How to Get the Most From Your Alora Diffuser

Where it all began...

When my sister and I launched Alora Ambiance 25 years ago, reed diffusers were still a mystery to most people in the U.S. We spent our early years on the road, visiting small boutiques across the country and introducing shop owners to this new way of scenting the home.

Armed with our beloved samples (which we’d often leave in stores and circle back later to retrieve!), we’d walk each owner through the simple process—swapping caps, inserting reeds, and flipping them for that first burst of scent. We had a few fumbles early on, but eventually found our rhythm. For a while, we were the only diffuser on the market—and that gave us the chance to place Alora in some of the most beautiful stores around the country.

Fast forward a couple of decades, and I rarely have to explain what a reed diffuser is. But I still love sharing tips to help people get the most out of them—whether you’re just discovering Alora or have been with us since the beginning.

Tips & FAQs to Get the Most from Your Alora Diffuser

 1. How do reed diffusers work?

Reed diffusers scent the air naturally through porous reeds that draw fragrance up and out into the room—no flame or electricity needed. Flip more reeds for a stronger scent or fewer if you prefer something subtle.

2. How do I assemble my diffuser?

Unscrew the closed wooden cap and replace it with the open one. Insert all the reeds and immediately flip them so both ends are saturated. (Tip: flip over a sink or trash can to avoid damaging surfaces.) You’ll find a how-to video below if you’d like a visual guide!

3. What are Alora fragrances made of?

We use a blend of high-quality fragrance oils, including natural and essential oils. Our fragrances are free of DEP, parabens, and phthalates.

4. Can I close and reopen a diffuser later?

Yes! Many longtime customers close their bottles while traveling or during the winter months. Just be sure to keep both caps and the original box for easy storage.

5. Can I wear Alora fragrances as perfume?

Yes. They’re similar in composition to traditional perfumes. I love dabbing a bit of Mare  on my wrists in the summer. If you try this, test a small amount first to be sure your skin reacts well.

6. Why do some scents smell stronger than others?

Our formula is consistent across all fragrances, but certain notes—like vanilla or cinnamon—are naturally stronger than citrus notes. These blends also vary in color: for example, Caldo is a rich amber while Agrume is crystal clear.

7.  Do you offer refills?

We don’t. Used reeds become saturated and can’t effectively wick a second bottle. Adding new fragrance to an old bottle may also alter the scent. And because we bottle in glass, each diffuser arrives fresh and ready to use.

8. What’s the shelf life of an unopened diffuser?

We recommend using it within 3 years for best results.

9. How long will my diffuser last?

Our 8oz diffusers last 1–3 months and our 16oz last 3–5 months, depending on conditions like room size, humidity, and how often the reeds are flipped.

10. Why do some diffusers evaporate faster than others?

Dry climates, heated spaces, A/C, or frequent flipping can increase evaporation. More humid spaces and infrequent flipping can extend the life of the fragrance.

12. Why can’t I smell my diffuser anymore?

Don’t worry—our formulas haven’t changed! It’s likely your nose has simply adjusted to the scent over time. To avoid this (as hard as it is when you have a scent you love!), I recommend alternating fragrances rather than always using the same ones.

13. What are the benefits of reed diffusers?

Reed diffusers are a terrific way to bring luxurious scent into your home. The "always on" factor combined with the safety of no flame is pretty hard to beat. Whether welcoming guests in the entryway, scenting a powder room, or finishing a space with something beautiful and fragrant, ease and elegance to any home.

If you ever have a question about your diffuser—or just want to share a scent you’re loving—I’d truly love to hear from you. Drop a note in the comments or send me an email anytime.