Reed Diffuser Too Strong, Evaporating Too Fast or Not Going Down? Fixes
A reed diffuser that is too strong has too many fibre reeds for the room, while one that empties too fast is usually near heat or in a sunny spot. One that is not going down has clogged fibre reeds or sits in a very cold, still room. Each of these problems has a quick fix.
Why is my reed diffuser too strong?
Every fibre reed pulls oil up and releases scent, so more fibre reeds in a small room means a stronger scent than you need. If you have the opposite problem and can barely smell yours, see our guide to the strongest smelling reed diffusers.
- Take out half the fibre reeds, because in a small bathroom or bedroom three or four are enough.
- Move it away from the places where you sit or sleep, so the scent reaches you more gently.
- Flip the fibre reeds less often, once every two weeks instead of weekly, to soften the scent.
- Open a window for part of the day to let some fresh air through the room.
If a scent gives you a headache even at a low level, move it to a room you spend less time in, such as the hallway, where you will only notice it in passing.
For a small room where strong scent can feel too much, a lighter scent works well. Our Belgravia Linen reed diffuser is Earl Grey, cucumber and white musk. It is a clean tea and soft floral scent that leaves a guest bathroom feeling light and fresh.
Why is my reed diffuser evaporating too fast?
Heat and moving air both speed up evaporation, so a reed diffuser that should last months can empty in a few weeks if it sits in the wrong spot.
- Move it away from radiators, fires, sunny windowsills and the top of appliances, which all warm the oil.
- Keep it out of strong draughts, such as the spot beside a front door that opens all day.
- Use fewer fibre reeds, since each one you take out slows the rate the oil is used.
- Expect faster use in winter when the heating is on, and check the level a little more often.
Our reed diffusers last up to 24 weeks (around 16 weeks on average), away from heat and draughts. You can read more on this in how long reed diffusers last.
Why is my reed diffuser not going down?
If the oil level has not moved in weeks, the fibre reeds are not drawing the oil up, and the scent will be faint as a result.
- Flip the fibre reeds so the oil soaked ends are at the top and can start releasing scent again.
- Check the fibre reeds are not blocked by dust, and replace them if they are months old.
- Move the bottle to a slightly warmer room with a gentle flow of air to help the oil travel.
- Make sure the fibre reeds reach the oil, and if the level is low, tilt the bottle gently to wet them.
Why does my reed diffuser smell of alcohol?
Some reed diffuser bases evaporate quickly at first and give a sharp note in the first day or two, but it usually settles on its own. Air the room well and give it 48 hours before you judge the scent.
Each of our strong, long lasting reed diffusers lists the rooms it suits, so you can match the strength to the size of the space. All are made from organic natural ingredients, with a plant based reed diffuser base and are vegan.
If you still have questions, you will find more answers in our reed diffuser FAQs.
New to IVNA London? Every scent we make comes as a reed diffuser and a matching luxury scented candle, both handmade in England.
