How to Use a Reed Diffuser: How Many Fibre Reeds, When to Flip, Where to Put It

Updated 27 October 2026

·

Written by IVNA London

To use a reed diffuser, remove the stopper and put the fibre reeds in, then flip them after an hour so both ends are soaked. After that, flip them once a week. Use fewer fibre reeds in small rooms and all of them in large rooms, and place it at waist height on a coaster, away from heat, sun and draughts. If you still want more scent, our guide to strong reed diffusers can help.

How do you set up a reed diffuser?

Choose the spot first (see below), because moving a full reed diffuser risks spills.
Put a coaster or tray down, since reed diffuser oil can mark wood and painted surfaces.
Remove the stopper and any seal.
Put the fibre reeds in slowly and fan them out a little so air reaches each one. Lower them in gently so a full bottle does not overflow.
After about an hour, flip them over the sink so the dry ends go into the oil, which gets the scent going faster.
Give it a day to reach full strength, or up to two days in a large room.

How many fibre reeds should I use?

Room	Fibre reeds
Downstairs loo, small bathroom	Start with about half
Hallway, bedroom	Half to most
Living room	All
Large or open plan room	All, and consider a second reed diffuser

More fibre reeds give a stronger scent but use the oil faster, while fewer fibre reeds give a lighter scent that lasts longer.

Match the reed diffuser to the size of the room

Think of a reed diffuser like a vase of flowers: you notice it as you pass, and one bottle will not fill every corner of a big room. In a small bathroom, one reed diffuser with some of its fibre reeds is plenty. In a large or open plan room, use all the fibre reeds and add a second reed diffuser at the far end. Our room size guide goes into more detail.

How often should I flip the fibre reeds?

Once a week is right for most rooms, but you can flip every few days in a large room or when you want a stronger scent.

Always flip over a sink or a piece of kitchen roll, because oil drips from the fibre reeds and can mark surfaces and floors. Wipe the bottle and dry the base before you set it back down.

You do not have to flip all of them at once. Turning a few gives a gentle lift, while turning them all gives a stronger burst before guests arrive. If flipping stops making any difference, the fibre reeds are clogged and it is time to replace them.

Where should you put a reed diffuser?

The general rules

Waist height works best, on a shelf, side table or console.
Gentle airflow helps, so a spot people walk past is ideal.
Keep it away from radiators and sunny windowsills, because heat dries it out fast.
Keep it away from an open window or a door that opens all day.
Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Always stand it on a coaster or tray.

Room by room

Hallway: place it on a console table a few steps in from the front door.
Living room: use a side table or bookshelf near where people walk, rather than tucked in a corner where the air barely moves.
Bedroom: a chest of drawers works well, rather than the bedside table right by your head.
Bathroom: choose a stable shelf, away from the shower spray and heated towel rail.
Kitchen: keep it away from the hob and oven, on a shelf rather than the worktop where it can be knocked.

Why busy spots work better than quiet corners

A reed diffuser releases scent from the tips of the fibre reeds, and moving air carries it into the room. Each time someone walks past, they stir the air and carry the fragrance with them. In a still corner behind a sofa, the scent tends to hang in one small pocket of air.

How do you refill a reed diffuser?

Wait until the bottle is almost empty.
Remove the old fibre reeds and throw them away.
Pour the refill in carefully, over the sink or a tray, and only fill part of the way so the fibre reeds do not push oil over the rim.
Use fresh fibre reeds, because old ones are clogged.

Only refill with a reed diffuser refill oil. Do not use essential oils mixed with water, perfume or household cleaning products, because they do not travel up the fibre reeds properly and can be unsafe.

What are the common mistakes?

Reusing old fibre reeds after a refill.
Putting it straight on bare wood.
Placing it on the shelf above a radiator.
Flipping the fibre reeds over a carpet instead of the sink.
Putting every fibre reed in a tiny bathroom.

Getting the most from it at home

Clear smells first, then add scent. A reed diffuser works best in a room that already smells clean, because fragrance sits on top of stale air rather than removing it. Empty the bin, open a window for ten minutes and wash throws that hold cooking or pet smells. Our guide on why a clean house can still smell covers the hidden causes.

If someone at home has asthma, start gently. Asthma + Lung UK advises keeping homes well aired, and it notes that perfumes and sprays can trigger symptoms in some people. We suggest you start with a few fibre reeds in a well aired room, keep it out of bedrooms at first and watch how everyone feels over a week. If anyone notices a change in their breathing, take the fibre reeds out and speak to your GP or asthma nurse.

Before you go away, flip all the fibre reeds in every reed diffuser on the morning you leave. The freshly soaked ends keep working while the house is shut, so the hallway smells welcoming when you get back. Our guide on why a house smells when you come home has a full checklist for the rest of the house.

Quick answers

Do you put all the fibre reeds in a reed diffuser?

Only in larger rooms, so start with about half in a small room.

Are you supposed to flip reed diffusers?

Yes, about once a week, because it refreshes the scent.

Can I move a reed diffuser between rooms?

Yes, carefully, if you take the fibre reeds out first so they do not drip and carry it upright.

How long does a new reed diffuser take to start smelling?

You will notice some scent within an hour of flipping the fibre reeds, and it usually reaches full strength within a day or two.

Every IVNA London reed diffuser comes with how to use guidance on the page. Related: Which scent works best in which room

Which reed diffuser for which room

Place each scent where it suits best. The Kew Morning reed diffuser of mandarin, bergamot and vetiver brings fresh citrus to a kitchen or hallway, and suits mornings. The Belgravia Linen reed diffuser of Earl Grey, cucumber and white musk gives a living room or guest bathroom a clean tea and soft floral scent. The Mayfair Library reed diffuser of vanilla, tonka and cedarwood makes a living room or study feel warm in the evening. For a bathroom or bedroom, the Hampstead Spa reed diffuser of lemongrass, pine and cedar gives a green herbal spa feel. If you love the clean lift of lemongrass, Hampstead Spa is the closest scent in our range.

Each one is handmade in England and lasts up to 24 weeks (around 16 weeks on average). Our Home Sets let you mix any scents: 3 reed diffusers for £159 or 5 for £250.