What Gives Perfume a Musty Smell?
Perfume can be the most pleasing aspect of a grooming ritual. When thoughtfully chosen and judiciously applied, it can create an attractive atmosphere of cleanliness and beauty around its wearer. Even the most lovely of new perfumes, however, are capable of smelling unpleasant as they age, developing a musty smell. There are a few factors that can give perfume a musty quality. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Temperature and Perfume
-
Exposure to excessively high temperatures can cause perfumes to develop a musty smell. Temperatures that are consistently above 70 degrees can have an adverse effect on the chemicals that compose most perfumes. Similarly, sudden and severe shifts in temperature can also compromise a perfume's quality, lending it an unpleasant musty smell.
Oxidation and Perfume
-
Oxidation is the chemical effect of oxygen on an object or substance. Perfume undergoes oxidation when it is exposed to the air. Too much exposure to air can affect the chemicals that comprise most perfumes, and change the their odors. Perfume that smells musty may have been exposed to the air with too much frequency or for an extended period of time.
-
Sunlight and Perfume
-
In addition to altering a perfume's color, too much exposure to sunlight can also have an adverse effect on a perfume's odor, and cause it to develop a musty quality. The sun's powerful UV rays can break down the molecules within a perfume; as this occurs, the perfume both looks and smells different.
Age and Perfume
-
The older a perfume is, the more likely that temperature, oxidation and sunlight have had an effect on its smell. Consequently, older perfumes are more likely to smell musty than newer ones. Most perfumes, if properly stored, can retain their pleasant, original scent for at least five years. Some perfume aficionados and experts, including scientist Luca Turin, believe that vintage perfumes that are several decades old can smell as good as new so long as they have been stored properly.
Improper Storage of Perfume
-
Improperly storing perfume can increase its chances of developing a musty smell. Perfume should not be kept in a place where it is exposed to overly warm temperatures, or to extreme changes in temperatures, such as a bathroom where showers and baths take place. It should not be placed in a spot where it is exposed to direct sunlight, such as a vanity in a sunny bedroom. Perfume should not be left with its lid or cap off for extended periods.
Proper Storage of Perfume
-
The best way to store perfume in order to ensure it retains its pleasing fragrance is to keep it in its original box. Keep the boxed bottle of perfume in a cool, dark, dry place, such as bedroom closet or dresser drawer. Remove the lid or cap from the perfume only when you apply it, and replace it immediately.
-
References
- Photo Credit perfume image by ann triling from Fotolia.com
