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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask about reed diffusers

83 replies

pilsner · 21/12/2025 21:23

Has anyone ever managed to find one that actually smells of anything???

preferably one that’s not mega spendy… if that exists!!

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VioletladyGrantham · 23/12/2025 17:51

Please, please check before using diffusers if you have dogs or cats. A lot of them are very toxic (citrus, pine and tea tree oil for example), and reed diffusers are the worst.
I found this out last night while on a Facebook group for husky rescues. Someone posted a photo of her boy hooked up to an i.v in the veterinary hospital, very poorly having been poisoned by the vapours. I had no idea, and l am cross that l didn't know. I did a google srarch because l couldn't quite believe it. Some are apparently okay for dogs, such as rosemary, but best to check with your vet what is safe. In any event, only use in a well-ventilated room or one where pets aeren't allowed.

MummyWillow1 · 23/12/2025 17:08

I like the Next ones.

florasl · 23/12/2025 10:15

M&S Wild Rhubarb one, we have one each floor. Can smell them everywhere in the house, I’ve never had such effective ones before! I’ve had white company and jo malone ones before, neither have been as effective!

DeepRubySwan · 23/12/2025 10:03

Glasshouse are the only decent ones that keep any scent. They are not cheap though.

DinoLil · 23/12/2025 09:25

Esteban neroli is delightful and you can absolutely smell that. Problem is that it's expensive and evaporates quickly. I've got a peony scented one from Home Bargains which cost £3.99 and I can smell that as soon as I walk in the front door and guests have complimented me on how nice it smells. And I have a stinky old dog!

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 23/12/2025 09:07

You’re brave posting this - normally threads of this nature are populated by posters treating reed diffusers as akin to Satan’s pee or suggesting posters must be beyond skanky if opening window for ten minutes doesn’t give your home the feel of a high end spa.

I’m still (sporadically) looking for the holy grail of reed diffusers. Hotels with that wonderful non-cough inducing fragrance appear to indicate their reed diffusers aren’t commercially available or the Receptionists don’t know. One gorgeous smelling hotel used Zara Home’s Gardenia. I got it at home and whilst it did smell lovely, it didn’t last that long, despite turning the reeds. Maybe of relevance was that the hotel had a huge container of tbe stuff and not the size of the ones retailed by Zara Home 🤔

MerryAndBrightLaLaLa · 23/12/2025 08:56

Neom

MerryAndBrightLaLaLa · 23/12/2025 08:56

bonesandbooth2025 · 21/12/2025 22:48

Valentte or rituals

Valentte have changed their ingredients I think. No where near as good anymore sadly

LittleBitofBread · 23/12/2025 08:50

I've got some from TK Maxx., Can't remember any of the labels, but I've no complaints with any of them. One was actually too strong and I had to move it out of the room as I could 'taste' it in the back of my throat! Disclaimer: I do mean my tiny home office/box room.

Bearlady · 23/12/2025 05:40

Good question as always looking for strong smelling long lasting ones.
The best I have tried so far are Glade, Airpure and Primark.

gerispringer · 23/12/2025 04:32

Ortegia are the best. ££s though.

LurcherMumma · 23/12/2025 04:26

I bought the Christmas peppermint one from Aldi and it's brilliant! I don't know why I picked it up as like you I normally find they don't smell if anything.
(Also I did follow the instructions on how to prep it which I want aware you had to do.)

Catpuss66 · 23/12/2025 01:37

Valenette, my take out of the 7 I have bought only one gave significant room throw. TBF the company I did complain to they sent me a new one. Just bought the one that worked again, think is lemon & bergamot will see how this one fairs if rubbish like the others will stop buying. They smell lovely when close up to them but nothing in the room which is the whole point.

catgirl1976 · 23/12/2025 01:05

Another Valentte fan here. They are better than ones three times the price. They always have good offers on and the packaging is lovely so they make good gifts. String smells but not overpowering and they smell so good

TheOneWithTheGoat · 23/12/2025 00:56

I always thought they were rubbish and never worked properly and much preferred candles. Then I was gifted a big box of Valentte ones and my thoughts completely changed. Absolutely love them. Still working my way through the box but will repurchase.

MungoforPresident · 23/12/2025 00:56

bonesandbooth2025 · 21/12/2025 22:48

Valentte or rituals

I also would have said Valentte as I had a mindblowing neroli and lemon one. But I have just bought three others and they all fail to dissipate the scent! Around £60 wasted.

Bloozie · 23/12/2025 00:26

Habitat from Sainsburys are pretty good. I have the Rhubarb & Elderflower in most rooms in the house.

Rituals if you're feeling spendy. I have the Private Collection Wild Fig in my bedroom, always. It lasts ages. Well worth the money.

DottyLottieLou · 23/12/2025 00:22

Sainsburys Rhubarb £5

Crochetandtea · 23/12/2025 00:21

I bought a stone glow one recently for my bathroom. Orange and oud? It’s lovely but ££ and probably not worth the price. I don’t like synthetic smells and usually dry my own oranges at this time of year and add cloves.

blubberyboo · 23/12/2025 00:15

La Bougie Sage & Bitter Orange is good and smells lovely ...but pricey.

Also love Valentte for value

cupfinalchaos · 23/12/2025 00:14

Only use them in guest toilet as only work in small rooms.

XenoBitch · 23/12/2025 00:11

OSTMusTisNT · 23/12/2025 00:10

Zoflora Linen - cheaper than chips in Home Bargains.

I bought the Zoflora wax melts. Less than £3 for the melts and the diffuser. Total bargain, and it smells nice and fresh.

MrsSkylerWhite · 23/12/2025 00:10

Bought a pine tree one in Aldi or Lidl, can’t remember, last week and our guest room smells lovely.
was about £3.

OSTMusTisNT · 23/12/2025 00:10

Zoflora Linen - cheaper than chips in Home Bargains.

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