Creating your own reed diffusers (and car diffusers!) has never been easier. With our Midwest Original Reed Diffuser Base, all it takes is: add your fragrance oil, mix, test, and pour.
This versatile base was formulated specifically for makers looking to expand into home fragrance without overcomplicating production.
Perfect for hobbyists, growing brands, and established makers alike, this base helps you keep your product line simple while delivering consistent results.
Key Features:
✔ Maker-Friendly Process – Simple 4:1 mixing ratio (base:fragrance) for consistent batching
✔ Multi-Use Base – Create traditional reed diffusers or car diffusers using one base
✔ Smooth Wicking Formula – Designed to travel efficiently through rattan reeds when properly formulated
✔ VOC Compliant (~5%) – Formulated with home-friendly air care considerations in mind
✔ Thoughtful Formula – DPG-free, alcohol-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free
✔ Eco + Maker Friendly – Vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and California Prop 65 compliant
Maker Resources
✔ How to Make Reed Diffusers (Step-by-Step Guide) – Coming Soon
✔ Car Diffuser Tutorial – Coming Soon
✔ Reed Diffuser Troubleshooting Guide – Coming Soon
✔ Fragrance Load Calculator
✔ View SDS
Technical Details
✔ VOC Compliant (~5%)
✔ Sold by weight, not volume
✔ Recommended Cure Time: 24–48 hours before evaluating scent throw
✔ Designed for reed diffuser applications and car diffusers
✔ Not recommended for ultrasonic/electric diffusers or cosmetic use
✔ Shelf Life: 12 months – store sealed, cool, and away from light
DISCLAIMER: It is ALWAYS your responsibility to perform your own testing to ensure your final product is safe and performs as expected.
Note: The identity of the specific components of this mixture is proprietary information and is regarded to be a trade secret, in accordance with Paragraph 1910.1200 of Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations
Fragrance Selection & IFRA Guidelines
✔ Recommended Fragrance Load: ~20% (4 parts base : 1 part fragrance oil)
✔ Always check IFRA Category 10A usage limits for each fragrance oil
✔ Some fragrances may impact performance due to viscosity or composition
✔ Heavy vanillin, spice notes, or very dense fragrances may reduce performance
✔ Always test before scaling production
Instructions for Use
✔ How to Make Reed Diffusers (Step-by-Step Guide) – Coming Soon
✔ Car Diffuser Tutorial – Coming Soon
Simple written steps for example: Creating an 8 oz Reed Diffuser
1. Measure 6.4 oz reed diffuser base into a mixing container using a scale.
2. Add 1.6 oz fragrance oil (always confirm your fragrance allows ~20% usage in IFRA Category 10A).
3. Mix thoroughly for 30–45 seconds to ensure the base and fragrance are fully combined.
4. Pour the finished blend into your diffuser vessel.
5. Insert 6–8 diffuser reeds (more reeds = stronger scent, fewer reeds = longer lifespan).
6. Flip reeds about once per week for optimal scent dispersion.
Cure Time:
Allow 24–48 hours for the fragrance to fully bind before evaluating scent throw. Performance can vary depending on fragrance choice, reed type, and environment — testing is always recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this base be used for car diffusers?
A: Yes! Many makers use this base specifically for hanging car diffusers as well as traditional reed diffusers.
Q: Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oils?
A: Sometimes… but performance varies widely. Always test for solubility, scent strength, and stability before scaling production.
Q: Can this be used in electric or ultrasonic diffusers?
A: No… this base is designed specifically for passive reed diffusion systems.
Q: Why isn’t my diffuser very strong?
A: Reed diffusers provide a more subtle, continuous scent than candles or sprays. Performance depends on fragrance choice, reed quality, airflow, vessel opening size, and fragrance load.
Q: The base has a slight scent before I add fragrance… is that normal?
A: Yes. Some raw materials have a natural odor that typically fades once fragrance oil is added and the mixture cures.
Q: Can I use more than 20% fragrance oil?
A: Higher loads may sometimes be possible, but too much fragrance can clog reeds and reduce performance. Testing is strongly recommended.
