How Long Do Reed Diffusers Last? | Isle of Skye Candle Co – Isle of Skye Candle Company

Reed diffusers are the easiest way to keep a room smelling lovely. There's no flame to watch and nothing to remember. But one question comes up again and again at our Visitor Centre: how long will it actually last?

10 weeks

That's roughly how long our reed diffusers last. In all honesty, some last a good bit longer and some a little less. It all depends on the room you put it in and how you use it.

Roughly how your fragrance oil goes down over 10 weeks

What makes a diffuser run out faster (or slower)?

WarmthA warm room helps the scent travel, but it'll empty a little faster. Keep it away from radiators, fires and other heat sources.

AirflowA little moving air carries the scent. A strong draught dries it out quickly.

FlippingEvery flip gives an instant boost, but uses more oil.

The fragranceLighter, citrusy oils fill a room faster than rich, woody ones.

How often should you flip the reeds?

When you first put the reeds in, give it about an hour before the fragrance starts to come through. After that, flip the reeds whenever you'd like a stronger scent. A good habit is flipping them when guests are on their way or the room's been aired.

Want it to last as long as possible? Flip less often. Rather have a stronger scent for a shorter time? Flip more often. It's up to you.

FlipLift the reeds out and turn them over.

Over the sinkOr a bit of kitchen roll, as the oil can mark wood and fabric.

Wash your handsYou'll probably get a little oil on your fingers, so avoid touching your eyes until you have.

Where's the best place for a reed diffuser?

HallwayA welcome every time you come home.

Living roomA shelf at waist height, away from direct heat.

BathroomA gentle, constant scent works brilliantly.

BedroomTry a calming scent like Sleep Sensation.

Keep diffusers on a flat, stable surface out of reach of children and pets, and away from candles and naked flames.

Sleep Sensation Diffuser£35Relaxing, balanced, calming. Perfect for bedrooms.

Lavender Dusk Diffuser£35Timeless, tranquil, calming.

Scots Pine Diffuser£30Fresh woodland scent for a welcoming hallway.

When to refill, and when to replace the reeds

Over time, reeds slowly clog up with fragrance oil and get oversaturated, so they can't soak up and release the scent as well. If your diffuser still has oil in it but you can barely smell it, the reeds are usually the problem, not the oil.

400mlin every refill bottle, with a wide neck for easy pouring

Up to 3full top-ups from one bottle

£2 offwhen you buy a refill and fresh reeds together

We'd recommend fresh reeds each time you refill. (Read more in our refills announcement.)

Reed Diffuser Refills400ml, up to 3 top-ups

Reed Diffuser Sticks£6 for 24

Reed diffuser or candle?

We asked our Visitor Centre team this exact question, and it was closer than we expected. You can read the results here.

Our view: a diffuser for constant background fragrance, a candle for cosy evenings. Better still, have both in the same scent.

Find your scent

Choose from our Scottish Collection diffusers (£30), inspired by the Highland and Island landscapes, or the Signature Collection (£35) with scents from aromatherapy classics to our own blends. All are handmade on the Isle of Skye, with free UK delivery on orders over £40.

Scottish diffusers Signature diffusers