How to Use Your Reed Diffuser

Welcome to your House of Hackea reed diffuser. Our handmade vegan diffusers are crafted to fill your home with a beautiful, lasting scent for 6+ months — all without any flame or electricity. Follow this guide to get the most out of your diffuser from day one.

Setting Up Your Diffuser

Getting started couldn't be simpler:

1. Remove the stopper or cork from the bottle.
2. Place the reed sticks into the bottle — see below for how many to use.
3. Allow 24 hours for the reeds to fully absorb the oil before flipping them for the first time.
4. Enjoy your fragrance!

How Many Reeds Should I Use?

The number of reeds you use controls the intensity of the fragrance throw:

• Fewer reeds (3–4): A subtle, gentle scent — ideal for smaller rooms or if you prefer a lighter fragrance.
• More reeds (6–8): A stronger, bolder scent — perfect for larger, open-plan spaces or hallways.

Start with 4–5 reeds and adjust to your preference. Remember, more reeds means the oil will be used more quickly.

Where to Place Your Diffuser

Placement makes a big difference to how well your diffuser performs:

• High-traffic areas: Hallways, landings and living rooms work beautifully — movement in the air helps disperse the fragrance.
• Elevated surfaces: Place on a shelf, sideboard or windowsill rather than the floor, so the scent can travel downward through the room.
• Away from direct sunlight and heat: Heat causes the oil to evaporate faster, shortening the life of your diffuser. Avoid windowsills in direct sun, radiators and fireplaces.
• Away from air vents and open windows: Strong draughts will also accelerate evaporation.
• Out of reach of children and pets: Diffuser oil is not for consumption.

How Long Does a Reed Diffuser Last?

Our House of Hackea reed diffusers are formulated to last 6+ months under normal conditions. Longevity depends on a few factors:

• The number of reeds used
• The size and ventilation of the room
• Temperature and proximity to heat sources

To maximise longevity, use fewer reeds and keep your diffuser away from heat sources and draughts.

Flipping the Reeds

To refresh the fragrance throw, simply flip the reeds over so the dry ends go back into the oil:

• Flip the reeds once or twice a week for a consistent scent level.
• Wipe the neck of the bottle with a tissue after flipping to keep it clean.
• Flip over a sink or protected surface — the oil can mark wood and fabric.

Tip: If you'd like a stronger burst of scent for guests or an occasion, flip all the reeds just beforehand.

When & How to Refill Your Diffuser

When the oil level drops low, rather than discarding the bottle you can refill it and keep the fragrance going:

1. Remove the old reeds — they'll be saturated with dust and won't absorb the new oil as effectively, so we recommend using a fresh set of reeds with your refill.
2. Carefully pour your refill oil into the bottle.
3. Pop in the fresh reeds and allow 24 hours to absorb before flipping.

Our refill oils are available in all of our signature scents, making it easy to switch things up or stick with your favourite.

Shop Diffuser Refills →

Caring for Your Diffuser Bottle

Our diffuser bottles are designed to be kept and reused — it's better for the planet and for you.

• Rinse the empty bottle thoroughly with warm water and allow to dry completely before refilling.
• Do not mix different oils in the same bottle without cleaning it first, as this can affect the scent.
• Store any unused refill oil in a cool, dark place with the lid tightly secured.

Safety Information

• For decorative use only — do not ingest the oil.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Avoid contact with eyes, skin and polished or painted surfaces — the oil can cause damage if spilled.
• If skin contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
• Store upright to avoid spillage.

Have a question? We're always happy to help. Get in touch with us here.