Many of us have so many perfumes that we tend to get tired of them pretty easily – or they were a gift and we never really liked them that much from the start. What do you do with all those fragrances? It would be such a shame to just toss them in the bin if you don't wear them anymore! Check out these awesome uses for your old perfume!
1. Freshen up You Mattress
When you strip the bed, before putting on fresh bedding, apply a few spritzes of fragrance on the mattress. Once the new sheets are on, the scent will be noticeable, but mild and subtle – just what you need for a good night's sleep! You can do this with the pillows too, just make sure you don't spray too much.
2. Scent Your Curtains
If you have curtains in your home, spray them with some mild perfume – I'd recommend something fresh or flowery. When you open the windows and the wind ruffles through the curtains' fabric, your rooms will fill with fragrance. Don't try this with strong or sweet perfumes, as you'll be constantly rushing to the window for a breath of fresh air.
3. Freshen up Your Purse
Spray a tissue and fold it in half; spray it again and fold it again, and repeat this process until you get a square that is about 1 inch across. Put your scented little square in your purse (or use two of them, for a stronger effect), and you'll enjoy the fresh odor every time you need to get your wallet out or look for your keys. I found the scent usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.
4. Perfume Your Lampshades
Unless you have white lampshades, which can easily be stained, you can add a few spritzes of your old perfume on them. When the lampshade heats up, it will spread the fragrance all over the room. The odor doesn’t usually last for more than an evening, so if you don't like the scent, you can try again the next day with a new fragrance.
5. Revive Your Potpourri
I don't know much about Feng Shui, but I love potpourri as a decorative item. The only problem with it is that its scent doesn't last for a long time. When the fragrance fades away, why not spray some of your old perfume on your potpourri? The wooden leaves absorb liquids and oils very well, making it easy for you to revive the smell with just a few drops.
6. Revive an Old Romantic Tradition
You know how, back in the old days, lovers used to send each other scented letters? This was such a romantic gesture that has become extinct these days, now that we have text messages and email. Why not revive this tradition and start sending perfumed letters to your SO? Or maybe leave some cute little scented notes for him to accidentally stumble on and make his day better in an instant!
7. Donate It
Why not donate your old perfume to a women's shelter, along with some food, clothes and other useful items? You may think perfume is the last thing on your mind when you're struggling for safety, food and shelter. However, it could be an amazing surprise for someone who's experienced only worries and hardship - a chance to forget about the daily struggles and feel special at least for a moment. While we try to come up with new uses for something we got bored of, others might cherish it as a luxury item.
Which one of these ways to reuse your old fragrances will you try out? Do you know of other uses for unwanted perfume?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I reuse old perfume without spraying it?
- You can mix a few drops with lotion or create a scented drawer liner to enjoy the scent differently.
- Is it safe to use old perfume on my skin?
- If the perfume hasn’t changed in smell or color and is stored properly, it’s generally safe to use.
- Can I use old perfume as a room freshener?
- Yes! Spritz some on cotton balls or fabric and place them around your room to freshen up the air.
- How do I turn old perfume into a scented candle?
- Add a small amount of perfume to melted candle wax before it sets to create a custom scent.
- Can old perfume be used in homemade bath bombs or soaps?
- Absolutely! Just add a few drops of your old perfume during the mixing process for a lovely fragrance.
- What’s a creative way to reuse perfume bottles?
- Decorate your empty bottles and use them as mini vases or for holding essential oils.
- Can I use old perfume to freshen up my shoes?
- Spraying a tiny amount inside your shoes can help eliminate odors and keep them smelling nice.
- How do I mix old perfume with other scents?
- Try combining it with complementary fragrances in small batches to create your own unique blend.
- Is it possible to reuse old perfume in craft projects?
- Yes, use it to scent homemade potpourri, paper crafts, or even fabric art for a personal touch.
- How should I store perfume to extend its life?
- Keep it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat to preserve the scent longer.