Improving Scent Longevity and Addressing Color Bleeding in Potpourri and Scented Bags
Question
I have questions about making potpourri and scented bags:
Regarding potpourri made from dried botanicals (like dried pine bark and dried flowers) packaged in lace bags:
- I want the scent to last longer and diffuse better than just spraying fragrance oil.
- Are there any substances that can help the scent adhere longer to the dried potpourri and dried flowers?
- A problem I encounter is that the scent does not diffuse well; I have to lean in close to smell it. Are there any recommended methods to improve scent diffusion?
- I want the scent to be long-lasting but without causing the dye used on the potpourri to dissolve. Currently, spraying fragrance oil directly causes the dye to dissolve and makes the dried flowers soft and discolored (like dried leaves).
I would like to ask for information about scented bags that use Vermiculite (an alumino-Silicate mineral used for planting, lightweight, neutral pH, insoluble in water but absorbs water well) as the internal material, similar to commercially available products that have long-lasting scents:
- If I want to make this myself, can I spray Essential Oil or Fragrance directly onto the Vermiculite?
- Between using Essential Oil and Fragrance, which is more recommended for scent longevity on Vermiculite?
- If I want the scent to be long-lasting, are there any additional suggestions on what substances to add?
Are there any types of substances that help the scent of Fragrance adhere longer on fabric? I want to try dropping Fragrance directly onto the lace bag for easy refilling, as the potpourri bags I made are sewn pieces that are not convenient to open for adding Fragrance later.
Between wood, Vermiculite, and lace fabric, which type of material can hold scent better and make it last longer?
Answer
Improving Scent Longevity and Diffusion
Okay, I understand your questions regarding improving the longevity and diffusion of scent in your potpourri and scented bags, as well as preventing color bleeding and exploring different materials.
You've encountered issues with fragrance oils causing color bleeding on your dried potpourri and dried flowers. This can happen because some fragrance oils contain solvents that can dissolve or affect the dyes used to color the dried materials. To avoid this, you might need to experiment with different fragrance oils or test them on a small, inconspicuous piece of material before applying them widely.
To make the scent last longer and potentially diffuse better, especially on dried materials and fabric, you can use a scent fixative. A fixative is a substance that helps to reduce the evaporation rate of fragrance compounds, making the scent more stable and long-lasting. Certain fragrance ingredients themselves can act as fixatives. Based on the search related to scent longevity, ingredients like Labdanum Absolute and Cassiffix are examples of materials that can contribute to improving the tenacity of a fragrance. Incorporating such fixative ingredients into your fragrance blend before applying it could help the scent last longer.
Regarding applying scent directly to the lace bag for easier replenishment, using a fixative ingredient in your fragrance blend would also help the scent adhere and last longer on the fabric.
You also asked about using vermiculite as a base for scented bags and if you can spray fragrance or essential oils directly onto it. While vermiculite is known for its absorbent properties, information on its effectiveness specifically for holding and diffusing fragrance oils compared to other materials like dried botanicals or fabric is not available. Similarly, specific information comparing the scent retention of wood, vermiculite, and lace fabric is not available.
Here is a summary of the recommendations:
- Use a Scent Fixative: Incorporating a scent fixative into your fragrance blend can significantly improve how long the scent lasts on dried materials and fabric. Ingredients like Labdanum Absolute and Cassiffix are examples of materials that can act as fixatives.
- Addressing Color Bleeding: The color bleeding is likely due to solvents in the fragrance oil. Always test a small amount of the fragrance on a hidden area of your dried materials or fabric before applying it broadly. Choose compatible fragrances.
- Vermiculite and Material Comparison: Information on using vermiculite specifically for scented bags and a comparison of scent retention between wood, vermiculite, and lace fabric is not available.
Related Products Mentioned
Labdanum Absolute
