Easy Homemade Reed Diffusers

This started as a fluke really. I recently went to TJMaxx and found the least expensive reed diffuser on their clearance display. Once I was home, I prepared the diffuser for display. I broke the seal and inserted the thin wooden sticks that came with the kit. That's when it hit me--my nose was immediately turned off. In fact, the oil within the bottle smelled like old cough syrup and that is not an exaggeration (as other members of my family can attest)! It was nauseating and strong!

My first inkling was to throw the offensive thing away, but I resisted. The glass diffuser bottle was pretty and could be re-used, after all. I had to discard the oil, no question about that. The smell lingered, so it was necessary to hand wash the bottle inside and out with hot, soapy water.

How do you make your own fragranced oil? Well I am not a chemist, and I could never compete with Martha Stewart, but I am crafty. With a little trial and error, I was able to mix baby oil with some cherished old perfume that I love but no longer wear (does anyone remember Jontue? Yes, I realize I am now dating myself for the whole world, but that's okay; I'm cool with it). This perfume is very light and subtle, so I used half perfume and half baby oil.

Well I am now one happy girl. My old cherished scent is finally being put to good use! I have future plans for my other standby fragrance I don't even think they make anymore: Paco Rabanne Eau de Metal (it's killer!!). Even though I don't wear the dozens of old fragrances from my youth, I could never part with them. (Why do women do that? Discuss!) I think its great; because now I can custom make my fragranced oil 1-2-3!

If you have essential oils laying around, combine them with baby oil. Once the potion is mixed and settled and you are loving it, transfer to your glass bottle and please use a funnel if the opening is narrow.

As far as glass bottles, who doesn't have a few very cute bud vases collecting dust somewhere in their kitchen or dining room? Well, dust 'em off people. It is time to give them new life as they take on their new role as reed diffuser decanter. Not a pack rat? That's okay, just hit the dollar store.