Freshen Up Your House With an Empty Container

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Hey, looks like you’ve got a bunch of old jars lying around! Well, have I got the perfect DIY project for you. Instead of letting those jars collect dust, why not turn them into your own custom-made reed diffuser? It’s a super easy and budget-friendly way to keep your home smelling fresh without any open flames. Plus, you get to be in charge of the scent, so you can switch it up whenever the mood strikes.

All you need are some reeds, a jar, and some fragrance oils. Mix up a little concoction, pop in the reeds, and boom – your very own reed diffuser. It’s not as strong as a candle, but it’ll still do a great job of subtly freshening up a room. Just tuck it in a bathroom, by your bedside, or in your entryway, and enjoy that pleasant scent wafting through your space.

Okay, let’s get started! First up, you’ll need some reeds. They’re pretty cheap – you can snag a 120-pack on Amazon for around $6, which should give you plenty to work with. Next, you’ll want to thin out the fragrance oil a bit with some rubbing alcohol or vodka and warm water. Mix that all together in your jar, then just pop in the reeds and let the diffuser do its thing.

The key is to use a jar with a nice narrow opening – if it’s too wide, the scent will just evaporate right away. Just drill a hole in the lid that’s about an inch wide and you’re good to go. Before you know it, your space will be smelling fresh and lovely, no flames required. Plus, you can play around with different scent blends whenever you want a change of pace.

Now, the fun part – creating your own signature scent! If you already have a favorite essential oil blend, you can totally use that. But if you’re new to DIY fragrances, no worries – it’s easy to whip up something amazing. Stick with one essential oil for a simple, focused scent, like lavender for relaxation, lemon for an energizing boost, or peppermint to help you stay alert.

Want to get a little fancier? Try blending different oils that you love – some classic combos include geranium and peppermint, jasmine and lemon, or lavender and oregano. You can also take inspiration from the candles and perfumes you already have around your home. Play around until you find the perfect scent that fits your mood and your space.

And don’t feel limited to just essential oils – dried herbs, fruits, spices, and flowers can all add amazing fragrance too. For a cozy, wintry vibe, try a mix of rosemary, dried oranges, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun with it!