How do you get rid of stubborn sweat smell?

Author: Emie Kris PhD  |  Last update: Saturday, August 2, 2025

Combining two household staples — white vinegar and baking soda — can be a powerful, odor-fighting method. White vinegar is a natural deodorizer, and baking soda has alkaline properties, both of which help deodorize and sanitize clothes.

How to get rid of persistent sweat smell?

How to treat body odour yourself
  1. wash your armpits, groin and feet at least twice a day with soap and dry thoroughly.
  2. shave your armpits regularly.
  3. use antiperspirants and deodorants.
  4. change and wash your clothes regularly.
  5. wear natural fabrics like cotton, wool and silk.
  6. wear antibacterial socks.

Why do I still smell of bo after washing?

Even after a thorough wash, some bacteria can stick around and cause odor. They thrive in warm, moist environments, making your underarms their favorite hangout spot.

How do I stop my sweat from smelling down there?

How can vaginal odor be prevented?
  1. Practice good hygiene. Shower regularly and only use mild, unscented soap and warm water to clean your vulva. ...
  2. Don't douche. ...
  3. Wear light, breathable clothing. ...
  4. Drink plenty of water. ...
  5. Protect your vagina (and vaginal flora) during sex.

How to get rid of bad armpit odor permanently?

The best way to prevent smelly armpits is to wash daily and after sweating. Using antiperspirant or deodorant and shaving the armpits can also help. Avoiding alcohol and certain foods, such as onions and garlic, will also help prevent smelly armpits in some cases.

How to Get Rid of Body Odor Naturally

Why do my armpits still smell after a shower and deodorant?

Residual Bacteria

Even after a shower, some bacteria can linger on your skin, especially if you're not scrubbing thoroughly.

How do you detox your armpits from smelling?

An armpit detox is a mask that can be applied to your underarms for around 15 minutes. The mask can be made at home with common household items like baking soda and cornstarch, or some beauty brands offer their own masks or scrubs.

Why do I smell bad even with good hygiene?

Still, it's possible that things like diet, medical conditions or a bacterial buildup on the skin could be causing odor, Kopelman says. Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating, could also contribute, because bacteria thrives in moist environments.

Why does it smell when I open my legs?

We get it — it's a common problem, but sometimes it can make you self-conscious (“wait, can other people smell that, too?!”) and affect your confidence. Inner thigh odor is caused by various factors, including excessive sweating, fungal infections, poor hygiene, and hormonal changes.

What home remedy is good for body odor?

How do you get rid of body odor naturally?
  • Baking soda: Make a paste using baking soda and water. ...
  • Green tea: Put green tea bags in warm water. ...
  • Apple cider vinegar: Mix apple cider vinegar with a small amount of water in a spray bottle. ...
  • Lemon juice: Mix lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.

How to know if you smell bad down there?

The vagina usually has only a mild odor or sometimes no odor at all. A "fishy" smell or other strong vaginal odor might mean there's a problem. Conditions that cause a strong vaginal odor might also cause other vaginal symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge.

What vitamin deficiency causes body odor?

Vitamin D does more than just give you a sunny glow—it's also super important for keeping your skin and body in check. If you're low on it, your skin could let more bacteria do their thing, which = more body odor.

Why does my sweat not stink anymore?

If the ABCC11 gene is non-functional, sweat molecules are unable to cross the membrane barrier to reach the armpit. This starves bacteria on the other side of the skin surface, as they are unable to access or metabolize the organic compounds in the sweat. As a result, odorant substances are not produced.

Why do my clothes still smell of bo after washing?

Over time, detergents and fabric softeners can accumulate inside the washing machine, especially if too much is used or if it's not suitable for your specific machine. This buildup can trap odors and foster bacteria and mold growth, which in turn can leave clothes smelling less than fresh.

How can I stop my sweat from smelling so bad?

The following suggestions may help:
  1. Bathe daily. Regular bathing, especially with an antibacterial soap, reduces the growth of bacteria on your skin.
  2. Choose clothing to suit your activity. For daily wear, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. ...
  3. Try relaxation techniques. ...
  4. Change your diet.

When I open my legs, it smells like urine.?

Hyperhidrosis: Hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating from the eccrine glands. If someone sweats a lot, sweat may buildup on the skin and interact with bacteria. This may cause an odor, which may smell of ammonia. Kidney disease: The kidneys remove urea from the body.

What does diabetic sweat smell like?

People with uncontrolled diabetes can experience a fruity or acetone-like smell (think nail polish remover) on their breath or skin. This is due to the buildup of ketones in your bloodstream, which is a byproduct of fat breakdown.

Why does it smell when I pull my pants down?

Our vaginas are home to billions of bacteria and the balance of this bacteria changes constantly, creating different aromas varying from musty and fermented to coppery or sweet smelling. These smell variations are likely a result of your menstrual cycle, your hygiene habits, or just you.

Why am I always wet down there and smelly?

Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common causes of a smelly vagina, affecting 15% to 50% of women of reproductive age. 'It's a condition where there's an imbalance in the vaginal flora,' Dr Rosén explains. 'The first symptom is often a fishy smell, which can progress to a frothy, grey or green-ish discharge.

Can I leave apple cider vinegar on my armpits overnight?

Simply dip a piece of kitchen towel or a washcloth in the vinegar and rub it under your armpits. The smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, but if you prefer, you could dab the apple cider vinegar under your armpits in the evening and leave it on overnight.

How to deep clean an armpit?

Exfoliate Regularly

To this end, there are physical exfoliants, which are masks or scrubs that manually remove dead skin cells and debris, or chemical exfoliants, such as toners, that harness the power of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to gently melt away the buildup.

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