Reed diffusers have been lately a growing trend in an everyday household. From handcrafted reed diffusers to mass produced ones, there is a huge variety of styles, fragrances and brands to choose from. So how do you choose?

1. WHAT ARE FRAGRANCE/ESSENTIAL OILS;
2. WHAT IS A REED DIFFUSER AND WHAT'S IT MADE OF;
3. WHY IS A REED DIFFUSER MORE ACCEPTABLE WAY TO SCENT YOUR HOUSEHOLD;

Fragrance oils, also known as aroma oils, are blended synthetic aroma compounds or natural essential oils that are diluted with a carrier like propylene glycol, vegetable oil, or mineral oil. Essential oils, however, are a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile (easily evaporated at normal temperatures) chemical compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, aetheroleum, or simply as the oil of the plant from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove.

The main difference between fragrance oils and essential oils is that fragrance oils are manufactured in a lab and essential oils are made of natural materials. This difference comes from the ingredients that each oil is composed of, and where those ingredients are sourced from.

Many synthetic chemicals in fragrances are derived from petrochemicals (petroleum-based), and can be harmful to human health. Chemicals found in man-made fragrances include phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, and benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and toluene, which are known carcinogens. For that reason, in natural produce it is much better to use essential oils or a blend of non-toxic fragrance oils and essential oils.

More info on essential oils and a thorugh explanation how they are made → here

Essentially, reed diffusers are some sort of containers (i.e. a bottle) that contain some sort of fragrance or essential oil inside, to emit various odors. Some sort of wooden sticks are also used. They absorb the oils and work almost as a bouqet of flowers - slowly disperse the scent into the air.

Most relatively cheap reed diffusers are made from plastic or glass, although, there are some more expensive ones that are made from stone.

Whilst there are some health concerns about using plastic containers with various odor-emitting oils, there is virtually no risk using reed diffusers made from glass (even if it is coated)! Since stone made reed diffusers are expensive, the use of various glass containers has become the standard of a reliable and safe option.

Bassically, any sort of wooden sticks (reeds) are put into a reed diffuser with the sole purpose of absorbing the oil and emiting the scent into the air. Since bamboo is a rather cheap and environmentally friendly material - most of the time reed diffuser sticks are just plain bamboo sticks. Bamboo sticks are also more effective at diffusing smells.

The main reason reed diffusers are more popular is the ecological concern. Whilst using chemical air freshners has a strong impact on our environment, reed diffusers are a much more sustainable way to achieve the same, if not better, results. While there sure can be some arguing done about using frankincence (incense) or sages as a more earth-friendly aproach, there is no arguing that reed diffusers are a lot more efficient and "stable".

On top of that, reed diffusers are a magnificient design detail! From minimalistic designs, to some modern and even crazy ones - these practical containers are becoming more and more a must have in everyones home!

Place your reed diffuser in an open, high traffic area where the fragrence can disperse easily. Flip a few bamboo reeds every few days for more fragrance. Before refilling a reed diffuser clean it thoroughly and let it dry. It is also not recommended to add new essential/fragrance oil on top on the used one, so it is advised to use a refill.