I've wanted to make some reed diffuser air fresheners using my essential oils, for a while now.
I liked the idea of replacing those plug in chemically loaded air fresheners I have bought in the past with this quick and easy natural alternative.
They give off a subtle fragrance. They won't diffuse a strong aroma.. save your plug in diffusers for that task but they give off a soft, subtle scent - perfect for a small room such as an ensuite or bathroom.
Quick steps - find a cute vase, fill it a third of the way with a carrier oil, add your essential oil drops and add a few splashes of vodka (or witch hazel) and soak your reeds in the vase.
For those who need more detail.. here are my steps and tips on this one!
WHAT YOU NEED
- Pretty glass vases - the narrower the neck, the better.
- Carrier oil - Sweet Almond Oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil work well
- Reed sticks
- 2 tbsp of vodka (or Witch Hazel)
- Essential Oils
HOW TO
Gather your supplies. I found these beautiful glass bottles at Bed Bath & Table and they were on sale! Also try discount stores or second hand stores for pretty bottles/vases.. Glass bottles with a narrow neck work best.
For the reeds, I happened to have some sitting here but also bought the white ones from Spotlight. I like the rattan ones as they have tiny channels in them which allow the oils to travel up the reeds and diffuse into the air.
I used Sweet Almond Oil but Fractionated Coconut Oil would work well too - both are light and travel up the reed sticks easily. heavier oils tend to clog and not travel up the reeds so easily.
Fill your bottle about 1/3 full with your carrier oil. Add two tablespoons of Vodka.. the alcohol helps the essential oils to disperse and move up the reed sticks.. otherwise they just sit around in the bottom of your glass bottle/vase.
I used Witch Hazel. It has a hideous smell and I thought I had ruined my project. However, after a day, the oil had soaked into the sticks and then I flipped the sticks over and could finally smell the beautiful fragrance. The Witch Hazel smell had dissipated.
Add in your essential oils. I chose:
10 drops of Citrus Bliss
10 drops Ylang Ylang
10 drops Patchouli
It's very floral, pretty with hints of vanilla (from the Citrus Bliss). You could also try a citrus mix like Tangerine, Wild Orange, Lemon and Bergamot.. or maybe Peppermint or Spearmint...
Add in your reed sticks...once the oils have travelled about half way up the sticks, flip them over.
Decorate your bottle with a simple ribbon, cord or string and a sprig of rosemary or just leave them as is!
TIP: if giving as a gift, add a gift tag with the oils you have used listed on the tag for your recipient. OR add your essential oil cap stickers to the bottom of the bottle so you know what oil blends you have used when it comes time to refill your reed diffuser.
