How Do Reed Diffusers Actually Work? Their Secrets Explained, and How to Get Them to Smell Stronger

My knowledge of fragrance runs beyond my professional status as a home wellness writer and well into my personal love for perfuming a space. And I have always been intrigued by the magic of reed diffusers.

I mean, no flame, no visible signs of life, and yet the moment you unbox a fresh set, the air in your home is softly perfumed with a subtle scent that lingers long after. It's an unfailing format to make your home smell good, but the question is: how?

At first glance, it's a couple of seemingly simplistic sticks standing in a pretty glass jar filled with a scented oil. But the working of a reed diffuser is slightly more complex than meets the eye. And here's what you need to know to be an expert on the subject.

How Do Reed Diffusers Work?

Gini Lin, fragrance expert and founder of Airy Fragrances, tells me that the best reed diffusers rely on capillary action. She explains that fragrance oil is absorbed through the tiny channels of the reeds and slowly evaporates into the air.

"This creates a continuous, flame-free way to scent a space. The oil is blended with a carrier base that controls how quickly the fragrance travels. Some formulas include alcohol as a solvent, which thins the oil so it climbs faster and smells stronger straight away, but this also means it evaporates sooner," she notes.

"Alcohol-free bases, on the other hand, diffuse more gently, offering a softer but longer-lasting aroma. What makes reed diffusers unique is their effortless rhythm: instead of bursts of scent like a spray or candle, they create a background atmosphere that lingers for weeks."

So, in the case of candles vs diffusers, if you prefer a lasting soft scent in a more compact space, the latter comes out on top.

How to Make a Reed Diffuser Smell Stronger?

Back when I first started using reed diffusers, I would drop the sticks in the container and call it a day. Little did I know, there was so much more to making your room smell cozy with help from this format.

"At first use, fully immerse the reeds in the fragrance oil for around 30 minutes, then flip them. This primes the channels and ensures even scent release from day one," says Gini.

"Just remember that the number of reeds controls strength. More reeds mean more surface area, and therefore a stronger scent throw. And don't forget to flip your reeds once a week to refresh the evaporation surface and give an instant fragrance lift."

And placement matters, too. "A gently ventilated spot is one of the best places for a reed diffuser, as it keeps the scent moving through the room. High airflow and dry air intensify the aroma but also speed up oil consumption. By contrast, limited airflow or humid conditions soften the fragrance and extend its life," she notes.

Aside from the placement and flipping of your scented reed diffusers, Gini adds that the temperature and airiness of your living space can also impact the strength of the fragrance.

"Heat and strong airflow, such as central heating in winter or open windows in summer, make fragrance evaporate quickly, which can feel like the scent disappears even when oil remains," she says. "In contrast, humid spaces such as bathrooms slow down evaporation, so the fragrance lasts longer but smells more subtle."

How Do You Maintain a Reed Diffuser?

Yes, reed diffuser maintenance is in fact a thing. Unlike essential oil diffusers, they need little doses of attention every so often. And if you're a fragrance connoisseur (or snob to those not in the know), then here's what you'll want to do to keep your home smelling freshly perfumed.

"Rotate reeds weekly for a stronger scent, or every two weeks if you prefer it gentler. Always ensure the reeds are free from dust, as clogged reeds weaken diffusion," Gini advises.

"I also recommend keeping the vessel topped up and refilling before it runs completely dry. Allowing it to empty hardens the reeds and permanently reduces their performance."

She also tells me that a gentle rotation can make a big difference. "Give the bottle a light swirl every few weeks to re-blend the oil for an even scent," she adds. "And avoid extremes by keeping away from radiators, direct sun, or electronics, as heat distorts fragrance and accelerates evaporation."

Cool Diffusers for Your Home

FAQs

Why Can’t I Smell the Diffuser When There’s Still Oil Left?

"Even with oil remaining, the scent can fade because reeds eventually clog with dust and oxidised oil. Heat and prolonged air exposure also weaken the fragrance," says Gini.

"To revive it, shake the vessel gently to redistribute the oil, then flip the reeds to refresh the evaporation surface, and replace the reeds for a full reset if they’ve become saturated."

She says that these quick adjustments to your reed diffusers can revive the fragrance and keep your home scented consistently.

Each space in your home is meant to fashion a different mood, and in turn, a different scent. My advice is to start in the heart of your home by introducing some of the best bedroom fragrances to curate a relaxing and restful atmosphere for cozy sleep.