Storing Cologne In The Bathroom: Tips And Tricks

Storing cologne in the bathroom is a common practice, but is it a good idea? The answer is a resounding no. The bathroom is a humid environment, and humidity can cause fragrances to deteriorate. The constant fluctuation in temperature can also affect the composition of the cologne. Additionally, light exposure can cause cologne to deteriorate, and bathrooms often have a lot of light. To preserve your cologne and ensure its longevity, it is best to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, like a bedroom dresser drawer or a hallway closet.

Avoid heat and direct light

Cologne should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight and artificial light can damage cologne by breaking down its sensitive structure. This will cause the fragrance to change and may result in a sour odour.

The ideal place to store cologne is in a dark cupboard, drawer, or closet. Keeping cologne in its original box will also help to protect it from unwanted light.

It is also important to store cologne away from sources of heat. The bathroom is not a good place to store cologne, as the heat from showers or baths can affect the quality of the fragrance.

In addition to finding a dark and cool place to store cologne, it is also important to keep it away from humid environments. Humidity can cause unwanted chemical reactions, which can destroy the scent.

Avoid humidity

Humidity is a key factor in the degradation of cologne, so it is important to keep it away from humid environments. The bathroom is one of the most humid rooms in the house, especially after a hot shower or bath. Here are some ways to avoid humidity when storing cologne in the bathroom:

Use a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are devices that remove moisture from the air. They come in various shapes and sizes and are an effective way to reduce humidity in a bathroom. Standard models are plugged into the wall and have water tanks that need to be drained periodically. There are also self-contained options, such as DampRid, which use moisture-absorbing materials like crystals and can be disposed of once they're saturated.

Improve Ventilation

Good ventilation can help reduce humidity by promoting airflow and allowing moist air to escape. If your bathroom has a window, keep it open during and after showers to let the humid air out and allow fresh, dry air to circulate. If possible, also keep the bathroom door open during and after showers to encourage the moist, warm air to drift out.

Install an Extractor Fan

Extractor fans are essential for removing damp air from bathrooms. Make sure to turn on the fan before you start showering or bathing and leave it running for at least 20-30 minutes afterward. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the fan are crucial to ensure it functions efficiently. Some fans are wired to turn on automatically when the light switch is flipped, making it easier to remember to use them.

Take Shorter, Cooler Showers

Hot water creates higher humidity levels, so taking shorter showers with cooler water can help reduce the amount of moisture in the air. While this may not be the most comfortable option, it can significantly impact the humidity levels in your bathroom.

Wipe Down Surfaces

After your shower, use a towel, cloth, or squeegee to wipe down tiles, mirrors, windows, and other surfaces where condensation collects. Removing this excess moisture prevents it from evaporating back into the air and contributing to the humidity.

Use Absorbent Materials

Place moisture-absorbent materials, such as desiccant trays or bags, in your bathroom to help reduce humidity. Certain types of houseplants, like ferns and peace lilies, can also absorb moisture through their leaves, acting as natural dehumidifiers while adding a stylish touch to your space.

Store in a cool, dry place

Storing cologne in a cool, dry place is essential to preserving its quality and longevity. Here are some detailed tips to achieve this:

• Avoid the bathroom: The bathroom is not an ideal place to store cologne due to temperature fluctuations and high humidity levels. These conditions can accelerate the degradation of the fragrance. Instead, opt for a closet or cabinet outside the bathroom.
• Choose a dark location: Light, especially direct sunlight, can break down the delicate chemical bonds in cologne and alter its scent. Keep the cologne away from natural and artificial light sources by storing it in a dark place, such as a closet or a drawer.
• Maintain a consistent temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect the quality of cologne. Avoid placing it near radiators or other heat sources. Aim for a stable environment with temperatures around 60°F (15°C to 20°C).
• Minimize humidity: Humidity can cause unwanted chemical reactions and affect the makeup of the cologne. If possible, use a dehumidifier in the storage area.
• Keep it in its original box: The cardboard box that the cologne comes in is designed to protect the bottle and the fragrance. It helps block light and prevents oxygen from getting inside, slowing down the oxidation process.
• Store on lower shelves: Keeping cologne on lower shelves reduces the risk of breakage and minimizes the impact of turbulence if the bottle is accidentally dropped.
• Keep the bottle sealed: Oxygen is a fragrance's worst enemy. Always cap the bottle tightly after use to minimize oxygen exposure and slow down evaporation.
• Avoid shaking the bottle: Shaking introduces unwanted oxidation and can disrupt the delicate chemical bonds in the cologne, reducing its quality and longevity.
• Invest in a fragrance fridge: For those who are serious about preserving their cologne, a dedicated fragrance fridge can provide a stable, cool environment. Alternatively, a regular refrigerator can also work if it's not too cold.

Minimise oxygen exposure

Oxygen can decrease the longevity of your cologne, similar to how a sliced apple would turn brown when exposed to oxygen. To protect your fragrances from oxygen exposure, always remember to put the cap back on the bottle after each use. Don't remove the cap unless you intend to use the cologne, as oxidation will occur otherwise.

If the cap is missing, secure the bottle with a similar cover that closes tightly or wrap the nozzle with plastic wrap to prevent evaporation.

In addition, avoid shaking the cologne bottle before use unless the manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so. Shaking the bottle incorporates air into the fragrance, accelerating its breakdown and evaporation. Excessive shaking can also lead to a build-up of pressure inside the bottle, which may cause it to break.

Don't shake the bottle

Shaking a cologne bottle is not recommended, as it can accelerate the breakdown of the fragrance. When you shake a bottle, you are introducing air throughout the perfume, which can be harmful. Shaking can also lead to the breakage of delicate glass bottles.

Perfumes are designed to remain evenly mixed if they are stored properly. There is no need to shake the bottle before application to ensure that the ingredients are properly mixed. In fact, shaking the bottle may do more harm than good.

If you are concerned about the ingredients settling, you can gently roll the bottle between your hands to mix the contents. However, this is usually not necessary.

Additionally, when you shake a bottle of cologne, you may be introducing more air into the bottle, which can affect the shelf life of the fragrance. The more air that is exposed to the perfume, the faster it will break down and lose its scent.

Therefore, it is best to avoid shaking your cologne bottle. Keep the perfume ritual simple and store your cologne in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

Frequently asked questions