Simple DIY essential oil blend diffuser: how-to guide
Creating a cozy and aromatic ambiance in your home doesn’t require a lot of money or complicated tools. In fact, you can easily make a beautiful and functional essential oil diffuser using items you likely already have on hand. One of the most charming and sustainable ways to do this is by repurposing a cute glass bottle (like an Orangina bottle) to create your own DIY essential oil diffuser.
Materials you'll need
To start, gather the following materials:
- A glass bottle with a small neck (Orangina bottles are perfect, but any similar bottle will do).
- Essential oils or essential oil blend of your choice.
- Rattan diffuser reeds (I used purple ones which actually turned the mixture purple but you can also find non-dyed ones online or in craft shops).
- Perfumers alcohol or plain vodka.
- Hot water for removing any labels on the bottle.
Easy step-by-step instructions
1. Prepare your bottle
Begin by soaking the glass bottle in hot water to easily remove the label and to make sure that it is clean. Once the label is off, rinse and leave the bottle to dry thoroughly.
2. Choose your base
For the diffuser liquid, you have two options: perfumers alcohol or plain vodka. Both work well to help diffuse the essential oils because they evaporate faster than water, which helps to ‘throw’ the scent into the room. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can double the amount of water used, although the scent may not be as strong or dispersed as effectively.
3. Mix your diffuser solution
In a small jug or measuring cup, combine the following:
- 1/2 cup of perfumers alcohol or vodka.
- 1/2 cup of water.
- 60 drops of your chosen essential oils or blend.
(If you'd rather avoid alcohol, use 1 cup of water).
Stir the mixture well.
4. Assemble the diffuser
Pour the essential oil mixture into the prepared bottle. Insert the rattan diffuser reeds into the bottle. The reeds will absorb the mixture and gradually diffuse the scent into the air. Make sure you flip the reeds every now and then to maintain a consistent fragrance.
Top tips for success
- Choosing your bottle: While an Orangina bottle is a great option due to its small neck and attractive shape, feel free to use any similar bottle you have at home. The amber glass bottles we use for our Hair Perfumes also work well. The key is to choose a bottle that not only looks good but also has a narrow neck to prevent the oils from evaporating too quickly.
- Selecting the reeds: Use rattan diffuser reeds, and not of bamboo skewers. Bamboo is not absorbent enough to effectively diffuse the oil. Rattan reeds have tiny channels that draw the oil up and disperse it into the air. I used purple reeds that I already had and the dye bled into the perfumers alcohol – if you don't want that to happen go for un-dyed reeds!
- Choosing your scents: Experiment with different essential oil combinations to blend and create a personalised scent. Think about which room the diffuser will go in and which essential oils would suit the room. For instance, our Musk blend has a calming effect so would be great in the bedroom, Citrus blends would work well in the bathroom, a Floral blend would brighten up a living space and Herbal deodorises kitchen smells.
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Hairy Jayne Musk essential oil blend – Neroli, Vetiver & Patchouli.
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[product=citrus-essential-oil-blend]
Hairy Jayne Citrus essential oil blend – Grapefruit, May Chang & Jasmine.
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[product=floral-essential-oil-blend]
Hairy Jayne Floral essential oil blend – Geranium, Bergamot & Vanilla
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[product=herbal-essential-oil-blend]
Hairy Jayne Herbal essential oil blend – Rosemary, Lavender & Clary Sage.
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Get some ideas for creating your own blends
If you’re looking to really personalise your home fragrance, consider coming to one of our natural fragrance workshops in Bristol. These workshops provide a hands-on opportunity to learn how to craft your own unique essential oil blends.
If you're nowhere near Bristol, we have a free essential oil blending guide for you to download so you can make along at home.
Conclusion
Making your own homemade essential oil blend diffuser is a simple and satisfying way to add a touch of pleasant fragrance to your home. By repurposing a cute glass bottle and using natural ingredients, you can enjoy a customised scent experience that is both eco-friendly and budget-conscious.
Watch our diffuser-making reel on Instagram
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Hairy Jayne Trio, the ultimate essential oil blend – our 3 signature blends combined to create a beautiful, complex fragrance
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