Scented Letters: Sending Perfumes To Inmates

can i spray perfume on my letters to inmates

Sending scented letters to inmates in prison is a common practice. People spray perfume on letters to remind the recipient of normal smells like fresh-cut grass or automobile exhaust. However, spraying perfume on letters sent to inmates is not without risk, as some facilities have rules against it due to past instances of liquid meth being sprayed on letters disguised as perfume. It's important to check the rules of the specific facility before sending scented letters to inmates. Some people suggest spraying the envelope rather than the letter itself, as the envelope can be torn off and disposed of separately. Others recommend spraying a piece of paper and putting it in a plastic bag with the letter so that the scent doesn't stain or moisten the letter.

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The pros and cons of spraying perfume on letters to inmates

Pros

  • It can provide the recipient with a pleasant scent, which may be especially appreciated in a prison environment.
  • It can be a way to add a personal touch to the letter, making it more special for the recipient.
  • Some inmates have expressed appreciation for scented letters, as it reminds them of their "other life" outside of prison.

Cons

  • There is a risk of the letter being rejected or confiscated if the scent is too strong or considered inappropriate.
  • Spraying perfume on letters may be against the rules of certain prisons or states, so it is important to check the guidelines before sending.
  • Strong scents can be overwhelming, especially if multiple letters are scented and mixed together in a mail bag.
  • There have been cases of liquid meth being sprayed onto letters and disguised as perfume, so prisons may be more cautious about scented letters.
  • Some people may be allergic to certain perfumes or find them irritating.

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How to spray perfume on letters without causing stains

Spraying perfume on letters to inmates is a common practice. However, to avoid causing stains, it is important to follow certain steps. Firstly, it is recommended to test the perfume on a blank piece of paper to ensure it does not cause any discolouration or staining. This is because every bottle sprays differently and some perfumes may contain a high alcohol content that can discolour or warp the paper.

Once you have determined that the perfume is safe to use, it is important to spray sparingly. Hold the bottle at least 8-10 inches away from the paper and mist it lightly to avoid oversaturating the paper. You can also try spraying the perfume upwards and passing the letter through the mist, or spraying the perfume on a cotton ball and placing it in a plastic bag with the letter to avoid direct contact.

Additionally, it is important to let the letter dry completely before folding or sealing it. This will prevent smudging and ensure that the scent has time to absorb into the paper. If you are concerned about staining, you can also opt for scented envelopes or sprinkle a small amount of perfume inside the envelope instead of spraying the letter directly.

By following these steps, you can add a personal and memorable touch to your letters without causing any unsightly stains.

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Alternatives to spraying perfume directly on letters

While some people choose to spray perfume directly on letters to inmates, others suggest alternatives due to the risk of the letter being rejected or confiscated. Here are some alternatives to spraying perfume directly on letters:

Scented Paper or Cards

Instead of spraying perfume directly on the letter, some people suggest using scented paper or cards. One way to do this is to store stationery with scented items like incense sticks or tea. The paper will absorb the scent without getting stained. Another method is to spritz perfume on paper and place it in a plastic bag with the letter. By the next day, the scent will have transferred to the letter.

Body Spray or Cologne

Some people opt for using body spray or cologne instead of perfume as it is less likely to smudge the letters. They may spritz the scent on the letter, allow it to dry, and then place it in an envelope. Others choose to spray the envelope only, so the recipient can choose whether to keep or discard it.

Scented Lotion

A small amount of scented lotion can be applied to the envelope, adding fragrance without the risk of staining the letter.

Perfume Sample Cards

Some people obtain perfume sample cards from shops and spray them with their chosen scent at home. The recipient can then pin the card above their pillow and enjoy the fragrance.

Natural Scents

In some cases, natural scents from items like lotion or tea can transfer to the letter without any additional application of perfume. For example, drinking peppermint tea near stationery can result in the paper absorbing a subtle peppermint scent.

It's important to note that rules regarding scented letters vary by facility, and some institutions may prohibit or restrict such mail. Checking the specific guidelines of the facility is essential before sending scented letters to inmates.

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States and facilities that allow perfume on letters to inmates

It is not entirely clear whether spraying perfume on letters to inmates is allowed in the United States. While some people report that their perfumed letters have been accepted by prisons in California, Maryland, Indiana, Oregon, New Mexico, Michigan, and Florida, others caution that it may be risky and that letters with excessive perfume have been rejected.

Some people suggest that it may depend on the state or facility, with one person noting that they looked up information on Washington state but couldn't find anything specific about perfume. Another person mentions that they know of one state where letters were not allowed in due to perfume, but they couldn't remember which one.

To avoid any potential issues, it is recommended to check the specific rules and regulations of the facility you are writing to. Most Department of Corrections (DOC) websites will list the dos and don'ts regarding mail on their FAQ pages. Federal prisons, for example, generally do not allow contraband items such as drugs, money, or unauthorized items, including stickers, perfumes, or glitter, in letters or packages. These restrictions are outlined in the Federal Bureau of Prisons Correspondence policy (Program Statement 5265.14), which governs how inmates in federal facilities can send and receive mail.

Some people suggest alternative ways to add scent to letters, such as using scented lotion, storing paper with tea, or placing the letter in a bag with perfume and then removing it before the scent becomes too strong. Others mention that inmates can purchase scented oils from the commissary, which can inadvertently transfer to their letters.

It is important to note that while some inmates may appreciate the addition of perfume to letters, others may have allergies or be sensitive to strong scents. Additionally, there may be security concerns or risks of problems with other inmates, so it is always best to exercise caution and discretion when sending scented letters to inmates.

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The risks of spraying perfume on letters to inmates

Sending scented letters to inmates is a common practice, as evidenced by numerous online forums and communities. People do it for various reasons, such as providing their loved ones with a "normal" smell or a reminder of their "other life" outside of prison. Some also mention that their partners appreciate the scent of perfume or cologne on their letters.

However, there are risks associated with spraying perfume on letters to inmates. One of the primary concerns is the potential for the liquid to be mistaken for prohibited substances. In the past, there have been instances of liquid meth being sprayed onto letters and disguised as perfume. As a result, correctional facilities may be more cautious and strict about allowing scented letters. Additionally, some recipients have mentioned that strong scents can be overwhelming, especially when multiple scented letters are combined, creating an unpleasant mixture of odors.

Another risk is the possibility of the perfume staining or smudging the letter. Several senders recommend techniques such as spraying from a distance, using body spray instead of perfume, or placing scented items in a box with the letter to avoid direct contact. These methods aim to prevent the perfume from soaking the paper and causing stains or making the ink run.

It is also important to consider the rules and regulations of the specific correctional facility. While some facilities may allow scented letters, others may have stricter policies in place. It is recommended to refer to the facility's website or FAQ section, as these sources typically outline the dos and don'ts regarding mail correspondence. Non-compliance with the rules may result in the letter being rejected or confiscated, and even the potential loss of communication privileges for the inmate.

Overall, while spraying perfume on letters to inmates may be a well-intentioned gesture, it carries certain risks. It is essential to carefully consider the potential consequences and adhere to the guidelines provided by the correctional facility to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved parties.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the prison. Some people have reported that their scented letters have been accepted, while others have had their letters rejected or confiscated. It is recommended that you check the rules of the specific prison you are writing to, as these can vary by state and facility.

Some people have suggested spraying perfume on a separate piece of paper and putting it in a plastic bag with the letter, so that the scent transfers without making the paper wet. Others have suggested using scented lotion, body spray, or perfume samples, or rubbing the envelope with a piece of fruit.

Some people believe that it is a way to bring a girly touch or a reminder of the "outside world" to the recipient. Others do it as a romantic gesture, or simply because they enjoy making and sending scented cards.

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