How To Properly Store Your Fragrances

Whether you're buying your first bottle or already have a large collection, it's important to know how properly store your fragrances to ensure they'll smell great and last as long as possible.

Don't worry; you don't need to spend more money on special storage devices or humidifiers. All you need is some careful consideration of where you keep them and how to store them properly.

In this article, we will review five important, preventative steps you need to take to ensure your fragrances will continue to smell great and last as long as possible. We will also answer one question regarding a controversial storage method that pops up in the fragrance community.

Keep Your Fragrances Out Of Direct Sunlight And Away From Excessive Moisture 

Placing your bottles in a windowsill or in direct sunlight is a sure-fire way to destroy your fragrances. The heat and UV rays from the sun will excite the scent molecules, causing the fragrance to lose longevity, alter the composition (making it smell "off"), and decrease its potency.

Excessive humidity can have the same effects. The moisture on the bottles can transfer heat through the glass, causing the fragrance to warm up. If you intend to keep your fragrances in the same room where you shower, follow these easy tips:

• Do not keep your bottles in the shower

• Keep them away from areas where condensation may build up (if you like having hot showers, keep the fan on or wipe down the bottles as soon as you get out)

• Keep the cap on your bottles at all times

• Move your fragrances to a cabinet or drawer

Put The Cap Back On Your Fragrances When You're Done With Them

Once you have finished applying a fragrance, it's best to put the cap back on to prevent the fragrance from oxidizing, which can change the composition. Oxidation will make the fragrance smell "off" or lose its scent altogether.

The cap also prolongs the life of the fragrance, as it prevents the liquid from evaporating over time. Evaporation can be troublesome if you have a fragrance you save for special occasions or a discontinued/rare bottle in your collection.

Caps also prevent damage to the atomizer should you accidentally knock over your fragrance or hit it against a shelf or ledge. Some fragrances have a built-in cap while others have removable ones. Always keep your cap with your fragrance.

Some high-end fragrances have a small ball, similar to the ones found in a ballpoint pen, in the atomizer that prevents air from entering. Others may have a valve mechanism that works the same way. It's best to err on the side of caution and reapply the cap after every use.

You should NEVER add water to your fragrance if you notice it evaporating; this will dilute it and change the composition. Instead, move it to a smaller decanter or travel-sized spray bottle.

No Cap? No Problem!

If you have misplaced the cap or have a tester bottle that came without a cap, a simple solution is to bind a small piece of plastic wrap around the atomizer (or neck of the bottle if it does not have an atomizer) and tightly secure it with either an elastic band or tape to create a seal.

Store Your Fragrances In A Cool, Dry Place

If you want your fragrances to last, be sure to store them in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture. Ideal places are under the sink, in a bathroom without a shower/bath, or in a drawer. If you want to keep your fragrances out on display in a room with a window, close the blinds or move them to a spot where they will not be in direct sunlight.

Always Keep Your Fragrance Bottles Right-Side Up

Fragrances should always be stored right-side up to prevent leakage. This also prevents round bottles from rolling and falling onto the floor. If your fragrance bottle is shaped so that it can't stay right-side up, keep it in its original box or find a spot in the corner where it can be braced with a heavier item to prevent it from falling over.

NEVER Shake Your Fragrance Bottles!

A common misconception with fragrances is that shaking them before spraying them excites the chemicals, helping the fragrance project more. This has the exact opposite effect.

Shaking the bottle not only creates bubbles that cause oxidization, but it also breaks the chemical bonds. This can turn your beautiful, head-turning fragrance into something that may make people turn the other way in disgust.

Many fragrances come in delicate glass bottles. Shaking them too hard can cause the bottle to break, making a giant mess all over the counter, floor, and yourself.

Big Question: Can You Store Fragrances In The Fridge? 

A hotly contested debate in the fragrance community is storing fragrances in the fridge. We do not recommend this method as the cold temperatures have ill effects on the chemical bonds we mentioned earlier.

Plus, the cooler temperatures may increase the chances of the bottle cracking from the temperature difference between the fridge and your warm hands or from bumping into something else in the fridge.

Bonus Question: Is There Any Way To Revitalize A Fragrance That Has Gone Bad?

Unfortunately, there is no way to revitalize a fragrance once it has gone bad. If it isn't too foul smelling, you could use it as a bathroom spray. If the scent has faded to the point where it is barely recognizable, you could use it as an air freshener in your home or car. If it smells absolutely revolting, bin it immediately.

Summary

Following this guide will ensure that both you and your fragrances will smell great for years to come. A little bit of prevention will save you a lot of time and money. Be sure to read our other fragrance-related content like 9 Fantastic Reasons To Wear A Fragrance, How To Properly Test A Fragrance Before Buying, and our fragrance reviews.

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