Heidi Norton
Pipettes are commonly used to make perfume blends, particularly when making larger blends to ensure accuracy in the measurements. They can also be used to decant perfume for travel or to share with others. When using a pipette, it is important to ensure that all materials are clean. The type of pipette used depends on the user's preference, with options including glass, plastic, and silicone. Some sources recommend using disposable pipettes to avoid contamination, while others suggest investing in auto-pipettes for ease of use and accuracy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Dispensing small amounts of liquid |
| Use cases | Making perfume, creating samples, decanting perfume, dilutions |
| Types | Glass, plastic, disposable, micropipettes, auto-pipettes |
| Pros | Easy to use, accurate, inexpensive, less plastic waste, convenient |
| Cons | Prone to corrosion, oxidation, contamination, difficult to clean |
| Tips | Use tips instead of labelling, use with direct contact with beaker, avoid upside down |
| Capacity | 5ml, 2ml draw, 0.181-inch stem diameter, 6.1 inches long |
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What You'll Learn
Squeezing the bulb to fill the pipette
When you are ready to fill the pipette, hold it vertically with the bulb at the top and the tip inside the liquid you want to measure. Gently squeeze the bulb with your thumb and forefinger, applying moderate pressure. You will feel the bulb compress under your fingers, creating a vacuum inside the pipette.
As you squeeze, the air inside the pipette is forced out through the tip, and when you release the bulb, the vacuum created will cause the liquid to be drawn up into the pipette. This process is essential for accurately measuring and dispensing liquids, especially when creating perfumes or mixing fragrances.
The amount of liquid drawn into the pipette depends on the capacity of the pipette and the strength of your squeeze. Typically, pipettes used for perfumes have a capacity of around 2-5 ml, and you can control the amount of liquid drawn by adjusting the force applied when squeezing the bulb. A gentle squeeze may be sufficient for filling the pipette with a small amount of liquid, while a stronger squeeze can be used if you need to draw a larger volume.
It is important to note that different perfumes and fragrances may have varying viscosities, affecting how easily the liquid flows into the pipette. Some thicker liquids may require a stronger squeeze or a slower release of the bulb to ensure a consistent and accurate fill. Always refer to the instructions or guidelines provided with your specific pipette for the best results.
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Counting the number of drops
When using a pipette to make perfume, it is important to count the number of drops accurately to ensure the desired concentration and ratio of ingredients. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for counting the drops:
Counting the Drops
Before you begin, ensure your workspace is clean and prepare all the necessary materials, including clean bottles and droppers. When counting drops, it is crucial to work slowly and carefully to avoid overfilling or losing count.
Let's take an example of creating a 10ml bottle of perfume. Each ml typically contains 20 drops, so for a 10ml bottle, you would need a total of 200 drops. This includes the essential oils, alcohol, and distilled water.
Start by opening your base note. Gently squeeze the bulb on the pipette and release it to draw the oil into the pipette. Now, carefully count out 20 drops of the base note into the bottle. Set aside the base note and pipette when you're done.
Next, move on to your heart note. Using a new pipette or thoroughly cleaning the previous one, draw the heart note oil and carefully count out 10 drops into the bottle. Again, set this aside when finished.
Finally, open your head note and repeat the process, counting out 10 drops to complete the trio of essential oils.
Alternative Methods
While counting drops is a common practice, there are alternative methods to measure ingredients more accurately. Some people use measuring cups or scales to weigh each material directly, eliminating the need for drop counting. Additionally, when adding alcohol to your perfume, it is much easier to pour it into a funnel over a sink than to count out individual drops.
Pipette Types
Disposable plastic pipettes are commonly used for perfume-making due to their convenience and ability to dispense small amounts of liquid. They typically have a capacity of 5 ml and a 2 ml draw. However, glass pipettes are preferred for certain oils to avoid corrosion or oxidation issues with plastic.
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Using a pipette to decant perfume
Prepare Your Workspace and Materials:
Clear a workspace and cover it with newspaper or a tablecloth to prevent any spillage damage. Ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated. Gather all the materials you need, including clean bottles, droppers, a funnel, measuring cup, and alcohol. Make sure your hands are clean and dry to avoid contaminating the perfume.
Filling the Pipette:
Open your bottle of perfume and insert the pipette. Gently squeeze the bulb and slowly release it to draw the perfume into the pipette. Be careful not to fill it too quickly or too full to avoid spillage.
Transferring the Perfume:
Hold the pipette carefully and slowly transfer the perfume to your desired container. If you are decanting into a small sample vial, you can use a funnel to avoid spillage. Place the funnel into the vial and slowly release the perfume from the pipette into the funnel. You can also hold the nozzle of the atomizer right up to the mouth of the vial and spray the perfume directly into it.
Storing and Labelling:
After decanting, securely seal the vial to prevent leakage. You can use plumbing or Teflon tape to ensure a tight seal, especially if you are using vials with threaded lids. Label the vial with the perfume's name and the date of decanting. You can use a label maker or a pen that won't disappear due to the alcohol and oils in the perfume.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
Clean all materials, including the pipette, after use to avoid contamination. If you are using plastic materials, be aware that they can absorb aroma chemicals over time, so it's best to use them for the same perfume and clean them thoroughly after each use. Glass pipettes may be more challenging to clean, especially if you've used perfumes containing Labdanum and Vanilla Absolute. Consider using disposable plastic pipettes to avoid the hassle of cleaning, but be mindful of the environmental impact of plastic waste.
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Using a pipette to blend essential oils
When using a pipette to blend essential oils, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of pipette. While glass pipettes are durable and suitable for most oils, they can be challenging to clean if used with certain absolutes or thick oils. Plastic pipettes, on the other hand, offer convenience and size variability, but may not be suitable for highly acidic oils as they can corrode. Silicone bulbs are also an option, although they may not be readily available in all regions.
To ensure accuracy and avoid contamination, it is recommended to use separate pipettes for each essential oil. This prevents cross-contamination and maintains the integrity of your blends. If using plastic pipettes, consider purchasing pipette tips, which are more cost-effective and generate less plastic waste than disposable plastic pipettes.
When blending essential oils, always work on a cleared and cleaned workspace. Before beginning, ensure that your pipettes, bottles, and other materials are clean and dry. When measuring, gently squeeze the bulb of the pipette to draw the oil into the pipette, then slowly release it to dispense the desired number of drops into your container.
For larger blends, you may need to use a pipette with a larger capacity. Additionally, when working with essential oils, it is crucial to allow your blends to rest before making adjustments. This is because essential oils need time to mature and develop, and your initial blend may smell different after a few days.
Finally, consider investing in a pipette stand or labelling your pipettes to avoid confusion and make your blending process more efficient and organised.
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Cleaning and reusing pipettes
To clean your glass pipettes with acetone, simply follow the basic guides to cleaning laboratory glassware that can be found online through different university websites. Remember to exercise caution and avoid inhaling the acetone vapours. If you are using rubbing alcohol instead, fill a container with the alcohol and soak your pipettes in it. Allow them to air-dry before reusing them.
For plastic pipettes, create a solution of warm water and dish soap, stirring gently to distribute the soap evenly. Submerge the pipettes in the solution and swish them around to ensure the soap gets inside. Rinse the pipettes under clean, running water to remove any soapy residue. You can also try using a stronger cleanser, such as ES 7X, but keep in mind that it may not be significantly more effective than soap and water.
Regardless of the type of pipette you use, it is important to separate the pipette from the bottle before cleaning. Unscrew the pipette from the bottle and remove the rubber cap to clean the glass part of the pipette effectively. If your pipette has a plastic dropper attached inside, simply pop it off with your fingers.
Some people choose to dedicate specific pipettes to certain materials, rather than cleaning and reusing them for different products. This helps to avoid cross-contamination and the potential introduction of undesirable substances into your fragrances. Ultimately, the method you choose depends on your preferences and the amount of time and effort you are willing to invest in cleaning and reusing your pipettes.
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Frequently asked questions
First, squeeze the bulb gently and let go to get the oil into the pipette. Then, slowly count out the required number of drops of your base note into a separate bottle. Repeat this process for your heart and head notes. Finally, close the bottle and shake it gently to mix the oils.
Measure out the required amount of alcohol in a measuring cup. Then, insert a funnel into the bottle of essential oils and pour the alcohol into the funnel. Put the lid back on and shake the bottle.
Remove the rollerball mechanism by taking off the lid and gently applying pressure at an angle to the top of the rollerball fitting. Then, use a pipette to decant the perfume from the bottle into a vial.
Use a different pipette for each type of perfume or essential oil. Alternatively, thoroughly clean the pipette immediately after use.
Plastic pipettes are inexpensive, convenient, and perfect for dispensing small amounts of liquid. However, glass pipettes are better for preserving perfume.
