Using Fragrance Oils: Safe To Spray On Clothes?

Spraying fragrance oil on clothes is a topic of debate among perfume enthusiasts. Some people prefer to spray fragrance oil directly onto their skin, as they believe it works better with their body chemistry and allows the scent to evolve. On the other hand, some people prefer to spray fragrance oil on their clothes, especially if they have sensitive skin or want the scent to last longer. It is important to note that spraying fragrance oil on clothes may stain or discolour them, especially if they are made of delicate or pale fabrics such as silk. Additionally, the scent may linger on the clothes beyond the desired effect, even after washing.

Pros and cons of spraying fragrance oil on clothes

Pros

• The fibres of the clothes will absorb and retain the fragrance oil for longer than skin.
• As you move throughout the day, the fabric will release a captivating scent around you.
• It is a good option for people with sensitive skin.
• It is a good option for people who do not want to mix their body chemistry with the scent.
• It is a good option for people who want to avoid the risk of developing contact allergies.
• It is a good option for people who want to smell the scent throughout the day.
• It is a good option for people who want to make their scent last longer.
• It is a good option for people who want to avoid going 'off' on the skin.
• It is a good option for people who live in an intensely hot climate.

Cons

• It may stain the clothes, especially if they are light-coloured, made of silk, or another fabric that easily stains.
• The scent may linger on the clothes beyond the desired effect, even past some washes.
• The scent may change when applied to clothes.
• It may be detrimental to the clothes.
• It may not work with your body chemistry.

How to spray fragrance oil on clothes without staining

Spraying fragrance oil on clothes is a great way to make the scent last longer, but it can be tricky to do so without causing stains. Here are some tips to help you spray fragrance oil on your clothes without leaving any stains:

Test on a small area first

Before spraying fragrance oil on your clothes, it's important to test it on a small, hidden area of the fabric first. This will allow you to see if the oil will stain or discolour the fabric. Choose an area of the clothing that is not easily visible, such as the inside of a hem or seam. Spray a small amount of the oil and wait a few minutes to see if any staining occurs. If there is no staining, it should be safe to spray the oil on other parts of the garment.

Spray from a distance

When applying fragrance oil to your clothes, it's important to spray from a distance of about 5-12 cm. This will help to prevent the oils from saturating the fabric in one spot, which can cause staining. Hold the bottle a few inches away from the clothing and spray in a sweeping motion to evenly distribute the oil.

Choose the right fabric

Some fabrics are more prone to staining than others. Fragrance oils can stain delicate or light-coloured fabrics such as silk, so it's best to avoid spraying oil on these materials. Instead, choose a darker, more durable fabric such as cotton or wool, which are less likely to stain.

Allow the fragrance to dry completely

After spraying the fragrance oil on your clothes, allow it to dry completely before wearing the garment or storing it with other clothes. This will help to prevent the oil from transferring to other fabrics and causing stains.

Blot any excess oil

If you accidentally spray too much oil on your clothes, blot the area with a clean paper towel or cloth to remove any excess. Be gentle and avoid rubbing, as this can spread the oil and make the stain larger.

Wash the garment as soon as possible

If you notice any staining after spraying fragrance oil on your clothes, treat the stain as soon as possible. The longer the oil sits on the fabric, the harder it will be to remove the stain. Follow the care instructions on the garment and use an appropriate stain remover or detergent to treat the affected area before washing the item as usual.

How to make fragrance oil into a spray

While perfume oils are great for their long-lasting and intense aroma, they can be messy and inconvenient to apply with roller balls or dabbers. To make your perfume oil into a spray, you'll need to combine it with alcohol, water, and glycerin. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Steps to Turn Perfume Oil into Spray:

• Gather your ingredients: You will need a glass spray bottle or atomizer, fragrance oil of your choice, and high-proof alcohol.
• Create your desired perfume oil scent: If you're using essential oils, blend various types to create your desired scent. There are three types of essential oils: base notes, middle notes, and top notes. For a balanced scent, use a 20-50-30 ratio for your base, middle, and top notes, respectively.
• Pour the alcohol into a glass container: Use a glass container to avoid any reactions with plastic that could alter the scent.
• Add the fragrance oil to the alcohol: Add 20% of the fragrance oil to the alcohol and stir with a glass rod to combine.
• Let the mixture sit for 24 hours: This step is crucial for the alcohol and fragrance oil to combine properly and create a well-balanced perfume.
• Blend the water and glycerin: While the alcohol and fragrance oil are combining, mix distilled water with vegetable glycerin in a separate container. This mixture will give your perfume spray more moisture and help it cling to your skin longer.
• Combine the two mixtures: After 24 hours, pour the water-glycerin mixture into the spray bottle containing the alcohol-fragrance mixture. Put the cap on the spray bottle and lightly shake to combine.
• Test the spray strength: Once the mixtures are combined, test the strength of the perfume by spraying a small amount on your skin. Adjust the perfume oil or water as needed until you achieve the desired strength.
• Label the spray bottle: When you're happy with the intensity and fragrance, label the bottle with the fragrance name or any other relevant details.
• Store your perfume spray: Keep your new perfume spray in a cold, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Wait 5-6 weeks for optimum benefits before using your homemade spray.

Tips for Applying Fragrance:

• Your neck is the ideal location to apply fragrance as it has the most exposure to outside air and it's close to your nose and those around you.
• Other "pulse points" include your wrists and the area under your ears, where your veins are closest to your skin, and your body heat will radiate from these points.
• If you want to scent your hair, spray your perfume into the air and walk through it, or spray it onto your brush before running it through your hair.
• Be cautious when applying perfume to light-colored clothing or fabrics that stain easily, such as silk, as some perfumes with higher oil content may stain.

Pros and cons of spraying fragrance oil on skin

Pros

• The liquid fragrance will hold onto your skin's natural oils, creating a personal and unique scent specific to your body.
• Perfumes typically last longer on moisturized skin, so it is advisable to apply perfume to your skin after a shower.
• Spraying perfume on pulse points and warm areas of the body, such as the wrists, neck, inner elbows, and behind the ears, will help optimize the projection of the fragrance.
• The heat from your body will radiate from these points, helping to diffuse the notes of the perfume.

Cons

• For individuals with sensitive skin, spraying perfume directly on the skin can potentially trigger allergic reactions and skin problems.
• Scent applied to the wrists can fade quickly if you wash your hands frequently.
• If you sweat a lot, perfume on the skin may also evaporate and neutralize faster than someone who sweats very little.
• Rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume can damage the fragrance molecules and scent profile.
• The high alcohol content in perfume can be drying and cause allergy, rashes, or redness, especially for those with sensitive skin.

How to spray fragrance oil on skin

While it is generally safe to apply fragrance oil directly to the skin, it is recommended that you dilute it with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, before use. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin. To perform a patch test, start with a low dilution of about 1% and gradually increase, but try not to exceed 5%. If you experience any adverse reaction, stop using the oil and seek medical advice if necessary.

When applying fragrance oil to your skin, target areas such as your neck, wrists, inner elbows, and hair. These areas, known as "pulse points," are where your veins are closest to the skin, and your body heat will help radiate the scent. You can also apply fragrance oil to your chest, behind your knees, and on your belly button.

If you plan to apply fragrance oil to your hair, avoid spraying it directly onto wet hair as the water may prevent the oils in the perfume from being absorbed. Instead, spray the perfume into the air and walk through it, or apply it to your brush before running it through your hair. This will help prevent damage to your hair and scalp from the high alcohol content in perfumes.

By following these steps, you can safely apply fragrance oil to your skin and enjoy your favourite scents.

Frequently asked questions