I’ve been using our diffusers in my own home for over 20 years, and I still love how effortless they are—just a few reeds, a little time, and the whole room changes.

Our luxury reed diffusers are beloved for their "always-on" fragrance and clean, classic design. But like anything beautiful and functional, a few small setup tips can make a big difference. 

Today, I’m answering some of the most frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your Alora diffuser—so your space smells as lovely as it looks.

Reed Diffuser Frequently Asked Questions

How do reed diffusers work?

Reed diffusers scent the air naturally by drawing fragrance up through porous sticks, which slowly release it into the room—no flame or electricity needed.

Flip more sticks for a stronger scent, or just one or two for something more subtle. It’s a simple way to customize the fragrance level in your space.

How do I set up my reed diffuser? 

Setting up your reed diffuser is quick and easy.

Start by removing the closed wooden cap from the glass bottle and replacing it with the open wooden cap—the one with the hole in the center. Next, insert the reed sticks through the cap and into the fragrance.

For best results, flip the sticks right away so both ends are saturated. This jumpstarts the diffusion process and gets the scent circulating. Flip the sticks anytime you want to refresh or intensify the fragrance.

Tip: I like to flip mine over the sink, as the fragrance contains alcohol and can damage certain finishes if it drips on furniture.

Watch the video below to see exactly how I set one up.

What ingredients are in Alora reed diffusers?

All Alora Ambiance diffusers are made with a proprietary blend of high-quality fragrance oils, combining both natural and safe synthetic ingredients. This approach allows us to create complex, long-lasting scents while upholding our standards for safety, consistency, and sustainability.

Our formulas are:

• Vegan

• Cruelty-free (never tested on animals)

• Free of parabens, phthalates, and DEP

We’re committed to creating fragrances that are both beautiful and clean—designed to elevate your space without compromising on quality.

How often should I flip the reed diffuser sticks?

Reed diffusers work by allowing the fragrance to evaporate through the porous reed sticks and into the air. To control the scent’s strength, simply flip the sticks.

For a stronger fragrance or a larger space, flip all the sticks. For a more subtle scent or smaller room, flipping just one or two can give a gentle boost.

It’s all about your preference—but keep in mind that the more often you flip the sticks, the faster the fragrance will evaporate.

Can I close and reopen a diffuser later?

Yes! Many longtime customers temporarily close their diffusers while traveling or during certain seasons. Just be sure to save both caps and the original box for easy storage.

Can I wear Alora fragrances as perfume?

You can! Our fragrances are similar in composition to traditional perfumes. I love dabbing a little Mare on my wrists in the summer. Just be sure to test a small amount first to make sure it agrees with your skin.

Why do some Alora fragrances smell stronger or look darker than others? And why do they darken over time?

Some fragrance notes, like vanilla and cinnamon, are naturally stronger and richer in color, while lighter notes like citrus tend to stay clear. Over time, it’s also normal for diffuser oils to darken slightly—especially those made with natural and essential oils.

To slow this process, keep your diffuser out of direct sunlight and away from heat.

Do you offer refills?

We don’t. While the fragrance would still diffuse, we don’t recommend pouring new oil into an old bottle, as it can affect the overall scent experience.

The image below shows why fresh reeds matter—the darker sticks are fully saturated and won’t perform like the new ones below.

Each diffuser comes in a fresh glass bottle, ready to enjoy. And once it’s empty, you can pop the used sticks in a drawer or under your car seat for a little lingering scent.

What’s the shelf life of an unopened diffuser?

For best results, we recommend using your diffuser within three years of purchase. 

How long will my diffuser last?

Our 8oz diffusers typically last 1–3 months, while the 16oz size lasts 3–5 months, depending on factors like room temperature, humidity, and how often you flip the reeds.

Why can’t I smell my diffuser anymore?

Your nose has likely just adjusted! Our formulas haven’t changed, but scent fatigue is real. Try switching between fragrances or placing diffusers in different rooms to reset your senses.

Are Alora reed diffuser scents safe for use around pets? 

Alora reed diffusers are generally safe to use around pets, especially since there’s no open flame or heat source involved. Our fragrances are made with high-quality ingredients, but we always recommend placing diffusers out of reach to prevent accidental spills or tipping—just to be safe.

Whether you’re new to the world of Alora or a longtime fan, I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any diffuser-related questions, feel free to drop them in the comments or send me an email at therese@aloraambiance.com—I’m always happy to help.

Still deciding which scent is right for you? Take our quick Fragrance Finder Quiz, or explore the full collection to find a new favorite.