How to Store Perfume

Co-authored by Ashley Moon, MA

Last Updated: September 3, 2023 Approved

Perfumes generally are not labeled with expiration dates, but they are not designed to provide longterm use. You can prolong the shelf life of your perfume by storing it properly. Choose a space away from direct light that has a consistent temperature. Make sure to keep perfume in the right storage containers. Make sure to prevent damage to the perfume. Do not store fragile bottles on high shelves, and keep the cap on your bottle to prevent the perfume from going bad.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing the Right Storage Space

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1
Choose a spot away from direct light. Sunlight can damage a perfume bottle. In general, they tend to last longer when stored in darker places. A closet or a drawer is a good way to store perfume to make it last.^{[1]
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- Perfume that comes in a colorful bottle, rather than a clear one, may be susceptible to less damage from light. However, it still may not be worth the risk of displaying bottles. You do not want perfume, especially expensive perfume, to lose its scent.
2
Find a place with a consistent temperature. Extremely high and extremely low temperatures can affect the quality of your perfume. You want to store your perfume in an area of your home that is not subject to dramatic temperature changes.
- The kitchen and the bathroom are strictly off limits when it comes to storing perfume. The kitchen may get very hot during cooking, and the bathroom tends to warm up when people shower or bathe.
- A closet in the living room or in a hallway is a much better place to safely store perfume.
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3
Avoid humid areas. Humidity can really affect the quality of perfume. This is why storing bottles in the bathroom is generally a bad idea. Pick an area of your home not subject to extreme humidity in order to keep your perfume safe.^{[2]
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- If you have a dehumidifier set up anywhere, like your bedroom for example, this can be a great place to keep your perfume.
4
Consider the refrigerator, if it's not too cold. Some people find success storing perfume in the refrigerator. While it may feel odd to have vials of perfume next to your food, the temperature is generally consistent and not too cool. If you have room, try popping your perfume in the fridge.^{[3]
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- However, very cold fridges can damage perfume. If you frequently notice drinks, fruits, and vegetables freezing slightly in your fridge, do not store your perfume here.
5
Try a closet. A closet is usually the ideal place to store perfume. A closet is away from light and generally has a consistent temperature. Try clearing a space in your closet to store your best perfumes.^{[4]
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- Remember, however, to consider the area of your home. A bathroom closet or kitchen cabinet is not a good place for perfume.
- A closet near your front door or by a window may also be a bad option. Such areas may be prone to drafts, and changes in temperature can affect the quality of perfume.

Part 2

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Selecting a Storage Container

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Storing your perfume on a shelf or container in its original container on a mirror or silver tray is a great way to show it off. If the original bottle isn't pretty, don't transfer it to another container, as this will expose it to air and cause it to lose some of its smell.^{[5]
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2
Store perfume in boxes. To best store, you should place bottles in boxes before placing them in storage. Boxes will further protect perfume from things like heat and sunlight. Before placing your perfume in a closet or on a shelf, put all the bottles in a box.^{[6]
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- Make sure the caps on all the bottles are firmly sealed. You do not want perfume leaking in a box.
- Decorative boxes can be a fun way to store perfume.
3
Invest in travel containers. If you want to travel with your perfume, travel containers can help keep it safe. Opt for travel friendly bottles of your favorite perfumes before a trip, especially if you have to fly. If you can't find travel sized bottles, buy an empty bottle and transfer the perfume here.^{[7]
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- Travel containers are a good idea because there's always a risk of losing your perfume while traveling. You do not want to use an entire bottle of good perfume.
- While it's generally best not to transfer perfume to another bottle, it's acceptable if you have to travel.

Part 3

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Preventing Damage

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1
Make sure to keep the cap on the bottle. Never leave the cap off after using your perfume. The less exposure perfume has to open air, the better it will keep.^{[8]
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- Make sure the cap is firmly in place when putting it back on the bottle.
Many people shake perfume prior to use. Shaking the bottle can expose the perfume to excess air, which can be harmful. Unless there are specific instructions to shake perfume before use, avoid doing so before applying the perfume.^{[9]
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Limit your use of applicators. Perfume applicators are wands people often dip in perfume and then swap on their bodies. Applicators can provide precision. However, reusable applicators can damage perfume by introducing bacteria and oils to the bottles.^{[10]
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- In general, opt for using perfume as a spray.
- If you do want to use an applicator, use disposable ones.
4
Keep fragile bottles off of high shelves. If a box falls from a high shelf, a fragile bottle could easily shatter. This will ruin an entire bottle of perfume. Always keep delicate bottles on the floor of a closet or on a lower shelf.^{[11]
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- This is especially important if you live in an area prone to earthquakes, like California.

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Question

Can I store perfume in a plastic bottle?

Community Answer

It's fine if you temporarily put it in a plastic bottle - like when you're traveling - but it's not good long term. Perfumes go bad quicker in plastic bottles than in glass bottles.

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Is it okay if I keep my perfumes in my drawer?

Community Answer

Yes. This is a great place to store perfume, as it keeps it out of direct light.

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If perfume has turned an orange shade, is it still good?

Community Answer

It's on it's way out, unless it's ambergris-based or a very resinous blend.

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