1. WEAR BREATHABLE FABRICS OR AN ANTI-ODOR UNDERSHIRT
Natural, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo can help get rid of body odour. Synthetic materials like polyester and rayon, on the other hand, push moisture and bacteria outward — creating a more noticeable stench plus sweat marks.
Wearing an undershirt is a great way to prevent body odour naturally. Undershirts add an extra layer of absorption to contain moisture and reduce body odour.
2. Wash your body with antibacterial soap.
When bacteria on your skin mixes with sweat, it produces the striking scent you know as body odour. The easiest way to get rid of body odour is to attack the source: bacteria.
To get rid of B.O., wash with antibacterial bath soap to keep clean and fresh. Some soaps contain potentially harmful chemicals like triclosan. If you’re concerned about chemicals in consumer body products, stick to soaps and body washes with all-natural ingredients.
Pro-tip: Look for ingredients like tea tree oil, oregano, peppermint and eucalyptus. These natural substances have odour- and bacteria-fighting properties to help you fight B.O.
3. Make sure you dry your body.
Bacteria thrive in moisture. If you’re prone to body odor, exercise caution after bathing, showering or swimming. Towel dry yourself completely before putting on your clothes, and be extra careful about drying off areas where you sweat more (like your underarms).
4. Use deodorant.
You may have heard about probiotics for gut health. But did you know they’re also important for your skin?
Probiotics are good bacteria that inhibit the growth of bad bacteria. Maintaining a harmonious habitat in your pits is key to getting rid of body odour.
Probiotic deodorant is available at your local store or pharmacy. It’s also easy to make your own — try this recipe from Dr Axe, a natural health expert.
Learn more about the benefits of skin probiotics.
5. Always do your laundry.
If you struggle to get rid of body odour, try updating your laundry routine with these tips:
Wash sweaty clothing ASAP: Don’t allow sweat to sink into the fabric, or you’ll have difficulty getting the odour out of your clothes.
Wash clothing inside out: The detergent will do a better job of removing sweat and odour from the inside of your shirts.
Add 1 cup of vinegar to your laundry cycle: To get rid of tough odours, add vinegar to the load. You can also substitute vinegar with 1 cup of baking soda (but don’t combine the two).
Ditch the dryer: Warm, musty dryers can worsen the odour on your clothes by baking them in even further. Try air-drying or line-drying your clothes for better results.
