How Long Does Potpourri Last?

Potpourri can last from a few months to a few years. For homemade potpourri the scent can fade after 2-3 months. Store-bought potpourri, often containing preservatives, tends to last longer from anywhere up to 9-12 months.

In contrast, stove pot potpourri provides a short yet intense burst of fragrance. To extend its lifespan, keeping potpourri out of direct sunlight can help extend its lifespan.

Once you have a better idea of how to make potpourri last longer, you can extend the life of your homemade creation to enjoy its scent for longer.

Refreshing your potpourri is easy, and we’ve put together a few simple tips on what you can do to make its fragrance more potent around your home.

How long does potpourri smell last?

Whilst homemade potpourri can last for quite a long time, the scent will usually start to disappear after 2-3 months.

This is because the ingredients are all natural, and after spending some time interacting with the surrounding environment, their potency will gradually start to fade.

Similarly, there are some easy hacks you can use to extend the scent of your homemade potpourri, which can help to keep its freshness alive for longer.

Do potpourri sachets last longer than normal potpourri?

If you buy potpourri sachets from the high street or via an online retailer, they will usually last a bit longer, ranging anywhere from 9-12 months.

However, the major difference with shop-bought potpourri is that it will always contain chemicals to preserve the contents, so compared to homemade potpourri, it is not such an eco-friendly option.

Homemade potpourri can be made using dried flowers, fruits, herbs, spices and essential oils, so you have complete control over what you use and the type of scents that are emitted inside your home.

How to make potpourri last longer

To learn how to make potpourri last longer, you could try some of the following ideas:

1. Keep it clean and dust free

Good maintenance of your potpourri will help to extend its lifespan.

One trick is to pour it into a resealable plastic bag, close it and then make small holes in the bottom with a fork.

Give it a gentle shake over the rubbish bin to let unwanted dust fall out and that should give it a new lease of life.

2. Place away from heat and direct sunlight

If potpourri is left exposed to direct sunlight for too long, or placed close by to radiators or other heat sources, the natural ingredients will be affected.

That doesn’t mean keeping it locked in a cupboard or hidden in the shadows, but ideally away from window sills and anything else that could cause it to fade or wilt.

3. Give your potpourri a charcoal break

Potpourri placed in bathrooms may have to work overtime to keep the space smelling clean and fresh, which will shorten its lifespan.

By adding a charcoal briquette inside the bowl, this will help to absorb some of the odours, whilst also taking into moisture, which can help to prevent the build up of mould and mildew in the bathroom.

4. Add some new essential oils

Many people use essential oils in their potpourri, as they can combine well with natural ingredients like herbs, spices and leaves.

If you have essential oils in your potpourri, simply add a few more drops and give it a gentle mix to help revive and keep it smelling fresh.

First-time makers of potpourri often wonder “How long does homemade potpourri last?” and you may be surprised at their longevity.

And with a few easy hacks you can get even more from your little wonder pot, keeping it looking and smelling great around your home.

Shop-bought potpourri will generally last longer than homemade potpourri, but if you want an eco-friendly, natural option for your home, then there is only one clear winner.