Maybe you’re new to diffusers, maybe you’re simply looking to level-up your skills. Whatever experience you may have, diffuser can be finnicky and it’s easy to get tripped up. But not to worry, Candle Shack is here to help.
We’ve put together our top tips and tips on how to create a great diffuser. So, look below and get crafting!
Tip 1: Check regulatory documents
Once you have picked your desired fragrance, head over to the .pdf files on the fragrance page. Check and see if there are any diffuser SDS’s in the file. If there are diffuser SDS’s for your chosen fragrances, these will tell you the percentages that can be used (usually 15% or 20%). If there are no SDS’s then the fragrance cannot be used in a diffuser under CLP or IFRA. Even though the IFRA certificate may say that they can be used, this does not mean they can under CLP. Both IFRA and CLP thresholds must be met.
Tip 2: Less is more
When making diffusers, fragrances are typically at 10% to 20% concentration and it’s only natural to want them to give a nice and strong whiff of our favourite scents. So it’s no surprise that people tend to go for higher concentrations... which often achieves the exact opposite effect. Often, the lower fragrance concentrations will perform better whereas higher concentrations may clog the reeds and won’t perform.
Tip 3: Choose fibre
Typically, there are two types of diffuser reeds out there: fibre and rattan. Whereas fibre reeds have been specifically designed for diffuser use, rattan reeds are based on a natural product. This means that, they don’t diffuse quite as well as fibre reeds and tend to clog. The only time we will recommend using rattan reeds is if your diffuser evaporates too quickly, as rattan typically diffuses around 50% slower than fibre.
Tip 4: Location, Location, Location
Every now and again, you may find that your diffuser is losing scent but that it still has lots of liquid. This may come down to a few factors. Diffusers like a warm environment, to get the best out of your diffuser, keep your home to an ambient temperature of between 15°C and 25°C. This way, your diffusers will have optimal performance and fill your room with fragrance. Unlike candles, diffusers also like air flow/movement, so are well suited to busy hallways or window ledges, where the movement of air will help to diffuse the oil. Sometimes reeds will stop working, this is called clogging, you can simply change your reeds or flip them over to give your room a boost of fragrance.
Tip 5: Choose your base carefully
Traditionally, diffuser bases included chemicals such as DWP, which were more hazardous than newer bases. More recently, glycerine-based materials have been developed, which are advantageous, as they result in much less hazardous end products. Augeo, and our own Vegan Friendly Diffuser Base are examples are used by large brands, as they can safely be exported to North America and other territories (as end products typically have less than 15% VOCs).