Reed Diffusers – Are they Safe?

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Everybody is looking for different ways to spread scents through their home.

There’s something so comforting about a delightful fragrance. It’s relaxing and adds a sense of luxury to your surroundings. One of the most popular ways to add a scent to your room is with a reed diffuser. 

But are reed diffusers safe? 

These days a lot of people are becoming increasingly health-conscious. They don’t want to ingest dangerous chemicals or toxins. That’s why there is sometimes skepticism around reed diffusers. 

Let’s break down this common product and weigh up whether or not they are safe to use in your home. 

Follow the Instructions

The first thing is that you should follow the instructions. 

A reed diffuser will rarely cause any health problems. But usually, they occur as a result of negligence or a lack of common sense. Read the guide or label that comes with your reed diffuser and you’re less likely to experience problems. 

This may seem amazingly obvious but the number of people who don’t is alarming. 

The guide will tell you about the amount of oil you should use. Less is more when it comes to using a reed diffuser. If you use too much it will be overpowering and potentially nauseating. 

It can even cause side effects like headaches. 

Just add a few drops to your diffuser because this will produce a subtle, yet enjoyable fragrance that won’t overwhelm everybody in your home! 

Beware of the Surroundings

Oils of all kinds are extremely flammable.

Essential oils are no different. Never expose them to a naked flame. That’s why you should be careful with candles and tealights around diffusers. 

In an ideal world, you will create a romantic atmosphere. But there won’t be love in the air if you cause a house fire! However, if you use your diffuser in the bathroom, be careful of exposing the power cord to water. 

Make sure that you use your diffuser in a well-ventilated space. 

This is especially important if you have a cat or a dog because they have sensitive noses and may experience breathing problems. 

Children and Pets

The main concern you should have when using reed diffusers is with pets and small children. 

Human adults have a much stronger tolerance for external substances. Our bodies can cope with mild chemical imbalances. However, the biological make-up of cats and dogs makes them far more vulnerable. 

If your pets act unusually after you use your reed diffuser then you should exercise caution. 

Firstly, check to see if the location is suitable. If the oil is too pungent and the room isn’t ventilated it could have adverse effects. Immediately bring your dog or cat outside or to an unaffected room. 

Children may also complain of sickness or show symptoms after exposure to reed diffusers. However, as long as you’re careful and don’t leave your baby right beside one, the chances of problems are very low. 

Quality Oil

Oils are available for staggeringly different prices depending on the purity and ingredients. 

It’s always best to buy your essential oils from a reputable dealership because you can trust them better. Always read the labels and check for potentially dangerous ingredients.

Usually, it’s better to buy as close to pure as possible. 

However, some brands will add extra substances to their products. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Just do your research before you use the oil and everything will be fine.

Remember that just because an oil is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe to use around animals. Even natural ingredients can produce reactions in dogs and cats so exercise extreme caution. Never apply oils directly to their bodies either. 

Quality is much more important than quantity when it comes to essential oils. 

Self-Care

We’ve talked about children and animals but what about yourself? 

When you use a reed diffuser for the first time, watch out for allergic reactions. It may affect your eyes and make them watery or itchy. Sneezing and breathing problems are other symptoms that sometimes occur. 

Meanwhile, pregnant users should double-check with their doctor if a specific type of oil is safe to use. Don’t take any chances. 

Slow Release

One of the best aspects of reed diffusers is that they release small amounts slowly into the air. 

This makes them a better option than electric diffusers because you don’t have to think about them. The latter releases more concentrated doses that are also more pungent. If you leave them for too long, it can be overwhelming. 

Reed diffusers are safer to use because there is less chance of them causing respiratory issues or simply making the room unpleasant. It’s like when you use too much perfume. Nobody enjoys that. 

There is also a lower chance of olfactory fatigue. 

When you constantly expose yourself to a fragrance or smell, you no longer smell it as clearly. Garbage truck drivers experience this after a few weeks on the job. Electric diffusers can produce this effect because they’re stronger.

However, reed diffusers are more subtle so there is less chance of them overwhelming your senses. 

This is great because what’s the point in spending your hard-earned cash on expensive essential oils that you can’t even smell? 

Final Thoughts

Are reed diffusers safe to use? 

The answer is a resounding yes. They present very low health risks to children and animals. Meanwhile, they’re extremely convenient to use. Just place the reeds in the diffuser and leave them there. 

As long as you exercise common sense and follow the instructions it should be fine. 

Of course, accidents can happen but these will be minimized if you use your reed diffuser responsibly. Keep it clean and out of the reach of your kids and pets. Try to use higher-quality oils and always research their ingredients. 

Andrew Scents and Aroma
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