An expensive or antique perfume can come with a fancy glass bottle and stopper. But the glass stopper can get stuck and it is difficult to remove if the perfume has not been used for a while. The plug can be glued in place for a number of reasons. This may be related to the expansion of the cap or the formation of a glue-like seal between the bottleneck and the cap. These problems can be avoided by lifting the cap every now and then and making sure to wipe off any excess perfume.
Here are several non-destructive methods for handling stuck plugs:
Modern welcome bottle
If you have a modern splash bottle with a stopper or lid, it is often helpful to use a towel, rubber band, or similar item to help you get a better grip. This can increase your strength and make it easier to twist or pull the plug. If that doesn’t loosen the cap, hold the perfume bottle under a hot water tap for 30 to 60 seconds. The change in temperature should help create seizures and make it easier to turn the lid.
Another option is to put the perfume bottle in the refrigerator and let it cool for about 15 to 25 minutes. This again depends on the temperature difference to help loosen the cap. Another method includes using the microwave oven. Put a damp kitchen towel in the microwave and heat for 5 seconds. Wrap that around the plug and leave it in place for a couple of seconds. Now twist it gently to open the bottle.
Vintage bottle
With a vintage bottle you have to be more careful. A precious or valuable perfume bottle should not be exposed to water or cold, as this can stain the original paper label or damage the brittle glass. A preferred option for troubleshooting old stopper bottles is to use pure grade alcohol (90 percent plus proof). Soak a piece of cotton and place it on the neck of the plug. Squeeze the cotton to release a drop or two of rubbing alcohol. The alcohol should begin to dissolve the buildup of residue in 4-5 minutes. The tornado should now be easy to remove.
Using the proper methods, it is possible to remove the clogged cap without causing any damage to the bottle. Always be sure to avoid pulling or twisting the cap excessively, as this can cause permanent damage to the bottle quite easily.
