r/HygieneTips

I was called into HR today because “several people” have complained about my body odor and it’s starting to become a distraction. I kept a straight face during the meeting, but face my face sting with embarrassment once I walked out.

Any tips on how to go about this? Besides the obvious showering, washing clothes, etc.

I used to think if I just washed well the smell would be gone. Turns out it’s not that simple.

Sweat itself is mostly odorless. The smell comes from bacteria on your skin breaking down the sweat. If those bacteria are still there or the area stays moist, the odor comes back pretty quick especially in hot weather.

A few things that make it worse:
• Not drying completely before getting dressed
• Using only deodorant (it mostly covers smell) instead of antiperspirant (which reduces sweat)
• Synthetic shirts that trap heat and moisture
• Applying product while the skin is still damp
What seems to work better:

1. Wash with regular soap or an antibacterial one
2. Dry the underarms fully (pat dry, dont just wipe)
3. Put antiperspirant on only when the skin is completely dry
4. Wait a minute or two before putting your shirt on
5. Wear cotton or other breathable fabrics when possible

A lot of people also say applying antiperspirant at night works better becuz you sweat less while sleeping so it has time to actually do its job.

Anyone else dealt with this? What finally helped you?

I’m so confused. Every time I buy deodorant, I try a different brand. I used to want the newer brands, like Naked, because of the bad rep some of the OGs were getting. However, I gave up because I couldn’t tolerate getting stinky within an hour, especially since I have a lot of nice clothing that I’d really rather not feel like I have to wash every single time I put on. My issue is not sweating excessively, though I have no problem with using antiperspirant. My issue is SMELL—not horrible armpit odor that’s horribly distracting. But—persistent, dependable, run of the mill BO that is nevertheless annoying and stays on clothes. What actually works?!??!? But doesn’t stain clothes? I’m tired of beating my deodorant.

I have been wondering whether electric toothbrushes are genuinely better for your teeth and gums, or if they’re mostly an expensive upgrade from a decent manual toothbrush. Was the cleaning noticeably better, or was it mainly more convenient? I’m also curious whether the expensive models are really worth it, or if a basic electric toothbrush does essentially the same thing.

I struggled with really bad (and I mean, REALLY bad) underarm odor since I was a young teen. I was using tawas at the start then switched to antiperspirant deodorant when the smell got stronger. I’ve tried all forms of antiperspirant deodorant - spray, stick, roll-on, gel, and lotion type. Nothing worked.

I got desperate and started searching for “hacks” and “tips” on how to get rid of B.O. and tried almost everything. From making sure to take a bath twice a day to buying different kinds of products. These are a some things I’ve done, to name a few:

• daily bath + deodorant
• switched to men’s deodorant when the underarm smell got stronger
• applied benzoyl peroxide 2x a week
• laser underarm hair removal
• changed diet
• applied lemon juice / apple cider vinegar / baking soda on my UA
• bought “organic” deodorant from Healthy Options

Still, nothing worked. Then I decided to stop using deodorant completely. It was a risk but it was the only thing I wasn’t able to try. At first, I really SMELLED. I had to keep wiping my underarms with wipes, alcohol, or washing it in a bathroom even when I would be out in public.

I knew I had to detox from deodorant so I remained persistent. I began to notice that my BO started to go away a few months into my detox. When I reached a year, I found out about Nuud deodorant which I applied 1-2x a week. Eventually, I didn’t have to put anything on my underarms and I wouldn’t smell! The detox worked!

It’s been 3 years since I threw out all my deodorant and said goodbye forever. Now, I don’t put any deodorant at all and I don’t smell. Of course, there are certain days when there is a little smell especially when it’s very hot or when I’m working out but definitely not as horrible as before. In fact, I think I may be the only one who can smell it. I’ve also been using glycolic acid 1-2x a week for whitening and to kill bacteria.

To those struggling with underarm BO, don’t give up! Maybe all you need is a detox.

EDIT: Some comments are saying this is an ad for Nuud but let me add that I also use Coconut Matter Natural Deodorant on rare times when I feel like I’m going to be very sweaty (maybe 2-3 times a month lang).

My understanding (& research) of body odor going away WITHOUT deodorant is that deodorant changes the types of bacteria living in your armpit. When you stop using antiperspirant, the environment (armpit) gradually returns to a more normal, balanced mix, and smell becomes milder. Deodorants also block sweat glands so bacteria + blocked glands = bad body odor.

ITS SO HOT IN TEXAS. Is gel or powder deodorant better for this weather?

How can i get rid of body odor, i tried everything but hyperhidrosis is so bad and odor is really bad.

Idk I wasn’t really taught any of this growing up, and I think I’m showering normally but I’m not sure. I wash my hair every three days, I wash my whole body every three days, and I wash like my private areas and armpits and face daily. That’s enough right? Like I feel clean but I’m also not really sure what’s considered “normal” lol so I just want to make sure I’m not being like, super gross somehow and not realizing it.

I also don’t double wash I don’t know if that makes a difference, like when I wash my private areas and my armpits and even when I wash my body I just wash it once, like I don’t “repeat” or anything like that lol. I also do exfoliate but I only do that every like nine days, I used to do it every six days but I accidentally skipped it one time and my skin seemed happier that way lol so I just spaced it out more.

Edit: I don’t know if this makes a difference or not lol but on the days I don’t wash my full body I do rinse off with water still

I’ll be moving to a place with a really nice bathtub and I’m wondering what you would recommend for a nice clean soothing bath in a tub? I don’t think my current bodywash would be it. I think my last tub bath was 2017!

Hi everyone,

I recently started doing my own laundry and I’m still trying to figure out the best way to wash my clothes, especially my shirts.

I sweat quite a lot, so my main concern is getting as much sweat and body odor out of my clothes as possible. I’m looking for a good washing routine that actually removes the odor instead of just covering it up with a strong fragrance. Ideally, I would like my clothes to smell either neutral/clean or pleasantly fresh after washing.

Another problem is that I don’t have the best washing machine. I feel like my parents haven’t maintained or cleaned it very well over the years, so I’m not sure how much that affects the results.

I’d really appreciate any advice on things like removing sweat and stubborn odors from shirts (especially around the armpits) / preventing old sweat smells from staying in the fabric, what temperature/program works best, which detergent or other products are useful, and how to keep the washing machine itself clean. Basically, any tips for getting sweaty clothes as clean and fresh as possible would be really helpful

I’m still pretty new to doing my own laundry, so even tips that might seem obvious are welcome. I’d be really grateful if anyone could share their routine, products they use, or things that have worked for them. Thank you so much for any help! :)

Certain aluminum-free or cream deodorants leave a tacky layer that basic body wash doesn't seem to fully rinse off, and harsh scrubbing just irritates my skin.

Do you use a specific oil cleanser or gentle physical exfoliator to get a clean slate?

I’ve been on the search for a light sweet vanilla, coconut chocolatey scent but no matter what products I buy it’s either got a rubber scent or it’s too musky. I hate musk, I want to smell gourmand.

Anyone got any recommendations? I live in the UK so don’t have the best products. Everyone really hyped up palmers and the clear Vaseline body lotion/oil but it smells like a scented balloon.

Any products, including perfumes I’m on the look for.

Is it normal to have never scrubbed clean your back ?

Is it wrong to wipe your butt after using the bathroom now?

Serious question because apparently I missed an update somewhere lol. Is wiping yourself after using the bathroom not considered normal anymore?

I would assume most people are going to say, “Obviously you’re supposed to wipe yourself. Why would you even ask that?”

Well… apparently I needed to ask. 😂

I’ve been getting mocked over literally doing just that. When I go to wipe myself after using the bathroom, people have claimed that I’m “digging in my butt” instead of simply acknowledging that I’m wiping myself. It’s even gotten to the point where it seems like people are interested in catching a particular angle or moment that could make it look like something other than what I’m actually doing.

So if your first reaction to this question was, “Of course you’re supposed to wipe yourself”—thank you. That was my reaction too.

But on a serious note, this is also a reminder that it’s incredibly easy to take an ordinary action out of context and make someone look weird or embarrassing when that isn’t what was happening at all.

I had a fun night a few days ago.. and ended up puking and it got ALL in my hair, and i slept for a few hours with it.
I've washed my hair twice.. and I can't get the smell out, i'm HORRIFIED of ruining my hair, as it's my prized possession.
What do i do? I heard white vinegar but I don't want to ruin my hair and use the wrong measurements.. thank you!!

Recently I decided to buy an anti-perspirant deo and ever since I've been smelling funky. Not like I smelled amazing before, I had bo like any other person but now i smell soo much worse. I did some research and found out that it builds up bacteria. I have tried everything ; body scrubs , glycolic acid toner, switching to normal deo and I still smell bad. Honestly i dont know what to do... Any deo recommendations or what to do. Another thing I figured might be the cause, was my makeup. I use the Dior foundation stick which has a scent and I know some people are allergic to perfumes and scents. Im sure its the first reason but knowing some scentless makeup options would be very helpful to me yk just in case. Any advice would be great.

How much can other people smell when you sweat from the heat?

I’m going off to college, and I’m gonna have to walk to classes. It’s a big campus, and I live in the southeast of the US, it’s so freakin hot rn.

But for the average person, how bad do people usually smell after sweating and from the heat? The 2 spots I sweat the most are my forehead and back (and obviously armpits, but that’s why you reapply deodorant). My forehead will probably be fine since I have a handheld fan and can also wear a hat.

My biggest concern is my back since usually after going inside when it’s hot out, I feel my back under my shirt and it’s pretty wet.

So how much do people usually smell you after sweating in the heat? (And like a normal human being, I shower regularly in the morning and at night, use deodorant every morning, at night, and mid-day, and cologne)