Over the past few years, reed diffusers have exploded in popularity as a fresh and easy alternative to burning a scented candle. Without having to remember to light a wick, you can enjoy your favourite scent all day, every day.
That being said, there are a few ways you can get more out of your reed diffuser. One of the biggest questions that we’re asked at Charles Farris is how you keep your reed diffuser smelling fresher for longer. It’s true that diffusers can be more subtle than a scented candle, given that they evaporate (and therefore disperse the scent) at room temperature, rather than with the heat of a flame. But several practices will keep your diffuser smelling stronger for longer.
1. Put your diffuser in a hallway or near a door.
While you might be tempted to place your diffuser in a discreet location such as a bathroom counter or a bookshelf in the corner, it’s best practice to place your diffuser somewhere central. Air movement is always going to be the most effective way to spread a fragrance.
That being said, it is important not to place your reed diffuser in direct sunlight or in front of an open window. You risk both causing the diffuser to evaporate too quickly or lose some of the scent to the outdoors. It’s best to try and think about the places in your home or office that enjoy the best air circulation.
2. Make sure to change fragrance now and then.
The funny thing about the human sense of smell is that, functionally, it is only there to determine whether something is either edible or dangerous. If your brain decides that a scent is neither, it will begin to filter that smell out. You’ve probably experienced this phenomenon after walking into a space that initially smells fragrant, but over time you realise that you can’t smell anything at all. While you may undoubtedly have a favourite scent, it’s still good practice to try out new ones every few months to avoid becoming desensitised.
As most diffusers will last two to three months, this is a good opportunity to change to a fresh fragrance that reflects the new season.
3. Move your reed diffuser around.
If you love a fragrance too much to want to change it, another way to prevent getting used to a smell is to move it to a different room. This will effectively reset your brain into noticing the fragrance again. You’d be surprised how effective this is in keeping your reed diffuser smelling fresh from start to finish.
4. Experiment to find the right number of sticks.
Starting with less reeds and finding your perfect balance is also a good way to prolong your fragrance. Depending on the space you want to perfume and the strength you prefer, starting with half can allow you to customise your reed diffuser to your liking. You can keep any unused sticks for later, adding them when you want to give your space a fresh burst of scent.
If you turn your sticks every few days, you can extend the life of the diffuser by quite a while. So, if you love your fragrance, usually fewer sticks are key to keeping a reed diffuser going for as long as possible.
Reed diffusers are the most popular alternative to a scented candle, and it isn’t difficult to see why. Follow these tips, and you’ll be certain to fall in love with your new fragrance.
