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What to Do with Old Perfume: 7 Surprising Uses

by  Mila M.Cosmetologist

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Are you left wondering what to do with all those old half-empty perfume bottles cluttering up your vanity? You might be surprised to learn that there are 19 clever uses for these aged perfumes, including refreshing DIY crafts.

This blog post will reveal unique and creative ways to repurpose or recycle them into something new and satisfying! Ready for a whiff of inspiration?

  • Repurpose your old perfume by using it to refresh a room or add scent to clothes and linens.
  • Create DIY air fresheners and personal fragrance testers with your old perfumes.
  • Use old perfumes as stain removers, disinfectants, and odor eliminators in your home.
  • Consider selling or exchanging your unwanted perfumes or repurposing the bottles as flower vases, decorative items, or liquid soap dispensers.

Alternative Uses for Perfume

Refresh a room by spraying your old perfume in the air or on fabric surfaces.

Refreshing a room

A stale room can spring back to life with the help of old perfume. The lingering aroma from a bottle of your once-favorite scent is perfect for adding a fresh, inviting atmosphere.

Here’s how it works: soak some cotton balls in the fragrance, then place them inside a porous bag or bowls hidden around the room. This will leave your space smelling delightful for hours on end! If you prefer an immediate burst of fragrance, just spray some directly into the air or onto curtains and carpets.

Old perfumes also work well when mixed with water in an oil burner- not only does it refresh your room but also gives purpose to those otherwise discarded bottles!

Adding scent to clothes or linens

Add a delightful fragrance to your clothes and linens by using old perfume. Instead of letting it go to waste, spritz a little onto the fabric before you store them away or wear them.

The subtle scent will linger, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and inviting. It’s an easy way to reuse old perfume and give new life to your favorite garments. And don’t worry about staining or damaging the fabric – just use a light misting for best results.

So go ahead, add a touch of luxury and fragrance to your wardrobe with this simple trick using your old perfume bottles.

Another option is to spray curtains with the leftover perfume. As they sway in the breeze, they’ll release a pleasant aroma throughout the room whenever someone passes by. It’s an effortless way to infuse any space with a soothing scent that lingers long after you’re gone.

DIY air freshener

Create your own refreshing air freshener using old perfume. Simply pour a small amount of perfume into a spray bottle filled with water and shake well. Then, spritz the mixture around your home to instantly add a delightful fragrance to any room.

This is an easy and cost-effective way to repurpose your old perfume and keep your home smelling inviting.

Personal fragrance tester

Use your old perfumes as personal fragrance testers. Instead of buying new perfume samples, you can repurpose your old fragrances to test out different scents. Simply spray a small amount onto a cotton ball or into a porous bag and keep it in your purse or pocket.

Whenever you want to try out a new fragrance, just sniff the cotton ball or bag to get an idea of how it smells on you. This is a cost-effective way to explore different scents without wasting money on full-sized bottles.

Plus, it’s a sustainable option that helps reduce waste by reusing what you already have.

Using on business cards or paper

Spritzing old perfume on your business cards or paper can add a touch of fragrance to your professional image. Simply give them a light spray, allowing the scent to subtly linger and leave a lasting impression.

It’s a small but effective way to incorporate your favorite fragrance into your everyday work routine. Plus, it adds a unique and personal touch that sets you apart from others. So go ahead, grab those old perfume bottles, and give your business cards or paper a delightful scent boost!

Removing grease stains

Old perfume can also come in handy when it comes to removing grease stains from clothing. Simply dab a small amount of the perfume onto a cotton ball and gently blot the stained area.

The alcohol content in the perfume helps to break down the grease, making it easier to remove. Remember to test a small, inconspicuous area of fabric first before applying the perfume directly onto the stain.

You’ll be surprised at how effective this method can be in eliminating those stubborn grease marks from your favorite garments.

In addition, old perfume can also be sprayed onto greasy kitchen surfaces or utensils for an extra boost of cleaning power. Just spritz a bit of perfume onto a cloth or sponge and wipe away the grease effortlessly.

This not only leaves your surfaces smelling fresh but also helps to cut through any residue left behind by cooking oils or other greasy substances. It’s a quick and convenient way to tackle those greasy messes without having to reach for harsh chemicals or cleaners.

Disinfecting clothes

Spraying old perfume on your clothes can actually help disinfect them. The alcohol content in the perfume acts as a germ killer and can kill bacteria that may be lingering on your clothing.

Simply spritz a small amount of perfume onto your garments before hanging them up to dry. This will not only leave them smelling fresh, but also help keep them clean and germ-free.

So instead of throwing away that old bottle of perfume, give it new life by using it to disinfect your clothes.

Removing pet odors

Spritzing your old perfume can help eliminate unpleasant pet odors in your home. Simply spray a small amount of perfume on upholstery, curtains, or other fabric surfaces where pet odors may linger.

The fragrance will help mask the smell and leave a fresh scent behind. Additionally, you can also spray a bit of perfume on cotton balls and place them around the house to absorb any lingering pet odors.

Say goodbye to unwanted smells and enjoy a pleasantly scented home with this simple trick!

How to Use Up Unwanted Perfume

Sell or exchange it. Turn your unwanted perfume into cash by selling it online or through local beauty product exchange groups. You can also try exchanging it with friends or family members who may have a different scent preference.

Sell or exchange it

If you have old perfume that you no longer want or use, consider selling or exchanging it. There are online platforms and apps where you can sell your unused perfumes to others who may be interested.

You can also look for perfume-swapping groups or events where people trade their unwanted scents for something new. This way, you can get rid of your old perfume while potentially getting a new fragrance that suits your preferences.

Don’t let your unwanted perfumes go to waste when someone else might appreciate them!

Use as a self-defense spray

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to protect yourself, old perfume can serve as a self-defense spray. It may not be as effective as pepper spray, but it can still provide a temporary distraction.

The strong fragrance and alcohol content can irritate an attacker’s eyes and throat, giving you precious seconds to escape or call for help. Just make sure to aim for the face and use it at close range for maximum impact.

Stay safe by repurposing your unwanted perfume for personal protection when needed.

Recycling Old Perfume Bottles

Recycle your old perfume bottles by repurposing them as a flower vase, decorative item, candleholder, or liquid soap dispenser.

Flower vase

Reuse your old perfume bottles as unique and stylish flower vases. Simply clean out the bottle, remove any labels or stickers, and fill it with water. Then, choose your favorite flowers and place them inside the bottle for a beautiful centerpiece or decoration.

The intricate designs of perfume bottles can add an elegant touch to any space, making them a perfect option for showcasing your favorite blooms. Give new life to your old perfume bottles by repurposing them as charming flower vases that will brighten up any room in an instant.

Liquid soap or lotion dispenser

Transforming old perfume bottles into liquid soap or lotion dispensers is a creative and practical way to repurpose them. Simply clean out the bottle thoroughly, removing any remaining fragrance.

Then, fill it with your favorite hand soap or lotion and attach a pump mechanism. Not only will this give your bathroom or kitchen a unique touch, but it also helps reduce waste by giving new life to an item that would have otherwise been discarded.

So next time you run out of hand soap or need a new lotion dispenser, consider repurposing an old perfume bottle for a stylish and eco-friendly solution.

Selling them

If you no longer want to keep your old perfume bottles, selling them is a great option. There are many online platforms where you can sell or exchange your unwanted perfume bottles with other beauty enthusiasts.

This not only allows you to declutter and make some extra cash, but it also gives someone else the opportunity to enjoy the scents that you no longer use. It’s a win-win situation for both parties involved.

So, if you have perfume bottles that are still in good condition and would like to find them a new home, consider selling them online!

Can Expired Perfume Still Be Used?

Expired perfume should not be used as it may have changed in scent and effectiveness, but there are proper disposal methods and recycling options to consider.

Conclusion

Discover endless possibilities for your old perfume! From refreshing a room to adding scent to clothes or linens, there are numerous ways to repurpose your fragrance. Don’t let expired perfume go to waste – sell it or use it as a self-defense spray.

And when it comes to recycling those empty bottles, get creative with flower vases, decorative items, and even liquid soap dispensers. Embrace sustainability and find new uses for your old perfume today!

FAQs

1. How can I repurpose my old perfume?

You can upcycle your old perfume by using it as a room freshener, reed diffuser or incorporate it into scented crafts for aroma repurposing.

2. Can I dispose of my old perfume in the trash?

No, perfumes are considered hazardous waste and should not be disposed of in regular trash bins. Look for local fragrance recycling programs instead.

3. Is there any option to donate used perfume?

Indeed! Perfume donation is an excellent way to practice sustainable fragrance usage, just ensure that they accept open containers before making a delivery.

4. What should I do if I don’t want to use my old perfume anymore?

Apart from disposing and donating, you can consider upcycling its scent or explore options like a trade-in with some companies offering this service.

5. Are there creative ways of using leftover perfumes at home?

Yes! You could use your leftover scent in various crafts such as homemade candles or soaps reviving them with your favorite aroma.

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What to Do with Old Perfume: 7 Surprising Uses
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Mila, the veteran beauty cosmetics professional and author of this thisisbeautymart.com article, while cutting and styling the hair of her client

Hi! I’m Mila M. I share my 44 year-experience as a Cosmetologist & Beauty Professional in this blog. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Consult your trusted Beauty Professional for your personal beauty needs.

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