the short answer: start with 4 to 6 reeds in a 200ml reed diffuser and 3 or 4 in a 100ml, then adjust for the room and the scent.
add reeds for a stronger scent.
take some out to make the oil last longer.
why the number of reeds matters
- how reeds work: they're porous, drawing oil up from the bottle and releasing it from the tips
- more reeds: a stronger scent, but the oil runs down faster
- fewer reeds: a softer scent, and the bottle lasts longer
- how long: a 200ml lasts around 1 to 6 months, a 100ml around 1 to 3. see how long reed diffusers last
adjust for the room
- bathroom or bedside: stay low. the 100ml reed diffuser suits small spaces
- living room or kitchen: go to around 6 reeds in a 200ml reed diffuser
- entry or hallway: people walking past move the air, so you may need fewer than you'd think
- large open-plan space: use two diffusers, or an electric diffuser
adjust for the scent
- lighter (1 to 2 out of 5): bondi, rose gold and coral can take a few extra reeds
- middle (3 out of 5): santal woods and dream. start at 4 to 6
- stronger (4 out of 5): country linen, botanical gardens, zen garden and kiwi coconut vanilla. start low
- strongest (5 out of 5): fig tree. 3 or 4 reeds is often plenty
santal woods uses delicate ingredients and can run down faster.
fewer reeds help it last.
how to find your number
- start low: 4 reeds in a 200ml bottle, or 3 in a 100ml
- wait 24 hours: the reeds need a day to soak through before you judge
- add one at a time: and give each change a day
- ask a visitor: you stop noticing a steady scent. still can't smell it? read reed diffuser not working?
don't forget to flip
- once a week: turn the reeds so the soaked ends are in the air
- over a sink: wet ends can drip and mark timber and stone
- when flipping stops working: it's time for new reeds. see how often to change reed diffuser reeds
reed questions
- do more reeds make it stronger? yes, but the bottle empties faster
- what reeds should i use? natural diffuser reeds, like the ones in our reeds pack of 6
- why is it weaker after a few weeks? the reeds are clogging. flip them, or change them
- which scent should i start with? try the discovery kit, with a 2ml sample of every iconic scent
find your scent in the kirri reed diffuser range.
running low? top up with a 500ml traditional refill, which comes with free reeds.
more reed diffuser guides
- how often to change reed diffuser reeds
- how to refill a reed diffuser in 3 steps
- how to make a reed diffuser stronger
- how to care for your reed diffuser
more guides: all reed diffuser guides
