How Long Do Reeds Last In A Diffuser?

Reed diffusers are a convenient and efficient method of refreshing any room and filling it up with a delicious and pleasant aroma. They are seen at hotels, restaurants, homes, and bathrooms and are used frequently by aromatherapy practitioners. Reed diffusers require no extra effort of lighting a match or plugging in to a socket and are very simple and easy to use.

What Are Diffuser Sticks Made Out Of?

Typically reed sticks are made out of rattan wood or synthetic polyamide. They have the unique quality of possessing tiny channels that run through them and help carry the oil they are dipped within. The sticks are about 3-4 mm in diameter and are dipped into the fragrant oil. The sticks become saturated with the oil and disperse tiny molcules into the air at the other end.

How Long Do They Last?

Reed diffuser sticks are ideally meant to last six months. After six months, reed sticks tend to become too saturated, dry, and clogged after being dipped in the same oil for so long that they eventually lose their ability to diffuse scent in the air. It is recommended to replace your reed diffuser sticks with new ones. The longevity of reed diffuser sticks depends on the following factors:

● The amount of air circulation in the room

● The amount of dust in the room

● The temperature of the room

● Exposure to sunlight

Can Reed Sticks Be Reused?

Reed sticks should not be reused as they tend to become over-saturated and clogged over time. Some people wash their reed sticks and dry them out to reuse them again, but this method would not work. Using the same reed sticks for a different fragrance is not recommended as the reed sticks have already been saturated with the oil of one type of fragrance. It would not be able to effectively release the fragrance of a different kind. New reed sticks should be used for new fragrances.

How Often Should You Flip Reed Sticks?

Reed sticks should ideally be flipped once every two weeks, but they may sometimes need to be flipped sooner. If you notice that your reed diffuser has lost its scent or the intensity of the fragrance is weaker, then you may flip the sticks sooner. In some cases, they would need to be flipped every week, depending on other factors in the room such as air circulation and dust in the air. Flipping them too often will cause evaporation of the oil faster and it would finish too soon.

How Can I Made My Reed Sticks Last Longer?

If used and stored well, reed sticks can last you a good six months. If you notice that your diffuser is not longer releasing any scent, then that means it is time to replace your reed sticks. Here are tips that you can follow to make your reed sticks last longer:

Keep Your Reed Diffuser Away From Direct Sunlight

If you want your reed sticks to last longer, you should keep them away from direct sunlight and heat. Keeping them away from sunlight will help prevent reed sticks from drying out and preserve them for longer. It is best to keep them in a cool and shady location. If you want to reuse a winter scent again next year, you can remove the sticks from the oil and keep the bottle of oil and sticks in a cool dark cabinet to preserve them until the next season.

Keep Your Reed Diffuser Away From Drafty Areas

Placing your reed diffuser under a fan or the air conditioning will increase the air circulation around the reed sticks evaporating the oil faster and drying the sticks out sooner than they should. Always place diffuser sticks in an area with a gentle air breeze to allow for efficient dispersal of the fragrance. The more air circulation that the reed sticks come in contact with, the sooner they will have to be replaced.

Protect Your Reed Diffuser from Dust

Dust can settle on the reed sticks and clog them, making them ineffective. The reed diffuser should be placed away from vents that can scatter dust in the air. An air purifier is effective in getting rid of dust in the air and prevents it from clogging reed sticks as well as irritating the lungs. If you live alone and spend most of your time outside the house then you can also keep your reed diffuser in a cabinet to preserve it and take it out only on the weekends when you are expecting guests or when you are at home all day.

It is recommended to use reed diffusers in smaller spaces with fewer sticks to get the best out of your reed diffuser. The more sticks that are used, the faster will the oil run out.

The Final Word

To get the most out of your reed diffusers and to extend their life, reed diffusers should be placed in a cool, shady, and draught-free location to prevent drying them out sooner than they should. Reed diffusers make excellent room fresheners as well as add them to the aesthetic of any room. There is a wide range of scents to choose from, and reed diffusers also make fantastic gifts. Reed diffusers should ideally be replaced every six months or when you notice that the diffuser is not releasing its fragrance anymore.