How Long Do Reed Diffusers Last?

How long do reed diffusers last? Our 100ml reed diffuser typically lasts 8–12 weeks, and very often longer, depending on the size of the room, airflow, temperature and how many reeds you use. Our larger 200ml refill can give several months of continuous scent. Below, we explain what affects how long a reed diffuser lasts and share simple tips to make your reed diffuser last longer.

How Long Does a Reed Diffuser Last?

A 100ml reed diffuser from Hampshire Candles usually gives 8–12 weeks of fragrance, and often more. In a small, cool room with fewer reeds, it will last at the longer end. In a warm, busy room with lots of airflow, the oil evaporates faster. Once the oil runs low, you don't need a new diffuser. Just top it up with a 100ml reed diffuser refill or a 200ml refill and fit fresh reeds.

What Affects How Long a Reed Diffuser Lasts?

Room Temperature

Warmer rooms make the oil evaporate faster, so keep your diffuser away from radiators, fireplaces and sunny windowsills.

Airflow

Draughts from doors, open windows and fans carry the scent around the room but use up the oil more quickly.

Number of Reeds

More reeds give a stronger scent but use the oil faster. Fewer reeds give a softer scent that lasts longer.

Room Size

A diffuser in a small bathroom or hallway will often seem stronger and last longer than one in a large, open-plan living room.

How to Make a Reed Diffuser Last Longer

• Use fewer reeds: start with around half the reeds and add more if you want a stronger scent.
• Keep it cool: place it away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Flip only when needed: flipping refreshes the scent, but each flip uses more oil.
• Keep the lid on refills: store spare refill bottles tightly closed, somewhere cool and dark.
• Replace tired reeds: old reeds clog up with dust and oil, so swap in fresh reed diffuser reeds each time you refill.

How Often Should You Flip Reed Diffuser Sticks?

Flip your reeds every few days for a stronger burst of fragrance. If the scent is already filling the room, flip them less often, because every flip uses up more oil.

Why Is My Reed Diffuser Not Strong?

If you can't smell your diffuser any more, the reeds may be saturated or blocked with dust, the oil may be running low, or you may have got used to the scent. Try flipping the reeds, fitting fresh reeds, or moving the diffuser to a spot with gentle airflow, such as a hallway.

When Should You Refill a Reed Diffuser?

Refill your diffuser when the oil level is low, or when the scent has faded even after flipping the reeds. Pour in a refill, add fresh reeds, and your diffuser is ready for another 8–12 weeks or more. Browse our best diffuser refills in all our popular scents.

What Is Reed Diffuser Oil?

Reed diffuser oil is the fragranced liquid in the bottle. The reeds draw it up and release the scent into the room, giving continuous fragrance with no flames, heat or electricity. Our reed diffuser oil is hand-poured in Hampshire, UK, in fruity, floral, fresh and woody scents. See our current scent list.

Refill oil is the same oil sold on its own, so you can top up the bottle you already have or switch to a new fragrance without buying a whole new diffuser. Our refills are oil only, with no reeds or jar included.

How Much Reed Diffuser Oil Should You Use?

A 100ml refill tops up a 100ml bottle, and a 200ml refill holds enough to refill one of our 100ml reed diffusers twice. Choose 100ml to top up a single bottle or try a new scent, and 200ml if you already have a favourite or keep more than one diffuser in the same fragrance.

You can also change the strength with the number of reeds rather than the amount of oil. Use fewer reeds for a lighter scent in a small room or bathroom, or all seven for a stronger scent in a larger space.

Are Reed Diffusers Better Than Candles?

They do different jobs. A reed diffuser gives continuous background fragrance with no flame, heat or electricity and very little looking after, while a candle gives a stronger burst of scent when it's lit. Many people use both: a diffuser in the hallway or bathroom and a candle in the living room.

Final Thoughts

So, how long do reed diffusers last? Our 100ml reed diffusers usually last 8–12 weeks, and often longer, and with refills and fresh reeds you can keep the same bottle going for months. Explore our full range of reed diffusers to find your favourite scent.