For a kirri 200ml reed diffuser, start with 4 to 6 reeds. In a 100ml reed diffuser, start with 3 or 4, then add reeds for a stronger scent or take some out to make the oil last longer.
There's no single right number. The size of the room, the scent you've chosen and your own nose all play a part, so here's how to find yours.
Why the number of reeds matters
Reeds are porous. They draw fragrance oil up from the bottle and release it from the tips into the room. Every reed you add moves more oil into the air at once.
- More reeds: a stronger scent, but the oil runs down faster.
- Fewer reeds: a softer scent, and the bottle lasts longer.
A 200ml reed diffuser typically lasts 1 to 6 months and a 100ml 1 to 3 months. Reed count is one of the biggest reasons for that spread, as we explain in how long reed diffusers last.
Adjust for the room
- Bathroom, bedside or powder room: stay at the low end. The 100ml reed diffuser is made for smaller spaces like these.
- Living room or kitchen: go to the top of the range, around 6 reeds in a 200ml reed diffuser.
- Entry or hallway: people walking past move the air around, so you may need fewer reeds than you'd expect.
- Large open-plan space: a reed diffuser may simply be too small. Two diffusers, or an electric diffuser, will cover more ground.
Adjust for the scent
Some kirri scents are naturally stronger than others, and each product page shows a strength rating out of 5.
- Lighter (1 to 2 out of 5): Bondi is 1, Rose Gold and Coral are 2. These can take a few extra reeds.
- Middle (3 out of 5): Santal Woods and Dream. Start at 4 to 6 and see how you go.
- Stronger (4 to 5 out of 5): Country Linen, Botanical Gardens, Zen Garden and Kiwi Coconut Vanilla are 4, and Fig Tree is 5. Start at the low end.
Santal Woods uses delicate ingredients and can run down faster than some of our other scents. Fewer reeds help it last.
How to find your number
- Start low: try 4 reeds in a 200ml bottle or 3 in a 100ml.
- Wait a day: the reeds need time to soak through, so judge the scent after 24 hours.
- Add one at a time: give each change a day before you decide.
- Ask someone else: you stop noticing a steady scent after a while. A visitor's nose is a better test. If you still can't smell it, read reed diffuser not working? Here's how to fix it.
Don't forget to flip
Whatever number you settle on, flip the reeds about once a week. The tips in the air dry out over time, and turning them over puts the freshly soaked ends to work. Flip over a sink or a paper towel, as the wet ends can drip.
Want more from the same number of reeds? Try the tips in how to make a reed diffuser stronger.
Reed FAQs
Do more reeds make a reed diffuser stronger?
Yes. More reeds means more oil moving into the air, so the scent is stronger. The trade-off is that the bottle empties faster.
What reeds should I use?
Use natural diffuser reeds. They're what kirri reed diffusers come with, and spares are available in a reeds pack of 6.
Why does my diffuser smell weaker after a few weeks?
Usually the reeds are clogged with dust and dried oil. A flip helps for a while, and fresh reeds fix it. See how often to change reed diffuser reeds.
More reed diffuser guides
- Refilling: How to refill a reed diffuser in 3 steps
- Everything else: How to care for your reed diffuser
Find your scent in the kirri reed diffuser range.