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Nothing lasts forever, including cologne. For colognes in spray bottles, the shelf life of the scent depends on how the bottle is stored. If stored properly, your pricey cologne can go on smelling like a dream for years; store it improperly, though, and you might be replacing it in a matter of months. Get the most out of your cologne purchases by learning how and where you should keep your cologne spray bottles for the maximum shelf life.
Shelf Life of Spray Bottle Cologne
The shelf life of any scent depends on three things: the type of bottle the scent is in, where the bottle is stored and the quality of the scent. Cologne in a spray bottle is higher up on the shelf life totem pole than splash-style cologne in stoppered bottles, since spray bottles protect the cologne from excessive air exposure. Cologne will also last longer than eau de parfum or perfume because it contains a lower concentration of volatile fragrant oils, only about 2 to 5 percent perfume oil compared to 15 to 25 percent in perfume. As a general rule, colognes produced by a reputable company last longer than knock-off brands. If stored properly, the shelf life of spray bottle cologne is approximately three to five years.
Storing Cologne
Protect your cologne from hot or cold temperatures, humidity and light. Tuck your cologne into a drawer or closet, preferably in a covered box. Light exposure can break down the fluid's compounds and result in an imbalanced scent. Also, if you purchase cologne in a stoppered bottle, transfer the fluid to a dark-colored spray bottle to further shield it from light and contaminants such as dust or dirt. If you're traveling during the summer and can't be separated from your beloved cologne, transport it in an insulated cooler.
How Not to Store Cologne
The worst place to store cologne is the place where most people's cologne is found -- the bathroom. Whether it's in the medicine cabinet, in a drawer or just sitting by the sink, cologne stored in the bathroom is exposed to wildly fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels, both of which will greatly accelerate the scent's breakdown. Don't put your cologne in the refrigerator, either. According to Henry Slatkin, the founder of fragrance manufacturer Slatkin & Co., the humidity in the refrigerator will also damage the chemicals in your scents.
Signs Your Cologne Should be Replaced
Even the most carefully stored colognes can turn -- it's important to know the signs to look for so you don't end up inadvertently bathed in a sour-smelling fragrance. Before spraying on a cologne that you've had for donkey's years, smell it first. Does it smell differently than you remember? Or smell just plain weird? If so, it should be replaced. Another sign that cologne has overstayed its shelf life is that the color of the fluid will change and darken. It may turn brown or appear tinged with yellow and may be thicker than normal.
