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Floral perfumes and fragrances are perfect for making yourself smell like a summer garden. However, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to make that happen! With just a few ingredients, you can create your own perfume to use for yourself or give as a gift to someone else.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup (180 g) of fresh rose petals
  • 1 2 cup (120 mL) of vodka (80-100 proof)
  • 2 1 2 cups (590 mL) of distilled water
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) of fresh rose petals
  • 1 2 cup (120 mL) of distilled water
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Creating an Alcohol-Based Perfume

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  1. If the water is too warm, it may release some of the flower’s aromatic oils before you collect them. Rinsing will remove fertilizer, dirt, insects, and any other contaminants you don’t want inside your perfume. Don’t worry about trying to rinse thoroughly between the petals. Do not dry the petals after rinsing. [1]

    You will probably need between 1 and 3 roses , depending on the type of rose and the size of the petals.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rose Petal Perfume
    Note that the petals can come from any type or color of rose. To remove the petals, grasp the stem with one hand and tear the petals off with the other. Be careful not to skewer yourself on any thorns. [2]
    • Consider using a thorn stripper if you're very concerned with pricking yourself on the thorns.
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  3. You can also use a bowl if it comes with a lid too, but whatever option you choose must be able to hold at least 5 cups (1,200 mL) of liquid and be sealable. A mason jar with a screw-top lid would work well.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rose Petal Perfume
    Vodka that is 40-50 percent alcohol (80-100 proof) works best. The jar should also be stored someplace that is cool and dark, like a cabinet or cupboard. Do not use a fridge, which is damp. [3]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rose Petal Perfume
    A large wooden cooking spoon would work best for mashing the petals inside the jar. A mortar and pestle might cause you to lose some of the rose oils by removing the petals from the jar, and a metal spoon could add unwanted metallic elements to the perfume.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rose Petal Perfume
    Distilled water can be purchased at most grocery stores or drug stores. The more water you add, the more diluted the scent of the perfume will be.
  7. Once a day, stir the petals and mash them again with a cooking spoon. Do not add more distilled water. Replace the lid quickly after you stir.
  8. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the spent petals from the liquid and transfer the liquid to a glass bottle with a tight lid. To best preserve the perfume, keep it in the fridge and shake it before each use. It will last up to a month. The scent will be strongest if you spray it on the warmer places of your body like your wrist and neck. [4]
    • You could also use a sieve or a cheesecloth for straining.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Making Scented Rosewater

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  1. Any variety of rose will do. If you’d like, rinse the petals in cold water beforehand to wash away any contaminants that might still be on the flower. Be careful not to prick yourself on any thorns. [5]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rose Petal Perfume
    The water’s warmth will help increase the oil output from the rose. If you’d like, let the water soak in for about five minutes. The longer you let the petals soak, the stronger the fragrance will be. [6]
  3. If you don’t have a normal kitchen strainer, you can also use a cheesecloth. Do not throw the water that you separate away, as you will be reusing it in subsequent steps. [7]
    • The rose petals should remain behind in the strainer, and the water should be in the second bowl.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rose Petal Perfume
    To remove the petals from the strainer, scrape them off with a spoon or pick them off with your fingers. If you don’t want to grind the petals, don’t strain them to begin with. Instead, let them sit in the distilled water under the sun for 5-7 hours. [8]
    • Letting the petals soak in the sun does mean that the eventual fragrance will be much weaker.
  5. Let the water soak into the petals again for at least five minutes. By this point, the ground up petals with the added water should be in the first bowl.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rose Petal Perfume
    If you are using dark colored rose petals like deep red, the water will turn brownish-red instead. Try not to grind the petals too violently, as any water you splatter is water that won’t end up as perfume. [9]
  7. A spoon might be effective for this. Then, pour the water into an empty perfume bottle using a small funnel and enjoy! Refrigerate to make the perfume last longer. [10]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I keep the roses in the water for 5-7 days for a stronger fragrance?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
  • Question
    Should I use hot or cold water?
    Community Answer
    I would use warm water, it would likely increase the oil output of the rose.
  • Question
    Can I use white roses?
    Community Answer
    Sure. You can use whatever rose you'd like.
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      Warnings

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      Things You’ll Need

      Alcohol-Based Perfume

      • Large glass jar or bowl with lid
      • Large wooden cooking spoon
      • 1-2 small empty glass perfume bottles
      • Kitchen strainer or cheesecloth

      Scented Rosewater

      • 2 medium-sized bowls
      • Mortar and pestle
      • Kitchen strainer or cheesecloth
      • 1-2 small empty glass perfume bottles
      • Small funnel with 1 8 inch (0.32 cm) spout
      • Spoon (optional)

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 319,825 times.

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        Apr 28, 2023

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