The Art Of Decanting Cologne: A Step-By-Step Guide

Decanting cologne is a cost-effective way to collect fragrances without breaking the bank. It involves transferring your fragrance of choice into a smaller bottle, often a small plastic or glass vial. This method is ideal for travelling, sharing samples with friends, or trying out a new scent without committing to a full-sized bottle. There are several ways to decant cologne, including spraying directly into the vial, using a funnel, a syringe, or a tube dispenser.

Using a syringe to extract cologne

To begin, you will need to source a syringe. You can find these at your local pharmacy or online. It is important to note that you should not use a syringe to insert a needle down the atomiser tube of the perfume bottle, as this can cause damage. Instead, you will need to widen the aperture of the syringe so that it fits over the atomiser tube. You can do this with a prong of a fork, or another suitable tool.

Once you have widened the syringe aperture, fit the mouth of the syringe to the atomiser tube of the perfume bottle. You will then need to withdraw the perfume using the syringe. To do this, you will need to push down on the atomiser tube as if you were spraying the perfume, while simultaneously pulling up on the plunger. This technique can be tricky, and you may need to experiment to find what works best for you.

An alternative method is to place the syringe over the atomiser tube and simply pump down on the atomiser tube using the same action as if you were spraying, without touching the plunger.

It is worth noting that success with this method can vary depending on the atomiser mechanism of your perfume bottle. Additionally, it is important to be careful when using this method, as it is possible to damage the atomiser if not done correctly.

Once you have successfully extracted your desired amount of cologne, you can then transfer it to your chosen vessel. Remember to label your decant bottle clearly with the name of the perfume and the date of decanting.

Using a funnel to minimise waste

Using a funnel to decant cologne is a great way to minimise waste. It is an easy and straightforward method that can be used by beginners. While it may still be a little messy, it is a lot less wasteful than spraying directly into the bottle.

When using a funnel, it is important to use one made of metal or glass. Plastic funnels can be used, but they tend to absorb aroma chemicals over time, potentially contaminating your samples. Therefore, if you are using plastic, ensure that you only use it for the same cologne, or clean it thoroughly immediately after use. Do not wait for the remnants to dry! Rinse the funnel liberally with water and then go over it with some isopropyl alcohol.

If you are decanting into a small container, a funnel can be very helpful. Hold the nozzle of the cologne bottle right up to the mouth of the funnel and spray directly into it. This method is also useful if the atomiser on your cologne bottle has a broad range of up-and-down action. In this case, you will need to concentrate on getting the receiving vessel to track up and down, too.

If you are decanting into a larger container, you may not need a funnel. Simply spray the cologne into the new container by holding the nozzle right up to the opening.

If you are looking to purchase a funnel for decanting, there are a few websites that sell them. Jen at Lotion Crafter has a lot of vials, sprays and "wee" funnels. Check out http://www.lotioncrafter.com/ for more information. Another recommended site is http://www.accessoriesforfragrances.com/, which has great prices and selection, as well as excellent customer service.

Using a tube dispenser to prevent leakage

Using a tube dispenser is one of the most idealistic ways of decanting cologne. A tube dispenser is a tool that you can attach to your cologne's atomizer. It has a long, thin tube that goes directly into the small flacon of a decant to prevent any leakage or waste of product and directly spray into the empty, clean vessel of the decant. It is easy to use for beginners and requires zero effort.

To use a tube dispenser, you will need to attach it to your cologne's atomizer. Ensure that the tube is long enough to reach the bottom of the cologne bottle. Once the tube dispenser is securely attached, you can then insert the tube into the small flacon of the decant. Make sure that the tube is inserted securely and straight to avoid any leakage.

After inserting the tube, you can then start spraying the cologne into the decant. Pump the atomizer slowly and gently to control the flow of the cologne and avoid any splashing or overflow. Continue spraying until the decant is filled to your desired level.

Using a tube dispenser is a very efficient and effective method of decanting cologne, as it minimizes waste and prevents leakage. It is also a straightforward and simple process that even beginners can easily perform. This method is highly recommended for those who want to decant cologne without any fuss or mess.

It is important to note that while tube dispensers are convenient, they may be more difficult to clean than other tools used for decanting. Therefore, it is advisable to use them for larger batches of decanting to make the most of their benefits and minimize the need for frequent cleaning.

Removing rollerballs to decant

Removing the rollerball from a cologne bottle can be done in several ways, but it is important to be careful to avoid damaging the bottle or spilling the contents. One method is to use scissors with thin blades, wedging them where the neck of the bottle meets the plastic. This will likely dent the plastic, but the rollerball will remain intact. You can then pour the contents of the bottle into your desired container. Alternatively, you can use pliers to grasp and twist the plastic collar, but this method can put more stress on the rollerball.

Another approach is to use a thin, razor-like tool such as a butter knife to gently pry between the plastic roller-top and the glass bottle. Be cautious not to cut yourself during this process. Once you have created a small separation between the two, wipe off the roller-top to improve your grip, then grasp and wiggle it from side to side as you pull upwards to remove it.

If you have strong thumbnails and fingers, you may be able to remove the rollerball with your bare hands. Simply use your thumbnails to gently pry between the plastic and glass, creating a small gap. You can then use your fingers to grasp and remove the rollerball.

For those who prefer to use tools, a flat metal cuticle pusher or a small flathead screwdriver can be effective. Wedge your tool of choice carefully between the mouth of the bottle and the rollerball insert, then gently twist and wiggle to create more space. With a little force, the insert should pop out easily, allowing you to set it aside. If you are gentle and avoid damaging the insert, it can be reused.

Once the rollerball is removed, you can proceed to decant the cologne into your chosen container. Remember to handle your tools and bottles with care to prevent spills and damage.

Storing decant bottles

When storing your decant bottles, it is important to keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a clothing cabinet, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. This will help prevent degradation and extend the shelf life of your fragrances. Even with proper storage, it is worth noting that decanted perfumes will not last as long as those in factory-sealed bottles, so it is recommended to use them within a year.

Glass vials are generally recommended over plastic ones as they provide better protection against light and air, which can harm the perfume over time. Glass is also reusable and more eco-friendly. However, plastic decant bottles are lightweight, cheap, and less prone to breakage, so if you choose plastic, be sure to use a new one each time you decant a new fragrance.

To further preserve your fragrances, it is a good idea to source glass vials that block UV light. Additionally, using plumbing or Teflon tape can help seal the vial and prevent leaks, especially if you are using vials with threaded lids.

Proper labelling is also important. Always label your decant bottles with the name of the perfume and the date of decanting. This will help you identify your fragrances and track their shelf life.

Frequently asked questions