Create a scented diffuser using oils, a jar, and reeds. The easiest DIY you’ll ever make.
I am an aromatherapy fanatic. I love a clean, well scented room. I want to walk in to my home and smell like it’s ready to wrap me up from the outside world because I am a fake extravert, who now needs all of my introvert needs met…anyone else feel this way? Ok. Cool.
This is an accidental DIY and I am so glad I stumbled upon it. Over the years I’ve purchased more than my fair share of room refreshers, wall scents, candles, etc. I have been drawn to the ethereal look of a reed diffuser, but became hooked by their ruminating scents.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- Reed sticks (of choice)
- Glass container (of choice)
- Essential scented oils (of choice)
- Base scent/carrier oil
- Bowl to pre-mix items (do this if you’re extra senstive to scents and you are not sure what smells you would like to achieve)
- Funnel
Oils
The ingredients for your oil blend will depend on the scent you would like to achieve. The base/carrier oil is the main ingredient. Carrier oil is the base scent to majority oil that will be used in the diffuserr. It will be a scent that blends the other oils together. Carrier oils can be scented or unscented. I’ve heard of people using every day oils like coconut and olive oil as the carrier oil. Please note, coconut and olive oils are very greasy. They are not my favorite but they are an option.
I stick to carrier oils that have alcohol in it to stretch out the liquid and blend with the essential oil. You may find carrier oils online via Amazon. Some of the craft stores may sell them as well. Keep in mind, the carrier scents may be sold by the gallon.
Selecting which essential oils to use depends on your palette. I am not a fan of strong woodsy scents, so I tend to stay away from those oils. However, the right mix may sway my decision. I love ocean and clean linen scents, so I lean toward the softer oil brands. I have found that scents like floral and furity scents blend well. The same for natural herb scents (eucalyptus, evergreen, and mint) and earthy scents (myrrh, frankinsense). Here are a few scent suggestions for you:
- lemon, lavender, mint
- chamomille, lavender, lemon
- lemongrass and lavender
- saltwater, sea musk, orange blossom
- bergamot, jasmine, sandalwood
These scents are just a few. In my vase (and in the video), I used lemongrass, lavender, and ocean scent carrier base oil. If you are extra sensitive to different smells, I recommend you mix your scents ahead of time to get a better feel of what you’re looking for.
Jars or Vases
You may use any glass jar of choice. I chose a large vase (found goodwill hunting). The average jar is no more than 5 oz in size. My vase can fit up to 50 ounces of liquid. A whole new meaning to go big or go home. You can find jars anywhere – online or in the same craft stores where the oils are sold.
Reeds
Lastly, the reed sticks. You can choose any stick to place in your oil jar. Thin or thick. Ensure the sticks are made of wood. If you are using sticks that are not usually synonomous with a diffuser, you may want to soak the sticks in water to soften and decrease the likleihood of splitting. For sticks that are specifically used for diffusers there is no need to pre-soak. I’ve seen popsicle sticks, cane wood, and skewer sticks used. I’m not so brave, I use the reeds designated for diffuser oil. It’s simple and doesn’t give off the same aesthetic, but it works for me.
I found extra long reeds (14 inches) to fit my vase. The average reed size is 6-7 inches.
This DIY is literally a few simple steps with a few ingredients. Because my vase is so large, my diffuser lasts and lasts. Up to a few months or more, whereas, the average diffuser is a few weeks at most. I hope you decided to try it. I’ve saved alot by making my own.
As always, let me know what you think. Ciao
