What Are The Cons Of Reed Diffusers?

Overview

Reed diffusers have gained popularity in recent years as an alternative way to scent homes and apartments. Unlike candles or plug-in air fresheners, reed diffusers do not have an open flame or require electricity. This makes them seem like a safer option. The reeds sit in a liquid scented oil, and as the reeds absorb the oil, they slowly release fragrance into the air. However, while reed diffusers have some benefits, they do have some drawbacks to consider.

Limited Fragrance Throw

One of the main downsides of reed diffusers is that they have a limited fragrance throw compared to other home fragrance options like candles or electric plug-in diffusers. The scent from a reed diffuser is localized to the room it’s placed in and does not travel far. According to research from CandleScience, it’s difficult for reed diffusers to achieve a very strong scent throw since they rely on passive diffusion rather than heat or electricity to disperse the fragrance [1].

Reed diffusers generally have a light to medium scent presence in a single room. The fragrance oils diffuse into the air slowly through the reeds, creating a subtle aromatic ambience. While some people appreciate the gentle fragrance, those wanting to scent an entire home or mask strong odors may be disappointed with a reed diffuser’s limited range.

The narrow fragrance throw is simply due to the passive nature of a reed diffuser. The scent relies on natural diffusion and air circulation rather than heat or fans to spread the aroma. So while reed diffusers excel at providing subtle fragrances to small spaces, they cannot compete with the scent dispersal power of plug-ins or candles.

Reeds Dry Out

One of the biggest cons of reed diffusers is that the reeds can dry out over time, reducing scent dispersal. As the reeds absorb the fragrance oil from the bottle, they eventually become dried out and brittle. This happens because the reeds are made from natural materials like bamboo, rattan, or wood. Over time, they lose their ability to effectively draw up and disperse the scent oils.

To keep a reed diffuser scenting properly, the reeds need to be kept saturated with fragrance oil. But the oil evaporates from both the bottle and the reeds themselves. This means you have to frequently top up the diffuser with more oil for the reeds to absorb. If the reeds completely dry out, they will no longer diffuse any noticeable fragrance at all.

Having to continually refill a reed diffuser is inconvenient. Some people find they have to add more oil after just a week or two of use. This constant maintenance makes reed diffusers high-effort compared to other home fragrance options. To get the most use from a reed diffuser and avoid prematurely dried reeds, be prepared to top up the oils regularly.

Liquid Evaporates

One of the cons of reed diffusers is that the liquid tends to evaporate relatively quickly, requiring frequent refills. According to Archipelago Botanicals, reed diffuser sets with 7.85 fluid ounces of oil typically last for a few months, but exact longevity depends on conditions in the room [1]. Homesick states their 4 ounce diffuser bottles are designed to last 2-3 months [2]. So the liquid oil does evaporate over time, sometimes faster than expected if the room is warm, dry, or drafty. This means having to refill the diffuser more often to maintain fragrance strength.

Frequent refills can become costly and inconvenient over time. So the evaporating oil is a disadvantage of reed diffusers compared to some other fragrance options that don’t require as much maintenance.

Puddle Risk

One drawback of reed diffusers is that the liquid in the bottle can spill and create messy puddles if accidentally knocked over. The oil used in reed diffusers can be difficult to clean up if spilled directly onto carpets, wood floors, furniture, or other surfaces. According to this Hunker article, essential oils can stain or damage materials if left unattended. The oil needs to be immediately cleaned to prevent permanent damage.

There are some methods to try cleaning a reed diffuser spill, such as using paper towels to soak up excess oil, applying cornstarch or baking soda to absorb remaining oil, and using dish soap and warm water to scrub the area, as recommended in this guide from Kalani. However, stains may still result, especially if the spill is not addressed quickly. Reed diffusers containing fragrance oils can be especially prone to leaving behind stains and residue if spilled.

To prevent potential spills and stains, it’s important to place reed diffusers on stable, protected surfaces. Keep them away from high-traffic areas or places where they could be accidentally knocked over. Carefully refilling the diffuser is also critical to avoid drips and spills. Overall, the puddle risk associated with spilled reed diffuser liquid can make them more precarious than some other fragrance options.

Refills Can Be Costly

One of the downsides of using reed diffusers is that the refill bottles of oil can be expensive compared to other home fragrance options. A typical reed diffuser refill bottle containing 3-4 ounces of fragrance oil can cost $10-20 from brands like Nest and Thymes (Reed Diffuser Oil Refills). Considering the oil only lasts 1-2 months on average before needing a refill, the costs can quickly add up over time.

In contrast, a scented candle typically provides 50-60 hours of fragrance for a similar upfront cost as a single diffuser refill bottle. Plug-in air fresheners also tend to provide fragrance for 30-60 days off of a single refill cartridge that costs around $5-10. Though reed diffusers provide ambient fragrance, frequent refill purchases make them a much more expensive way to keep your home smelling nice compared to some other options.

Limited Design Options

One downside of reed diffusers is that the design and style options are more limited compared to candles or other home fragrances. Reed diffusers almost always use simple glass bottles as the vessel to hold the fragrance liquid. While some brands like Tom Dixon offer more unique bottle shapes and materials, most reed diffusers utilize basic, cylindrical glass bottles without much variation. The reed sticks are also fairly uniform in material and design.

This limits the aesthetic options for reed diffusers, especially compared to the many styles, colors, shapes, and designs available for candles. If you want a signature fragrance accessory to integrate into your home décor and reflect your personal style, reed diffusers may not provide the customization and uniqueness you seek.

Fragile Materials

One drawback of reed diffusers is that the materials can easily break if knocked over or handled roughly. Both the glass bottle and wooden reeds are fragile and prone to breaking (https://snugscent.co.uk/product-safety/reed-diffuser-safety/). If the reed diffuser gets knocked off a table or shelf, the glass bottle may shatter, creating a mess and safety hazard. The reeds themselves can also snap or crack if bent too far. This fragility means you have to place the reed diffuser somewhere stable and out of the way, and handle it gently whenever refilling or adjusting the reeds.

Not Adjustable

Unlike candles, you cannot adjust the scent level or fragrance throw of a reed diffuser. The fragrance oil evaporates at a steady rate based on the reed material, air circulation, temperature, and other factors. Once a reed diffuser is assembled, there is no way to make it stronger or weaker. The evaporation happens automatically. This differs from a candle where you can blow it out to lessen the scent or trim the wick to strengthen it. With a diffuser, you get the same steady fragrance constantly.

While the fixed fragrance level makes reed diffusers low maintenance, it also means you cannot tweak the scent to your liking. If it is too strong, you either have to remove it from the room or wait for the oil to diminish. Likewise, when the fragrance fades in a few weeks, the only option is to top it off or replace it entirely. There is no knob to turn up the aroma. The lack of adjustability can be frustrating if you want more control over the strength.

May Trigger Allergies

Essential oils used in reed diffusers can sometimes trigger allergies, asthma, or migraines in susceptible individuals. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, reed diffusers may not be suitable for people with allergies because the fragrance oils can be irritating when inhaled over long periods (Source). Reactions may include skin rashes, runny nose, breathing difficulties, headaches, nausea, and other allergy symptoms (Source). This is usually only an issue for those who already have allergies or sensitivities.

One downside of reed diffusers is the lack of scent control. Once the reeds are inserted, the fragrance continuously evaporates into the air whether you want it or not. People sensitive to scents may find it difficult to limit their exposure in smaller spaces like bedrooms or offices. Wax melts or essential oil diffusers may be better options for scent-sensitive individuals, as those allow the fragrance to be turned on and off as needed.