{"id":713,"date":"2022-11-19T12:55:08","date_gmt":"2022-11-19T17:55:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fragrancex.com\/blog\/?p=713"},"modified":"2026-07-28T09:09:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T13:09:09","slug":"how-to-store-perfume","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fragrancex.com\/blog\/how-to-store-perfume\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Store Perfume: 15 Ways to Help Your Fragrance Last Longer"},"content":{"rendered":"

The best way to keep perfume fresh for as long as possible is to hide it away — seriously. Dark, dry places are the best go-to\u2019s for fragrance storage. The catacombs of a closet or a dark box are ideal for storing a brand new <\/span>bottle of perfume<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

But how long will the <\/span>new fragrance last<\/span><\/a>? Perfumes not only dilute and lose their flavorful allure over time, but discoloration and degradation can lead to bad-smelling perfume. If stored incorrectly, perfume can start to go bad after a few months. To combat this, here are 15 tips on how to store perfume.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfume Storage – Everything You Need to Know<\/h2>\n
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  1. \n

    Keep the Bottle Closed Until the First Spritz\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    It\u2019s important to note that perfume will stay pristine until it\u2019s opened. Introducing a bottle of fragrance to oxygen causes the scent inside to dilute and become oxidized<\/a>. With more oxygen and less scent in the bottle, it\u2019s only natural the smell will diffuse. The clock starts ticking after the first use, so be mindful of when you debut the new fragrance.<\/span><\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Store Your Perfume in a Dark Place\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Perfume bottles can be as extravagant as mini chandeliers \u2014 when the sun hits them, rainbows and crystalline visages spray across your bedroom. However, they shouldn\u2019t be kept as a centerpiece on your dresser.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Unfortunately, the introduction of light breaks down a scented liquid\u2019s makeup and can melt its bottle too if it\u2019s plastic. To avoid altering the sensitive DNA of a fragrance, store your bottle in a place free of both natural and man-made light to make your perfume last longer<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Store Your Fragrance in a Dry Place\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    H<\/span>2<\/span>O is a force to reckon with. Similar to other substances, water damage will destroy a fragrance. Humidity affects a perfume\u2019s make-up and can cause unwanted chemical reactions to occur.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    This can be tough to avoid if you\u2019re in a humid environment so if this is the case be extra cognizant. Have a room with a dehumidifier? This is the ideal place to store your fragrances to keep your perfume from evaporating.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"perfumes<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Avoid Storing Your Perfume in the Bathroom<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Yes, it\u2019s called <\/span>eau de toilette<\/span><\/i><\/a>. No, it shouldn’t be stored in the bathroom. The most common storage mistake of fragrance owners is keeping bottles in the bathroom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Reiterating the need to store your fragrances in a dry place, bathrooms have both extreme humidity<\/a> and temperature fluctuations \u2014 the perfect blend for a perfume graveyard. Instead, look for a closet or cupboard outside of the bathroom to store your perfume.<\/span><\/li>\n

  5. \n

    Keep Your Perfume in the Original Box<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    When in doubt, look no further than the fragrance\u2019s original box. While the cardboard may seem flimsy and irrelevant, these boxes were made to hold the aromatic elixir within.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Storing a bottle within the original box can drastically increase the life of a scent. When paired with a closet or dark cupboard, you have a fail-safe method of essence endurance.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n

  6. \n

    Store Scents on a Low-Level Shelf<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    While this may seem obvious, it\u2019s an important tip to keep top of mind. Keeping a top-tier fragrance on the top shelf is a recipe for downfall. Spilling a bottle of perfume is sad and unnecessary and can leave a room smelling strong for weeks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Even if the bottle doesn\u2019t break, the turbulence upon landing can break chemical bonds and wreck a scent. Aim low when storing your perfume in a shelved area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you’re trying to figure out how to display perfume, low-shelving is your most risk-free storage option!<\/li>\n

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  8. \n

    Keep the Bottle Sealed When Not in Use<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Oxygen is perfume\u2019s worst enemy. Hurrying to work or the club is a typical ritual we all go through. While you may leave behind your wallet or keys, don\u2019t forget to cap that bottle of perfume. Leaving a bottle unhinged for even a couple hours can start to ruin the mixture’s balance and catalyze its evaporation.<\/span><\/li>\n

  9. \n

    Avoid Excessive Shaking of the Perfume Bottle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    While it may seem like a little shake can help jolt a perfume\u2019s scent, it does the exact opposite. Similar to our pesky friend oxygen, agitating a fragrance introduces unwanted oxidation via bubbles into our favorite scents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Not to mention, most perfumes are made with delicate chemical bonds and intricate mixtures that can be broken easily. The combination of shaking and easily compromised formulas can leave you with an unwanted science fair project rather an attractive accessory.<\/span><\/li>\n

  10. \n

    Keep Your Perfume in Its Original Bottle<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

    Remember going to Grandma\u2019s house and seeing extravagant bottles lined in front of the mirror? While they are beautiful ornaments, they are not the best for the perfume they contain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Decorative perfume bottles are stellar bathroom decorations but can be one of the fastest ways to sour a sent. The original bottles for all perfumes and colognes are made to be airtight and have a specific spray-head to disperse just the right amount of scent and prevent contamination with air.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  11. \n

    Use Smaller Vessels When Traveling<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Business trip? Destination wedding? You\u2019re going to want to keep your fragrances as fresh as your look when traveling. To ensure the entire supply doesn\u2019t go bad, purchase a smaller version of your fragrance<\/a> \u2014 it will save money in the long run.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    As we mentioned before, taking the cap off of your perfume will ultimately start the decay process of the fragrance. By purchasing a travel-sized bottle, you won\u2019t have to worry about air exposure.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n

  12. \n

    Maintain a Constant Temperature\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Keep your perfume in someplace cool and constant. Make sure your bottle is in a spot free of polar temperatures \u2014 whether hot or cold. 60 degrees is the sweet spot you should aim for.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n

  13. \n

    Check Your Fragrance for Discoloration<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Not so much a storage tip, but a good habit to keep. Discoloration in a fragrance can mean that any of the aforementioned precautions went a bit haywire. It all depends on the ingredients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    A blend made with natural ingredients<\/a> will darken over time, but its smell will remain unphased. Synthetic fragrances, on the other hand, are not meant to discolor or turn oily. If such a transformation occurs, it\u2019s a signal that your fragrance could lose its pleasing scent and<\/span> longevity<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Signs<\/li>\n

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    Store Your Perfume In an Air-Tight Container<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    For those truly special bottles, you\u2019ll want to go above and beyond when ensuring their longevity. The best way to do this is by double packing them. Keep them in their original box and then stuff the precious cargo into an air-tight bag \u2014 the more opaque the better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The mix of no air and zero light will guarantee minimum oxidation levels, protecting your go-to fragrance from harmful rays and leaving the scent smelling great for a good spell of time.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n

  15. \n

    Safely Ship Perfume With a Secure Box and Padding<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you plan on shipping perfume, you’ll want to use a proper perfume storage box to get your fragrance from point A to point B. With glass being easily shattered, consider storing your fragrance bottle in some bubble-wrap, duct-tape, and packing material like newspaper or styrofoam within a sealable cardboard box.<\/p>\n

    For the best advice on shipping perfume safely and legally, read on in the How to Ship Perfume<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n

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    1. \n

      Opt for Long-Lasting Fragrances<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Regardless of your perfume storage method, certain scent notes<\/a> naturally last longer than others. Green, citrus, and floral perfumes tend to expire more quickly than other fragrances, whereas scents like oud<\/a> will maintain form for more extended periods of time.<\/p>\n

      For a full-list of scents that last all day and won’t expire quickly, read on in the Best Long-Lasting Perfumes<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n

      Can You Keep Cologne in The Fridge?<\/h2>\n

      There is much debate around the topic, but you can in fact store fragrances in the fridge — depending on their type. The cold temperature of a fridge can soil a perfume\u2019s delicate chemical balance. However, feel free to store your cologne and eau de toilette into the fridge because of their more robust chemical make-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

      It only makes sense that perfumes are delicate. The fragile chemical makeup and fragile bottles can mean a recipe for disaster if they aren\u2019t carefully cared for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      But, not to worry. With proper precautions, even the most expensive of scents can be kept perfectly safe. Feel free to take a look at our <\/span>newest perfume collections<\/span><\/a>, knowing now that you can keep them new for longer than ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

      For more information on the hottest perfume scents and brands, read on:<\/p>\n