
If you’ve just noticed that your reed diffuser is empty, you might be thinking that it’s time to purchase a new one. But, what if you like the look of the bottle and don’t want to throw it away? Perhaps you’re eco-conscious and don’t want to waste a perfectly good diffuser bottle. Can you reuse it?
So, can you refill a reed diffuser? Yes, it’s quick and simple to refill a reed diffuser. Simply purchase your new favourite reed diffuser fragrance, and top up your container. You may need to also replace the reeds to ensure a strong, pure smell.
In this article, we discuss your options when it comes to refilling a reed diffuser, and how to replenish a reed diffuser. We also take a look at DIY reed diffuser refills, and what makes a good reed diffuser refill. Keep reading to learn more.
Jump To:
- How Can I Refill My Reed Diffuser?
- Can You Buy Refills for Reed Diffusers?
- What is the Best Carrier Oil for Reed Diffusers?
- How Often Should I Refill My Reed Diffuser?
- Do I Need to Replace Reed Sticks?
How Can I Refill My Reed Diffuser?
Reed diffusers are quick and easy to refill. You simply need to purchase a new reed diffuser refill in the scent of your choice (it doesn’t have to be the same as the original!) and follow the steps below for refilling your reed diffuser.
But, before going ahead with refilling your reed diffuser, be mindful of which fragrance you choose as the original fragrance and your new choice could clash, even if you clean out the bottle thoroughly, and replace the reeds.
How To Replenish a Reed Diffuser
Don’t throw away a perfectly good reed diffuser bottle, just because the fragrance has run out. Follow our quick and easy steps for refilling a reed diffuser.
- First of all, you need to purchase a reed diffuser refill and some new reeds. New reeds are essential to the process as your old reeds may be saturated and are likely to not perform optimally. There is also a high possibility of the new and old fragrances clashing via the reeds.
- Clean out your reed diffuser bottle thoroughly. If you’re changing fragrances, ensure to do this a few times.
- Once the bottle is dry, simply pour the reed diffuser refill into the bottle, insert the new reeds, and screw and caps back on.
- Let the reeds soak up the oil for a few hours, then flip the reeds to begin releasing your new home fragrance.
Can You Buy Refills for Reed Diffusers?
Reed diffuser refills are available in a wide range of retail outlets, both online and on the high street. Many companies will also create refill options for their reed diffusers so that customers don’t need to purchase the bottle a second time. From high-end department stores to small independent shops, you’re sure to find a plethora of reed diffuser refill options waiting for you.
You can also make your own reed diffuser refill at home using a lightweight, unscented base oil, and an essential oil of your choice. To do this simply use 30-50 drops of essential oil per ½ cup of base oil. Stir well, then insert your reeds and use as normal.

What is the Best Carrier Oil for Reed Diffusers?
When buying reed diffuser refills, you’ll notice that the carrier oil (the lightweight base oil that carries the fragrance) may differ from product to product. This is because there aren’t that many carrier oils formulated specifically for reed diffusers.
So what makes a good reed diffuser carrier oil? We’ve listed a few things below to consider when purchasing a reed diffuser refill:
Consistency
A thin, lightweight consistency is better for carrier oils as it will allow the oil to soak into the reeds and disperse throughout the room better. Thicker consistencies may clog the reeds, meaning that the scent cannot disperse. On a more aesthetic note, thinner consistencies will also look better in reed diffuser bottles that are transparent.
Tint
Again, if your reed diffuser bottle is transparent, consider the effect that the carrier oil may have on the colour of the oil. This may not be an issue for you, but some base oils will tint the overall oil mixture.
Scent
Whilst most are unscented, some carrier oils will have their own scent that may interfere with the fragrance that you expect from a reed diffuser refill. If you’re purchasing a store bought refill, this may be less of an issue as considerations should be made for this. However, if you plan to make your own reed diffuser carrier oil, consider the natural scent of the base oil, and how it will play with the fragrance you choose.
How Often Should I Refill My Reed Diffuser?
Refill your reed diffuser when no oil remains in the bottle. A 100ml reed diffuser will usually last for around 3-4 months, depending on how you use it – it will run out much quicker if you flip the reeds too often or place the reed diffuser in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
To make your reed diffuser last longer, flip the reeds no more than once a week, avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, and make the scent seem stronger by placing the reed diffuser in a high traffic area of your home. This will make the fragrance disperse throughout your home with zero effort, and with little impact on the lifespan of the diffuser. Learn more about making your reed diffuser smell stronger and last longer in our recent blog posts.
Do I Need to Replace Reed Sticks?
If you’re changing the fragrance in your reed diffuser, you’ll need to change the reeds to ensure that the scent is as intended, rather than a mixture of old and new. What’s more, replacing the reeds in a reed diffuser will help to make the fragrance smell stronger after a few months of use. Sometimes, the reeds become saturated, meaning that they cannot effectively disperse the fragrance throughout the room.
In this case, don’t panic thinking that the reed diffuser is faulty, or that you’ve gone nose blind, simply purchase new reeds and replace them. Follow the process as if you’re setting up a new reed diffuser.
British Made Reed Diffusers at Buy Britain
Buy Britain offers a wide range of reed diffusers and other home fragrances to make your home smell fantastic. All of our goods are high-quality British-made products, direct from small, independent sellers from around the nation.