Change your reed diffuser reeds every time you refill the bottle, and any time you switch to a new scent. Between refills, change them early if flipping no longer brings the scent back.
A 200ml kirri reed diffuser typically lasts 1 to 6 months, so for most homes that means a fresh set of reeds each time you top up. Here's why reeds wear out and how to tell when yours are done.
Why reeds stop working
Diffuser reeds are natural and porous. Tiny channels run the length of each reed and draw oil up from the bottle to the tips, where it's released into the room.
Over weeks of use, dust settles on the tips and the heavier parts of the fragrance dry inside those channels. The reeds draw up less oil, and the room smells weaker even with plenty left in the bottle. It's normal, and it's the most common reason a reed diffuser seems to stop working.
Signs it's time for new reeds
- Flipping doesn't help: a flip should lift the scent within an hour or so. If it doesn't, the reeds are likely clogged.
- The tips look dark or dusty: discoloured, dusty ends are a good sign the reeds have done their job.
- The oil level isn't dropping: if the bottle sits at the same level for weeks, the reeds aren't drawing oil up.
- You're changing scent: reeds keep the old fragrance and can't be washed out, so a new scent always needs new reeds.
Flipping and changing are different jobs
- Flip about once a week: this turns the soaked ends to the air and refreshes the scent.
- Change at each refill: or sooner if flipping stops working, and always when you switch scent.
Flipping more often gives a stronger scent but uses oil faster. If you want more scent without burning through the bottle, try the tips in how to make a reed diffuser stronger.
How to change your reeds
- Work over a sink: pull out the old reeds and wipe the neck of the bottle with a paper towel.
- Check the oil level: if it's low, top it up first. Our guide to refilling a reed diffuser walks you through it.
- Add fresh reeds: use the same number as before, usually 4 to 6 in a 200ml bottle. Here's how many reeds to put in a diffuser if you're unsure.
- Flip after an hour: this gets the scent moving while the new reeds soak through.
Wrap the old reeds in paper before they go in the bin, as they'll still hold some oil. Spare reeds come in a reeds pack of 6.
Buying a refill with your reeds?
The 500ml traditional refill is made for the 200ml reed diffuser. The 100ml traditional refill is made for the 100ml reed diffuser, the wood diffuser and the car diffuser.
Never use a traditional refill in an electric diffuser. Refills are high in perfumer's alcohol, which is what lets them scent a room through reeds without a motor. That alcohol damages electric diffusers, so keep refills out of the Micro, Element, Beacon and Pillar. The Micro and Element take Micro Oil (15ml), and the Beacon and Pillar take Macro Oil (30ml) or Aura Oil (100ml). Not sure what fits? Check which oil fits my diffuser.
Reed FAQs
Can I wash and reuse diffuser reeds?
No. Water won't clear the oil and dust from inside the reed, and a wet reed won't draw oil properly. Replace them instead.
Will new reeds make my diffuser smell stronger?
Usually, yes. Fresh reeds draw oil freely, so if your diffuser has faded over a few weeks, new reeds often bring it back to full strength.
How long do diffuser reeds last?
There's no fixed lifespan. Dust, heat and how often you flip all play a part, which is why we suggest new reeds with each refill rather than a set number of weeks. For bottle lifespans, see how long reed diffusers last.
More reed diffuser guides
- Everything in one place: How to care for your reed diffuser
Stock up on a reeds pack or browse traditional refills.