How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat Body Odor

Looking for an inexpensive and all-natural way to treat body odor? Look no further than the healing powers of apple cider vinegar to do the trick. Used for a variety of reasons, and known to treat a seemingly endless list of concerns, apple cider vinegar can be utilized as a safe and easy way to get body odors caused by sweat under wraps.

Apple cider vinegar, often referred to as ACV, is created when apple juice becomes fermented. Used to remedy a number of concerns ranging from tummy troubles to skin problems, apple cider vinegar is full of antioxidant properties and is naturally antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal, making it a go-to among many in the holistic community and beyond.

That apple cider vinegar has such strong antibacterial properties is its most widely-celebrated benefit. Acetic acid, which gives the vinegar its notable smell and sharp taste, is created during the fermentation process and has been known to kill certain harmful bacteria and prevent them from further multiplying. When used to eliminate body odor, apple cider vinegar works to rid the skin of bacteria that break down certain acids found in sweat.

Creating a topical treatment with apple cider vinegar is easy, inexpensive and can be tailor-made to your needs and preferences. Because the underarms have among the most apocrine sweat glands on the body, which produce sweat that is easily broken down by odor-causing bacteria on the skin, a simple solution for treatment is to create a wipe for that specific area. You can easily create an ACV wipe by simply dabbing a cotton ball in the liquid and wiping under the arms a few minutes before hopping in the shower.

If a spray treatment is more your thing, which can be a great option for anyone looking to easily treat multiple areas like the feet or chest, one part ACV to two parts water in a spray bottle and a good shake will do the trick and won’t require a rinse after as it’s already diluted.

Apple cider vinegar can also be taken systemically, and because it's a more mild vinegar than, say, white or even balsamic, it often offers a tasty flavor to certain foods, like salad dressings. If the alkaline levels of your sweat are caused by poor gut health, the probiotic elements of apple cider vinegar can help in aiding digestion by fostering the production of “good” bacteria, which can result in a happier and more balanced microbiome. An apple cider vinegar drink can easily be created by adding a couple of teaspoons to a full glass of room temperature water and consuming before meals.