Katrina Rosales
Whether it's a Christmas gift or an impulse buy, perfume can be a very personal thing. But our tastes can change over time, leaving us with unused bottles of perfume. Rather than letting them gather dust, there are many ways to give these old scents a new lease of life. From creating a hair refresher to making your own air freshener, you can recycle old perfumes to make your home and yourself smell good.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use as a hair refresher | Spritz a cloud of perfume and walk through it so it sinks into your hair strands |
| Use as a deodorizer | Spray on top of garbage before closing the lid |
| Use as an air freshener | Spray on home air filters, in your car, or on vacuum filters |
| Use as a shoe deodorizer | Spray inside shoes with a mixture of distilled water and perfume |
| Use in a bath | Add a drop or two of perfume to your bath water |
| Use as a cosmetic | Spray a little perfume on cosmetic powder and wait for it to dry before applying |
| Use as a room freshener | Pour a few drops of perfume into a vaporizer or light bulb fragrance diffuser |
| Use as a closet freshener | Soak cotton balls in perfume, let them dry, and place them in a purse or closet |
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What You'll Learn
Use it as a hair refresher
If you have old perfume lying around, you can use it as a hair refresher. Hair perfume is a great way to freshen up unwashed hair or add a boost of fragrance to clean hair.
- Combine distilled water or rose water with a few drops of your favourite essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile, in a glass spray bottle. Shake well and then lightly mist onto your hair or hairbrush to add a subtle scent.
- Create a refreshing and energizing hair perfume by mixing distilled water with lemon juice and adding peppermint and orange essential oils. This blend will leave your hair smelling citrusy and fresh.
- For a calming floral scent, use jasmine or chamomile essential oils in your hair perfume. This blend is perfect for unwinding after a long day.
- If you're looking for a longer-lasting scent, try using a carrier oil like jojoba oil as your base instead of water. Carrier oils are alcohol-free and won't dry out your hair. However, they may affect the overall smell and can make your hair appear greasy, so use sparingly.
When creating your hair perfume, it's important to consider your scent preferences and the mood you want to create. You can also add essential oils with hair-boosting properties, such as lavender, rosemary, or tea tree oil, to enhance the benefits for your hair.
Remember to store your hair perfume properly in a glass bottle, away from direct sunlight and heat, to maintain its efficacy and fragrance.
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Put a few drops in a humidifier
If you're looking to add a pleasant fragrance to your home, you may be considering using a few drops of old perfume in a humidifier. While this is possible, there are some important things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is crucial to use only a few drops of perfume to avoid damaging the humidifier. Check the manufacturer's guidelines to see if your device supports the use of oils, as perfumes contain alcohol and other chemicals that can damage the internal components of a humidifier and potentially release harmful substances into the air. For this reason, essential oils are generally recommended over perfumes for use in humidifiers.
If you decide to use perfume in your humidifier despite the risks, the number of drops you use will depend on the desired intensity of the fragrance. Using 3-5 drops per session should provide a pleasant aroma without being too overpowering. Remember to always dilute the perfume with water before adding it to the humidifier, following the manufacturer's instructions for the correct ratio of water to perfume.
It's worth noting that ultrasonic humidifiers can typically handle oils better than evaporative humidifiers. If you have an ultrasonic humidifier, you can add the diluted perfume directly into the water tank to create a fragrant mist. However, keep in mind that the primary function of a humidifier is to add moisture to the air, not to disperse fragrances. If your main goal is to add a pleasant fragrance to your home, you may want to consider using a dedicated essential oil diffuser instead.
Additionally, proper care and maintenance of your humidifier are crucial. Always empty and clean your humidifier after each use to prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure optimal performance. By following these instructions and staying mindful of the potential risks, you can safely use a few drops of old perfume in your humidifier to create a pleasant fragrance in your home.
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Spray it on your clothes
While spraying perfume directly on your skin is a great way to enhance your pulse points, spraying it on your clothes is also an option. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when spraying perfume on your clothes. Firstly, it is important to be mindful of the proximity to your face, as the scent can quickly become overwhelming and induce nose fatigue. Therefore, it is recommended to spray at the clavicles and below. Additionally, always test the perfume on a small, hidden area of the garment first to ensure it does not cause any discolouration or staining. Natural fabrics like cotton or wool tend to hold scent better than synthetic fabrics like polyester.
When spraying perfume on your clothes, it is generally recommended to do so before getting dressed. This allows you to mist the perfume evenly and avoid concentrating it in one area. Aim for about 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) away from the fabric to ensure you are not overdoing it. If you are wearing a long-sleeved shirt, you can spray the perfume on the front, near the neckline, or on the shoulders if the neckline is lower. This allows you to smell the fragrance better. Depending on the strength of the perfume, you can adjust the number of sprays—stronger perfumes may only need one or two sprays, while lighter perfumes may require more.
It is worth noting that spraying perfume on your clothes may not allow the scent to "evolve" as it would on your skin. The interaction between the perfume and your body's natural oils and chemistry creates a unique scent that may not be achieved on fabric. Additionally, the scent may not last as long on clothes as it would on your skin, especially if the perfume contains alcohol, which can evaporate more quickly. However, if you have sensitive skin or prefer a more consistent scent, spraying on your clothes can be a good alternative.
If you are looking to make the scent of your perfume last longer on your clothes, there are a few tips you can try. Firstly, spraying the perfume on your inner elbows and wrists can help spread the scent to your clothes, as these areas are more likely to come into contact with the fabric. Additionally, spraying on your back can create a more natural scent, as the perfume will not be too concentrated in one area and will be covered by your clothing. Another tip is to spray the perfume on a damp cloth and then dab it onto your clothes, especially near the collar, to help the scent last longer.
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Use it as an air freshener
There are several ways to use old perfume as an air freshener. One way is to mix 10ml of anhydrous ethanol with 50ml of distilled water in a mist bottle, and then add a few drops of your old perfume. This creates a homemade air freshener spray that can be used on fabrics such as carpets, bed sheets, and clothes. However, it's important to remember that oils in old perfumes may stain fabrics, so it's best to avoid spraying it on fabrics that cannot be cleaned. Also, be sure to use the spray within two weeks in case it goes bad.
Another way to use old perfume as an air freshener is to spray it directly on a lightbulb. When the lightbulb heats up, it will diffuse the fragrance and make your home smell good. Alternatively, you can spray it on your home air filters to give your entire home a pleasant smell.
If you have wooden furniture, you can also spray the perfume on the underside of a wooden bookshelf. The wood will hold the scent and slowly release it over several weeks.
You can also use old perfume to freshen up your garbage bins or wheelie bins. Simply spray the perfume into the bin before closing the lid, and the scent will be much more pleasant.
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Soak cotton balls in it and put them in drawers
Cotton balls are a great way to use up old perfume and keep your clothes and linens smelling fresh. They are inexpensive and highly absorbent, making them perfect for this purpose.
To start, grab a handful of cotton balls and place them into a container. You can use any type of container that suits your needs, whether it's a small glass jar, a decorative votive candle holder, or even a cheap jewellery pouch. Next, take your old perfume and spray or sprinkle it onto the cotton balls. Be careful not to use too much perfume, as you don't want to soak the cotton balls completely. Gently toss the cotton balls in the container to ensure they are evenly coated with the fragrance.
Once the cotton balls are lightly soaked and fragrant, you can place them in your clothing drawers. Simply put one cotton ball in each drawer and close it shut. The perfume will slowly permeate the fabric of your clothes, leaving them with a subtle and pleasant scent. You can also place these perfumed cotton balls in linen closets or cupboards to freshen up your sheets and towels.
Remember, the scent will eventually fade, so you may need to refresh the cotton balls with more perfume from time to time. You can also experiment with different perfumes and fragrances to find your favourite scent for your drawers and linens.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use old perfume to make your home smell nice by spraying it on home air filters, wooden surfaces, cotton balls, or bookshelves. You can also use it in a vaporizer or humidifier, or boil it with water on the stove.
Yes, but be cautious as old perfumes often contain oil, which can stain fabrics. You can spray perfume on fabrics like clothing, sheets, or sachets to make them smell nice. You can also spray it on your vacuum filters to make your home smell nice while you clean.
Yes, you can use old perfume as a hair refresher by spritzing it into the air and walking through the mist. You can also add a few drops of old perfume to your bath water for a scented soak.
You can use old perfume to mask other unpleasant smells, such as by spraying it on your garbage or in your shoes.
