Aromatherapy Storage Guide: Follow These Steps to Extend Scent Shelf Life

Aromatherapy products come in a wide variety, and their storage needs vary based on differences in material and form. For liquid aromatherapy products such as essential oils and aromatherapy liquids, it is crucial to avoid high temperatures and light exposure. High temperatures accelerate the decomposition of volatile components in essential oils, causing the scent to fade or develop an unpleasant odor, while ultraviolet rays in sunlight destroy the molecular structure of essential oils and alter their original fragrance. It is recommended to store liquid aromatherapy in a cool, dark place with an ideal temperature between 15-25℃, and keep them away from heat sources such as heaters, stovetops, and air conditioning vents.

Solid aromatherapy products like scented candles, aroma stones, and solid perfumes require emphasis on moisture and crush resistance. If scented candles are kept in a humid environment for a long time, their wicks are prone to moisture and mold, and the wax surface may "sweat," affecting burning stability. Aroma stones and solid perfumes have strong hygroscopicity; moisture absorption reduces their scent-holding capacity and shortens their lifespan. Therefore, solid aromatherapy should be placed in a dry, well-ventilated area. Scented candles should be covered with their original dust lids, and aroma stones and solid perfumes should be sealed to prevent shape damage from extrusion.

Proper containers and good sealing can effectively reduce aroma evaporation. For essential oils or aromatherapy liquids that need repackaging, dark glass containers such as brown or blue glass jars are ideal, as they effectively block ultraviolet rays and maintain the stability of aromatherapy ingredients. Plastic containers should be avoided, as plastic may react with the chemical components in aromatherapy, contaminating the product and altering its scent.

Timely sealing after use is essential for all aromatherapy products. Essential oil bottles should be tightly capped; after using a scented candle, wait for the wax to cool and immediately cover it with the original dust lid to prevent dust accumulation and scent loss. When not in use, aromatherapy diffuser bottles can be sealed with their stoppers to slow down the evaporation of the aromatherapy liquid. For opened solid perfumes, scented wax slices, etc., it is recommended to store them in airtight food storage boxes or sealed bags to further isolate air and moisture.

Many people habitually place aromatherapy products randomly in home corners, unaware that incorrect storage locations can significantly shorten their lifespan. First, avoid areas exposed to direct sunlight, such as windowsills and balconies—prolonged sun exposure can cause aromatherapy to deteriorate and discolor. Second, although bathrooms are high-frequency use areas for aromatherapy, their humid environment is not conducive to storage. It is advisable to use portable aromatherapy in bathrooms and transfer them to a dry place immediately after use, rather than storing them there long-term.

In addition, keep aromatherapy out of the reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or spills. Meanwhile, avoid placing aromatherapy products of different scents densely together, as this may cause scents to mix (affecting the user experience) and potentially accelerate deterioration due to cross-reaction of ingredients.

After opening, aromatherapy products should be used within their shelf life as soon as possible. The optimal post-opening usage periods vary by type: essential oils are best used within 1-2 years, scented candles can last 6-12 months with proper storage, and aromatherapy liquids and solid perfumes are recommended for use within 6-8 months.

When using scented candles, control each burning session to 2-4 hours. Avoid burning for too short a time (which causes uneven wax pool formation) or too long (which may lead to wick deviation and overheated wax that accelerates evaporation). After burning, wait for the wick to cool and trim it to 0.5-0.8 cm to prevent black smoke during the next use and maintain product quality.

For aromatherapy diffusers, if the scent fades significantly, replace the aroma stones/wood or adjust the number of diffuser sticks instead of discarding the aromatherapy liquid prematurely. Additionally, clean aromatherapy containers regularly to remove residual wax or essential oil stains, keeping them clean to prevent bacterial growth from affecting the quality of future aromatherapy products.