Do you love perfume as much as I do? I got this passion for scents from my grandma, an avid perfume lover. I couldn’t wait to visit my grandparent’s home for Christmas because I was so excited to explore the newcomers to my grandma’s perfume collection.
*Collaborative Post
Now, perfumery is my sort of aromatherapy (quite a pricy one, I must admit), with a mixture of my grandma’s heritage and my own favourites. This collection is very dear to me, so I do my best to take the best care of it. So, I thought, why not drop a few lines about the best practices to keep your perfumes in tip-top shape?
These tips could also apply to household cleaners, air fresheners, essential oils and anything that
The golden rule of fragrance storage
The first and the most paramount tip out there is to keep your fragrance to keep it cool and dry. Why is that, you may ask? It’s simple: mini perfume are sensitive to light, heat and humidity. Neglecting these factors breaks down the fragrance molecules:
- The heat speeds up chemical reactions within the fragrance, and as a result, the molecules break down faster than they should. Ever had your perfume smelling funny, not the usual way? That could be it, but it could also be from the light and humidity!
- Light triggers chemical reactions that destroy the aromatic compounds in perfume. This is when your favourite perfume loses the scent you bought or love it for.
- Too much moisture in the air can encourage mould growth on the bottle, which can mess up the chemical composition. When the air is too dry, the alcohol evaporates more quickly, which makes the scent more concentrated.
Don’t neglect this rule and your perfume will smell amazing – whether it’s day one or day 1,001.
Therefore, there are four basic dos and don’ts of perfume keeping:
- DO store your perfumes in a cool, dark place.
- DO consider a dedicated perfume cabinet or display case (for large collections)
- DON’T keep your perfumes in the bathroom to avoid humidity and temperature fluctuations.
- DON’T leave your perfume on a sunny place like your windowsill or in a car to avoid direct sunlight.
Where do you store your perfume, then? I store it in a hallway closet as there are no direct sunshine or heat sources. However, a bedroom would also do.
Keep the ideal home temperature
The optimal climate for storing perfumes is generally between 12.8°C to 22.2°C. However, sometimes I meet the range of 15.5°C to 21.1°C, but from my experience, just keeping a consistent temperature within this range is enough. All you need to do is to avoid temperature extremes.
Some perfume lovers debate whether you need to refrigerate perfumes or not. Some experts think that storing perfumes in a fridge extends their lifespan. This is indeed true for natural or organic scents, but commercial perfumes don’t benefit much from refrigeration.
If you choose to refrigerate, consider getting a dedicated mini-fridge for perfumes to preserve a consistent and precise storage temperature. You want to avoid excessive cold!
Best boilers in the UK and all heat pumps can be paired with a smart thermostat, allowing you to create various temperature zones in your home.
Let’s say you keep your perfume collection in your hallway. With a smart thermostat, you can set your hallway to maintain a steady 20-degree temperature and create a perfect environment for your fragrances, while other rooms can be set to warmer temperatures.
Organisation tips for your collection
If your collection is growing (lucky you!), you definitely keep it organised. Here are a few well-tried tips from me:
- Label your bottles: Most fragrances have a lifespan of 3-5 years. So if you put a label on your bottles, you will be able to track down the end of their prime. Some members of my perfume forum even note the batch number to identify good and not-so-good batches of their favourite scents.
- Rotate your collection: Just as you switch your clothes when the weather changes, your perfume choices can change too. This way, you will ensure all of your fragrances are used evenly. If you or your man are on the hunt for a new and attractive scent then consider a unisex option such as Intense Oud. It’s considered a luxurious and sophisticated fragrance that’s sure to get you plenty of compliments. This perfume is rich and long-lasting and has a unique blend that creates an attractive and complex scent profile.
- Organise the display: Use trays or shelves with a lip to prevent the bottles from rolling over. If you’re using shelves, opt for acrylic or glass options, as they are easy to clean and don’t absorb any spilt perfume.
Some Reddit users mentioned using vintage trays, and I honestly find this functional and stylish. Other perfume lovers keep their fragrances in the original boxes; it does take a moment to open them, but you know your perfumes are stored safely, and it’s always an element of surprise!
- Stick to the bottle basics: Keep the bottles upright and tighten the caps securely after each use to minimise air exposure and prevent leakage. If you need to travel, consider using smaller atomisers to avoid overheating the bottle.
If your perfume has expired, it’s best to stop using it. Since it’s hazardous waste, instead of pouring it down the drain, consider taking it to a hazardous waste facility, where they will properly sort and dispose of the liquid. Alternatively, you could check for any return or recycling programs the perfume brand runs.
Please remember that fragrances are made to be enjoyed. While proper storage is crucial, don’t get so preoccupied with preservation that you forget to wear and appreciate your perfumes. Hope your collection lasts and puts a smile on your face!