Neroli Decanting 101

Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to our professional decanting process, designed to ensure premium quality, hygiene, and the utmost care for every single drop of fragrance.


1. Daily Prep & Hygiene

  1. Handwashing & Gloves

    • Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and warm water.
    • Dry them with a clean towel or paper towel.
    • Put on disposable nitrile or latex gloves to prevent contamination and protect both skin and fragrance.
  2. Clean Workspace

    • Wipe down all surfaces in the decanting area with an approved cleaning solution or disinfectant.
    • Ensure that the environment is free from dust or any particles that could compromise the fragrance.

2. Fragrance Storage & Organization

  1. Dedicated Storage Cabinets

    • Each of our 600 fragrances has its own dedicated syringe, labeled and stored in a closed cabinet to prevent light, dust, and germ exposure.
    • Fragrance bottles remain sealed until needed for decanting and are returned to the cabinet immediately after use.
  2. Controlled Environment

    • Keep the area cool, away from direct sunlight, heat, or humidity.
    • Ensure the cabinet doors remain closed unless accessing a specific bottle.

3. Decant Bottle Preparation

  1. Initial Bottle Wash

    • Every decant bottle is washed with a gentle cleanser upon arrival.
    • Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water and allow it to air-dry upside down on a sanitized rack.
  2. Alcohol Wipe

    • Right before filling, use an alcohol wipe to clean the decant bottle’s exterior and interior rim to eliminate any residual germs or contaminants.
  3. Short Exposure

    • Retrieve the relevant fragrance from the cabinet.
    • Remove it only for the brief time needed to fill the decant.
    • Immediately return the fragrance bottle to its dark, enclosed storage to preserve its quality.

4. Filling the Decant

  1. Dedicated Syringe

    • Use the syringe that is labeled exclusively for that particular fragrance (each fragrance has its own, preventing scent cross-contamination).
    • Draw the required volume of fragrance carefully, taking care not to introduce air bubbles.
  2. Transfer to Decant Bottle

    • Slowly dispense the fragrance into the decant bottle.
    • Avoid touching the rim or sides with the syringe tip to maintain a sterile transfer.
  3. Re-Cap & Final Clean

    • Seal the decant bottle immediately to lock in the fragrance.
    • Wipe the decant bottle one last time with an alcohol wipe if needed.
  4. Label Placement

    • Place the pre-printed label on the decant bottle after the surface has fully dried.
    • Double-check for correct spelling and fragrance details.

5. Post-Decant Procedures

  1. Immediate Bottle Return

    • Secure the main fragrance bottle’s cap tightly and return it to the closed cabinet.
    • Ensure it’s positioned in its labeled spot for easy retrieval next time.
  2. Decant Office Cleanup

    • At the end of each decanting session (and day), wipe down counters, trays, and any tools used.
    • Dispose of gloves and single-use materials properly.
    • Mop or sweep the floor to remove dust and maintain a clean workspace.

6. Packaging & Shipping

  1. Protective Packaging Supplies

    • Store mylar bags, poly bags, bubble wrap, and bubble mailers in sealed bins or cabinets to keep out dust and germs.
    • Only remove packaging materials as needed to fulfill orders.
  2. Securing the Decant

    • Place the decant bottle inside a poly bag or mylar pouch for extra protection.
    • Use bubble mailers or bubble wrap to cushion the decant and prevent breakage.
  3. Fragile Stickers

    • (If available) Always attach two “Fragile” stickers on every package—one on the front and one on the back—to alert carriers.
  4. Final Seal

    • Double-check the shipping address, then seal the parcel securely.
    • The decant is now ready for a safe journey to the customer.

7. Professional Decanting at a Glance

  • Gloves On, Germs Out: Consistent use of gloves and frequent sanitization is key.
  • Dedicated Tools: Each fragrance has its own syringe to preserve its true essence—no mixing, no contamination.
  • Dark, Cool Storage: Minimizes fragrance breakdown from heat or light.
  • Minimal Exposure: Bottles only come out when they’re needed, reducing air and light impact.
  • Daily Cleanup: The decant office is meticulously cleaned to maintain a fresh, dust-free environment.