Reed diffusers

A reed diffuser works without electricity or a flame. Rattan reeds have thin channels running along their length: the fragrance liquid travels up from the bottle and evaporates from the part above the neck, scenting the air slowly and evenly, day and night.

An UrbanNote reed diffuser holds 180 ml of liquid and comes with five black rattan reeds, 28 cm long. You open the bottle once, add the reeds, and from then on the scent works on its own.

The number of reeds sets the intensity. There are five in the box: all five give the strongest scent, three are enough for a small hallway or bathroom. More reeds mean a stronger scent, but the liquid also runs out faster.

Start with fewer reeds and add more after a few days if the scent is too faint. Fan them out slightly in the bottle so each one releases fragrance along its whole exposed length.

A 180 ml reed diffuser lasts at least 8 weeks. Three things affect it: temperature (warmth speeds up evaporation), air movement and the number of reeds in the bottle.

A bottle next to a radiator, in full sun or in a draught runs out sooner. A steady room temperature and fewer reeds make one bottle last longest. When the scent fades but there is still liquid left, flip the reeds.

A reed diffuser suits places where a candle would be impractical or left unattended: the hallway, bathroom, wardrobe, bedroom and office.

The scent is stronger in a small room. In a large living room, use all five reeds or place the diffuser closer to where you sit. Keep it on a stable, level surface, away from radiators, direct sun and the edge of a shelf. The liquid can mark varnished wood, so use a coaster.

On first use, flip the reeds after a few hours, once they have soaked up the liquid, then every 2-3 days. Do it over a sink or a paper towel and wash your hands afterwards.

Each diffuser is a closed composition matched to its reeds, so do not top it up with another liquid - reeds soaked in the first scent will mix the two. The empty bottle can be washed and reused, for example for dried flowers.

A reed diffuser has no flame, but the fragrance liquid needs care. Keep the bottle out of reach of children and pets, avoid contact with skin, eyes and varnished surfaces, keep it away from open flames and air the room regularly.

Warnings and producer details are on the product label. If your pets are sensitive to scents, ask a vet before choosing a fragrance.

Look at three things: volume (it decides how many weeks the diffuser lasts), the reeds (rattan carries liquid more evenly than ordinary wood) and a composition that suits the room.

Sweet and spicy scents work well in a hallway or kitchen, floral and woody ones in a bedroom or bathroom. The white matte bottle with a black label band and black reeds stays on display for weeks, so it reads as part of the interior rather than an air freshener. Electric ultrasonic diffusers need power; a reed diffuser does not.

A reed diffuser is a good gift for someone who already has candles or does not light flames at home. Gift wrapping with a card carrying your message can be added in the basket.