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How to Make Dried Lavender Smell Stronger?

Published in Lavender Scent Enhancement 3 mins read

To make dried lavender smell stronger, you can either refresh its existing fragrance by physically agitating it or enhance it by adding new scent.

Dried lavender naturally contains essential oils that give it its signature aroma. Over time, these oils can become less potent as they dissipate. However, with a few simple techniques, you can release more of the fragrance or infuse it with additional scent.

Refreshing Existing Dried Lavender Scent

If your dried lavender has lost some of its potency, you can reactivate the natural oils within the dried florets:

  • Squeeze and Agitate: Place the dried lavender in a fabric bag, sachet, or even your hands, and give it a good, firm squeeze. The pressure helps to break open the tiny oil glands on the dried flowers, releasing more of their fragrant oils. Similarly, shaking or gently crushing sachets containing dried lavender can achieve a similar effect.
  • Gentle Warming: Slightly warming dried lavender can also help release its scent. You can place a sachet near a warm (but not hot) light bulb, on a sunny windowsill, or even briefly in a dryer on a very low, air-only setting (if suitable for the fabric and contents). Always exercise caution to avoid overheating.

Enhancing Lavender Fragrance

For a more intense or renewed scent, consider these methods:

  • Add Lavender Essential Oil: This is one of the most effective ways to boost the fragrance.
    1. Place your dried lavender in a sealable bag or jar.
    2. Add a few drops of pure lavender essential oil directly onto the dried flowers. Start with a small amount (2-3 drops) and add more if needed.
    3. Seal the bag or jar and gently shake or toss to distribute the oil evenly.
    4. Allow it to sit for a few hours, or even overnight, to let the scent permeate the dried lavender.
  • Combine with Other Aromatic Botanicals: While not making the lavender itself stronger, incorporating other fragrant dried herbs like rosemary or mint, or spices like star anise or cinnamon sticks, can create a more complex and robust aroma blend.

Starting with Strong Lavender

The best way to ensure your dried lavender smells strong is to start with high-quality material from the beginning.

  • Source Quality: When purchasing dried lavender, especially online, check reviews from other buyers. Look for feedback that specifically mentions the strength and quality of the fragrance. Good quality dried lavender should have a noticeable scent right out of the package.
  • Proper Drying (if harvesting your own): If you're drying your own lavender, ensure it's harvested at the right time (just as flowers are opening) and dried correctly in a dark, well-ventilated area to preserve its oils.

Quick Tips for Lasting Fragrance

Method Description Benefit
Shake/Squeeze Regularly agitate or gently squeeze sachets and bags of dried lavender. Releases trapped natural essential oils.
Add Essential Oil Apply a few drops of lavender essential oil directly onto the dried flowers. Provides an immediate and powerful scent boost.
Proper Storage Store dried lavender in airtight containers away from direct sunlight. Preserves the fragrance for longer by preventing oil dissipation.
Gentle Heat Briefly warm sachets near a light source or in a sunny spot. Helps evaporate and disperse the aromatic compounds.

By employing these techniques, you can keep your dried lavender smelling wonderfully potent and enjoyable for longer.