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or safflower oil).
- 20-30 drops of essential oil(s).
Instructions:
- Mix the essential oils and carrier oil together in the glass container.
- Place the diffuser sticks in the container. It will take a while for the oil to travel up the sticks, so speed up the process by flipping the sticks after several hours.
- Continue to flip the sticks every few days to refresh the scent.
FAVORITE SCENT COMBOS
The sky’s the limit when it comes to essential oil combinations for your reed diffuser! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Peppermint + Wild Orange
- Lavender + Lemon + Rosemary
- Cinnamon + Wild Orange
- Grapefruit + Lemon + Lime
- Lavender + Eucalyptus
- White Fir + Cypress
- Juniper Berry + Lavender
- Bergamot + Patchouli
NOTES AND TIPS
- A container with a narrow opening is preferred since it will slow down evaporation. Another option is to find a glass container with a cork and drill holes in it for the reeds.
- Heavier oils, such as olive oil or jojoba oil, will take longer to travel up the reeds. For quicker results, stick with lighter oils, like sweet almond oil.
- Some folks add a bit of alcohol (either rubbing alcohol or vodka) to their mixture to help speed up the process of the oil moving through the reeds. I haven’t tried this personally, but it could be worth a shot.
- Once the reeds become completely saturated, you’ll need to replace them with new ones. You’ll also need to replenish your oil supply eventually, depending on the type of essential oils, container, and carrier oil you are using.
The scent from my reed diffuser is noticeable, but not overwhelmingly strong. For a more potent aroma or purifying effect, I still use my regular cool-mist diffusers. However, these reed diffusers are perfect for adding a subtle, pleasant fragrance to any room—and they make great gifts too!
One last thing—keep these out of the reach of kids and animals. Safety first!
This personal journey from candles to essential oils has been enlightening and refreshing. I hope you find as much joy in these natural alternatives as I have. Happy diffusing!
mORE TO EXPLORE
If you enjoyed this project for making your own DIY oil reed diffuser, then you might like these other fun DIY projects and natural home care products. Here are a few of our most popular:
- DIY Herbal Hydrosols: No Special Equipment Needed!
- Make Your Own Lavender Linen Spray (With Free Labels)
- DIY All Natural Pine Cleaning Spray
- Quick And Easy DIY Disinfectant Spray Using 3 Common Kitchen Ingredients
- DIY Mugwort Cleansing Sticks: Protect and Purify
- Easy Bath Melt Recipe With Soothing Chamomile and Oat
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