Reed diffusers have become a popular choice for people wanting a low maintenance way to add a continuous fragrance into their living spaces. When we first started using diffusers in our home we were a little confused about how long it would take for the diffuser to reach its full potential. In this blog post we'll take a look at the mechanisms in action within a reed diffuser and provide some realistic expectations for anyone that has the same questions.
Reed diffusers usually consist of a fragrance oil contained in a bottle and some porous reeds that absorb the liquid and release the fragrance into the air. The primary mechanism behind reed diffusers is evaporation. As the fragrance oil travels up the reeds, it gradually evaporates, releasing the scent into the surrounding air. The rate at which the fragrance becomes noticeable depends on several factors, including:
Room Size
The size of the room plays a significant role in how quickly the fragrance becomes perceptible. In smaller rooms, the diffusion process may be more noticeable sooner, while in larger spaces this might take a bit longer.
Room Conditions
The environmental conditions of the room, such as temperature, airflow and humidity, can influence the diffusion process. Warmer temperatures and good airflow can help speed up evaporation, whereas higher humidity may slow it down.
Fragrance Composition
The composition of the fragrance oil can significantly impact how quickly the scent is released. Some reed diffusers contain essential oils, which tend to evaporate more quickly, leading to a faster onset of fragrance. Others may use synthetic oils that release scent more gradually.
Number of Reeds
The number of reeds placed in the diffuser affects both the intensity and speed of fragrance release. More reeds typically lead to a stronger scent, but it may take a bit longer for the fragrance to saturate all of the reeds initially.
In most cases you can expect to notice the fragrance within the first day or two of use, with the intensity gradually increasing over the following days. Our top tip for kickstarting the diffusion process is to flip your diffuser reeds after a couple of hours. This helps saturate the dry ends and enhances the overall performance of the diffuser.
I hope this post has helped you understand the processes involved during the first few hours of reed diffuser use. If you have any more questions please leave a comment below or get in touch with us at info@kinhomewares.com.