How to make a reed diffuser

level:

Beginner

time:

20 minutes

result:

1 reed diffuser

A hand making a reed diffuser using reed diffuser base, fragrance, reeds, and diffuser bottle

Reed diffusers are a beautiful way to enjoy fragrance in any space—no flame, no heat, no worries. Just effortless, long-lasting scent. They’re perfect for homes, offices, and other spaces where candles may not be ideal.

Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to try something new, a small business owner expanding your product line, or crafting thoughtful handmade gifts, reed diffusers are an approachable project that packs a lot of payoff. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and a great addition to any collection, especially for customers who prefer flameless options.

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to make your own reed diffuser using our Frosted Square Reed Diffuser Bottle, EcoBase Reed Diffuser Base, and the fresh, herbal Meadow Thistle fragrance oil. We’ll walk you through measuring, mixing, pouring, and finishing—plus share tips on labeling and packaging to give your diffuser a clean, professional touch.

Additional items needed:

Isopropyl alcohol
Glass or fragrance-safe container
Paper towels

Before you begin:

Make sure your tools and workspace are clean. We like to wipe everything down with isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel, but you can also use soap and water or a 5% bleach solution. To make clean up even easier, you can use a protective mat like the Black Silicone Work Surface Mat.

Directions:

Step 1: Measure your fragrance

To determine how much fragrance oil and base you’ll need, check your container’s fill weight. While we list the max fill line for all of the reed diffuser bottles we carry, you can always choose a slightly lower fill line to allow for shipping or extra reeds. For example, the Frosted Square Reed Diffuser Bottle has a max fill of 6.7 oz. For this project, we'll be filling the bottle to 6 oz.

To calculate the fragrance oil amount, use this equation:

(fill weight) × (fragrance load) = amount of fragrance oil needed

The Meadow Thistle fragrance oil can be used in diffusers up to 25%.

Entered into the equation, it should look like this:

6 oz × 0.25 = 1.5 oz fragrance oil

Place a measuring container on your tared scale, and measure out 1.5 oz of fragrance oil.

Pouring fragrance oil into a glass beaker on a scale.

Glass beaker with fragrance oil in it on a scale reading 1.5 ounces.

Pro Tip!

You can see all of our diffuser-approved fragrance oils using the Fragrance Oil Finder tool.

Step 2: Measure your base

Next, to calculate how much EcoBase Reed Diffuser Base you’ll need, subtract the fragrance weight from the fill weight.

(fill weight) - (the amount of fragrance) = amount of base to use

Using the fragrance amount from Step 1, it would look like this:

6 oz - 1.5 oz of fragrance = 4.5 oz of diffuser base

Place the funnel pouring pitcher on a scale tared to zero and measure out 4.5 oz of EcoBase Reed Diffuser Base.

Pouring diffuser base into a funnel pouring pitcher on a scale.

Diffuser base in a funnel pouring pitcher on a scale reading 4.5 ounces.

Step 3: Mix fragrance and base

Leave the funnel pitcher on the scale and do not press tare.

Pour the 1.5 oz fragrance oil into the pitcher with the 4.5 oz of base. The total weight should equal 6 oz.

Pouring fragrance into a pouring pitcher with diffuser base in it on a scale.

Diffuser base and fragrance mixture in a pouring pitcher on a scale reading 6 ounces.

Stir gently until fully blended.

Make a note of the fluid ounce measurement on your pitcher—liquid products should be labeled in both fluid ounces and milliliters.

Hand stirring mixture with a spatula in pouring pitcher.

Finger pointing to fluid ounce measurement of mixture in a pouring pitcher.

Step 4: Fill the diffuser bottle

Carefully pour the finished mixture into the Frosted Square Reed Diffuser Bottle. The funnel pouring pitcher helps keep things tidy, but a small funnel would work as well.

Pouring mixture from pouring pitcher into reed diffuser bottle.

Pouring mixture into diffuser bottle using a silver funnel.

Step 5: Add collar and reeds

Twist the gold collar onto the bottle, then insert 6–8 rattan reeds.

Hand twisting gold collar onto diffuser bottle.

Hand placing 6 reeds into diffuser bottle with gold collar.

Not using it the diffuser right away? Add the stopper before securing the collar to keep your diffuser sealed and ready for gifting, storage, or shipping.

Hand placing clear stopper into neck of reed diffuser bottle.

Hand tilting diffuser bottle with collar and stopper to show that it will not leak.

Step 6: Finishing touches

Apply a Reed Diffuser Warning Label to the bottom or back of the bottle. This can be done before filling or afterward if you’re using the stopper.

Adding a custom label or branding can also help identify the fragrance and elevate the look of the diffuser, especially for gifting or selling.

Placing warning label on bottom of diffuser bottle.

Placing a decorative label on the front of a finished reed diffuser.

Pro Tip!

Looking for the perfect labels? Check out our partners over at Avery WePrint!

For an extra polished presentation, package your diffuser in a retail reed diffuser box. It’s a simple way to protect your product and make it shelf- or gift-ready with minimal effort.

With a variety of reeds and diffuser bottles available, you're sure to find a combination to fit your style!

Finished reed diffuser next to a branded retail box.

A line of reed diffusers showing the different types of finishes and reeds available.

Did you make it?

Show off your reed diffusers and other handmade creations with the CandleScience community by tagging us @CandleScience and using the #CandleScientist hashtag on Facebook and Instagram. We may feature you in our Stories or on our website!