The Best Places To Store Your Cologne

Storing cologne correctly is essential to maintaining its quality and prolonging its shelf life. Fragrances are delicate and can be affected by various factors, including heat, light, and exposure to air. Therefore, it is recommended to store cologne in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or cabinet, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Keeping the cologne in its original box and bottle can also provide additional protection against light and moisture, helping to maintain its freshness and longevity.

Avoid the bathroom

The bathroom is a no-go when it comes to storing cologne. The humidity from the shower or bath will cause the more delicate ingredients to oxidise, making the scent smell off or change colour. The ideal place for cologne is a dry, dark area, like a bedroom or hallway closet, or even a refrigerator if it's not too cold.

Even if you don't store your cologne on the bathroom counter, the bathroom is still a less-than-ideal spot. The temperature fluctuations from hot showers and baths can affect the quality of the cologne, and the constant temperature changes of removing the cologne from a cool place to use it and then replacing it can destroy the scent.

If you're thinking of storing cologne in a bathroom cabinet, it's worth noting that even in a cabinet, the bathroom is still a humid place. One cologne enthusiast notes that they keep their cologne in a drawer in their bedroom, while another keeps theirs in a box.

If you're set on keeping your cologne in the bathroom, make sure it's in a cabinet or corner safe from steam. But remember, the bathroom is strictly off-limits for cologne storage!

Keep it in its original box

Keeping your cologne in its original box is one of the best ways to ensure its longevity. The packaging offers extra protection from direct light and moisture, helping to maintain a consistent temperature. This is crucial, as cologne is susceptible to damage from heat, light, and humidity. By storing your cologne in its original box, you can shield it from these elements and slow down the rate of evaporation, thereby preserving the fragrance for longer.

The original box also provides a layer of cushioning in case of any accidents. Should the bottle fall or be knocked over, the box can prevent it from shattering, saving you from a strong-smelling mess and a wasted bottle.

Additionally, the box helps to keep dust and other particles from settling on the bottle, keeping it clean and reducing the risk of contamination. This is especially beneficial if you don't use your cologne frequently or if it is displayed on a shelf where it could collect dust.

Another benefit of keeping your cologne in its original box is that it makes it easier to identify the fragrance. The box typically includes the brand, name, and other details about the cologne, making it simpler to find and select the one you want, especially if you have multiple colognes in your collection.

Lastly, storing your cologne in its original box can help maintain its aesthetic appeal. The box keeps the bottle protected from fading or discolouration caused by light exposure, ensuring it remains in optimal condition for display or resale purposes.

Avoid direct sunlight

Sunlight can quickly degrade fragrances. Therefore, it is important to store your cologne in a place that does not receive direct sunlight. Here are some tips to avoid direct sunlight when storing your cologne:

• Choose a storage space away from direct sunlight: Select a dark place in your home, such as a closet, drawer, or cabinet, to store your cologne. Keep it away from windows and other sources of natural light.
• Use the original box: Keeping your cologne in its original box can provide extra protection against sunlight. The box will shield the bottle from direct light, helping to preserve the fragrance.
• Avoid display areas: While it may be tempting to display your cologne on a dresser or shelf, these areas are often exposed to natural light. Instead, opt for closed storage spaces that will keep your cologne away from sunlight.
• Consider room placement: Some rooms in your home may receive more direct sunlight than others. For example, bedrooms, hallways, and living rooms are generally better options than kitchens or bathrooms, which can get very hot.
• Use a dehumidifier: If you live in a sunny area, consider using a dehumidifier in the room where you store your cologne. This will help to reduce the amount of sunlight and heat entering the room.
• Store upright and limit oxygen exposure: Always store your cologne upright and keep the cap on tightly. Avoid shaking the bottle before use, as this can expose the fragrance to excess oxygen, which can be harmful.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your cologne from degrading and ensure that it lasts longer.

Keep it in a cool, dry place

Keeping your cologne in a cool, dry place is one of the most important things to consider when storing your fragrances. Fluctuating temperatures and high humidity can cause a series of unwanted chemical reactions, which can break down the structure of the scent and alter the smell.

Rooms with high humidity, such as the kitchen or bathroom, are not suitable for storing cologne. The heat and steam from showers or cooking can cause the fragrance to evaporate more quickly, leaving you with less of the scent to use. Additionally, the sticker on the bottle might begin to peel off, the colour might fade, and the bottle could shatter if it falls off a shelf due to the moisture in the air.

Instead, opt for a cool, dry place such as a closet or cabinet. Keeping your cologne in its original box and on a low-level shelf will provide extra protection from direct light and moisture, help keep the temperature consistent, and provide cushioning if the bottle is accidentally dropped.

It is also important to keep the bottle sealed until you are ready to use it. Once the perfume is exposed to oxygen, it becomes oxidised and the smell will begin to fade over time.

Avoid shaking the bottle

Shaking a bottle of cologne is not recommended. Shaking the bottle introduces air into the perfume, which can cause the scent to deteriorate. The perfume is designed to remain evenly mixed without shaking, so there is no need to worry about the ingredients separating. In addition, the delicate glass bottles can be susceptible to breakage if shaken too vigorously.

During shipping, cologne bottles may be shaken quite a bit, but this is not an issue as the bottles are new and full, so there is no air inside for the perfume to come into contact with. However, once the bottle is opened, shaking it can accelerate the breakdown of the fragrance.

While a little bit of shaking, such as during transport, won't ruin the cologne, repeatedly shaking the bottle and then opening it can speed up oxidation and cause the scent to change or spoil over time. This is because more of the cologne is exposed to air, which can cause the delicate ingredients to break down.

Therefore, it is best to avoid shaking the cologne bottle as much as possible to preserve the fragrance's quality and longevity.

Frequently asked questions