How to Make a Capillary Diffuser: The Complete Guide
Reed diffusers are one of the many ways to diffuse fragrance without combustion in your home. It is aesthetic and flameless. In this article, we explain step by step how to create your own, covering the choice of base (Augeo, DPM, Isopropyl Myristate, etc.), the selection of fragrance, the preparation of the container, the role of the reeds and the maintenance of your home fragrance diffuser.
Step 1: Choose the base (solvent)
To design an effective diffuser, it is essential to choose a base that is compatible, but also meets your requirements. There are 4 main options available to you , each with its own advantages.
The Augeo Clean Multi: the most accessible
Derived from renewable plant sources, Augeo stands out for its low evaporation rate, its almost complete absence of odor and its very good ability to dissolve perfumes. It leaves no metallic aftertaste and prolongs diffusion without the need for alcohol. If you are looking for a low-odor base that enhances the scent and is easy to handle, Augeo is a safe choice.
DPM - Dipropylene Glycol: the most versatile
Dipropylene Glycol is a versatile and environmentally friendly solvent base. This solvent ensures a slow and even diffusion of fragrances. Fully soluble in water, it is ideal for home fragrances diffused by reeds.
It stands out for its clarity and purity (clear, colorless and slightly viscous liquid), its versatility as a solvent miscible with water and various organic compounds, and its safety of use thanks to its low vapor pressure and high flash point. Environmentally friendly, it incorporates a diffusion base composed of 70% biogenic content, reducing toxicity while enhancing the intensity of the fragrances.
However, it can influence the performance of soft fragrances like musk or cotton flower, requiring specific formulation to optimize their diffusion.
Isopropyl Myristate (IPM): the most stable
Isopropyl Myristate , often abbreviated as MIP, is a popular solvent in cosmetics and perfumery. Of plant origin, it promotes a slow and continuous diffusion of the perfume. Safe and non-toxic, it prolongs the hold of fragrances and can be used alone or combined with alcohol to adjust the diffusion speed. If you want to benefit from controlled and stable evaporation, Isopropyl Myristate is an excellent option.
Perfumer's Alcohol: the most powerful
Designed for making home fragrances and room sprays, Perfumer's Alcohol also works very well in reed diffusers. It effectively dilutes scents, while giving a very powerful fragrance. It also creates a clear and unclouded solution, which can be an aesthetic asset if you like to observe the color of the liquid in your bottle.
Step 2: Choose your fragrance
It is important to use preferably lipophilic fragrances even if hydrophilic scents can work. Choose the fragrance that suits you from our range for candles, melts and diffusers.
Check the authorized dosage for a diffuser
Once you have found the fragrance, it is crucial to ensure that the desired dosage is in line with the maximum percentage of the IFRA certificate . Find this information in the dedicated tab on each perfume sheet and then consult the IFRA certificate. The mention “category 10A” indicates the maximum concentration authorized for this type of creation.
Determine the fragrance/base ratio
The dosage of perfume varies according to the maximum load allowed by the IFRA certificate. Here are some guidelines to get you started:
- For a diffuser using Augeo base , mix 20% fragrance with 80% Augeo base for optimal diffusion.
- A formulation with isopropyl myristate and perfumer's alcohol includes 20% isopropyl myristate, 20% fragrance and 60% 90° alcohol.
- For diffusion with the DPM base , choose one of the following formulations: 15 to 25% fragrance and 75 to 85% DPM OR 15% fragrance, 15% DPM and 70% ethanol.
The culture of testing is essential to find the ideal intensity for each perfume. Remember to respect the maximum dosage authorized in the event of sale , but also your labeling (CLP, UFI).
Step 3: Choose your container and cap
Glass is the most common , but you can also opt for ceramic or any other airtight container. Then select the shape you like.
Don't forget to include a cap or lid. They often include an internal stopper that helps seal the bottle tightly. The lid then serves as an aesthetic finish by framing the stems.
Step 4: Choose your stems
The choice of stems depends mainly on the selected base and the desired diffusion intensity:
- With Augeo and DPM: Use fiber rods for optimal results.
- With Isopropyl Myristate: You can use both rattan rods and fiber rods, depending on the intensity you want.
- With Perfumer's Alcohol: choose rattan stems.
As for the quantity of stems, it depends on the size of the bottle. However, for a 250 ml container , you can consider the number of stems as follows:
- 2 to 3 stems: soft intensity
- 4 to 5 stems: medium intensity
- 6 to 8 stems: maximum intensity
Step 5: Clean your container
Before pouring the solution, be sure to wipe your bottle thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt or fingerprints. A clean container ensures that the perfume lasts longer.
Step 6: Prepare your solution
Remember to leave some space in the bottle (about 25% empty) to avoid overflow when inserting the sticks.
Pour everything into your container, close and shake gently to homogenize the solution.
Once the mixture is uniform, remove the cap and insert your reeds. Your diffuser is now ready to use!
How do I use my fragrance diffuser in my home?
Thanks to the principle of capillarity , the sticks absorb the scented solution to release it slowly into the air. To increase or reduce the diffusion power, simply adjust the number of sticks. The more you use, the more powerful the scent will be, but the solution will evaporate more quickly.
- Turn the stems regularly: about once a week, or as soon as you notice that the intensity is weakening.
- Moderate the number of sticks: too many sticks accelerate the consumption of the perfume.
- Replace them when they are saturated: in general, plan on changing them every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Refill your diffuser: once empty, you can refill it with the same scent or test another one, after cleaning the container.
Properly maintaining your diffuser
A few simple steps guarantee ideal diffusion after creating your reed diffuser:
- Choose the right location: do not place it in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this may cause evaporation to accelerate.
- Clean the bottle if you change fragrance: rinse and dry the container carefully before pouring a new scent.
Congratulations, you have just created a personalized diffuser, perfectly adapted to your olfactory universe and your interior decoration. Whether you opt for Augeo, DPM, Perfumer's Alcohol or Isopropyl Myristate, you will benefit from a simple, accessible and powerful solution for your home! Did you know that it is possible to have the same benefits, but in your car? Come and discover it in our article