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Old Perfume

Old Perfume

Q. Does good perfume go bad after a while?  I have some expensive perfume which I use rarely but it seems that it smells differently now.  Is there a way to get it to smell like it used to?  Is there a way to make it last longer?

I have found that perfume looses its original scent after a certain time. Here is a tip – what to do with perfume that you do not use? I add a few drops or more to a bottle of my cheap shampoo.   Another tip –I use a mixture of ivory dishwashing liquid and inexpensive shampoo to wash my hair. Erda

Yes, the scent of a perfume can change over time.  The biggest culprits are heat and light.  While you may not be able to avoid the problem forever, storing your perfume carefully should help.  Most of us like to leave a pretty bottle out in the open for decorative reasons, but it’s better to put it away so light can’t reach it.  Unfortunately, when most of us do that, we put it in a bathroom where heaters are often left on and the temperature can fluctuate a lot.  I don’t think there’s anything you can do to "refresh" the bottle you have now, but maybe storing it in a cool dresser drawer or a rarely-used linen closet would help extend the life of your next bottle.

Yes, if it is not in a spray bottle.  If your perfume is a splash on it will change. Once the bottle has been opened air can get into it and over time it will change the scent.  If you open your expensive splash on perfume use it … it cannot be saved.  Spray bottles however do last longer because you are not opening it and letting air get into it.  So when ever possible buy your scents in spray bottles. Ruth

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If you haven’t used it in a while, clean the top with alcohol (making sure you don’t spill alcohol inside the bottle).  Let the top air dry, then try and smell the fragrance again.  If the fragrance is still too old, you will know at that point.  It’s best to just go find a new bottle of your favorite perfume (or ask your husband to get you some for Christmas or your Birthday!)  A suggestion to keep the perfume as fresh as possible, that is if you don’t use it every day or quite often:   Keep the top of the bottle cleaned, keep the bottle out of direct sunlight and if you must, wrap it in plastic and put it in a dark place until you are ready to use it, then take it out and let it breath a little while and then it should be fresh and still have that favorite fragrance.  Good luck!

3 thoughts on “Old Perfume”

  1. Actually, old people may have a scent due to the use of tons of
    medications! I worked in an old folks home at one time. Some
    are on 6-7 MEDS. Make sure you get smart and take care of
    your health!

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