Why do people keep perfume in the fridge?
To protect it from heat and light, which slowly spoil the scent. The fridge helps, but you don’t need it: a dark drawer at a steady temperature does almost the same job.
The three enemies
Heat, light and big swings in temperature. All three are found in the bathroom, which is exactly where most people keep their perfumes.
Where to keep it
- In a drawer or cupboard, away from windows and radiators.
- Upright and closed.
- Not in the bathroom, not on the car dashboard, not on the windowsill.
- In the fridge only if your home gets very hot in summer — and on a steady shelf, not in the door.
How long an opened perfume lasts
Usually 1–3 years. Fresh and citrus scents go off first; sweet and woody ones last longer. Signs its time is up: the colour darkens or the first smell turns sour.
On the island, one more thing
Heat and salty air work against you. If you buy a holiday perfume, don’t leave it in your beach bag all day.