How to Get Body Odor Out of Clothes

The underarms of shirts are a common place for body odor.

Everybody perspires. It is the body’s way to naturally cool off. Unfortunately, sweat can often leave an unpleasant odor on your clothing. Body odor is embarrassing, and often lingers on clothing long after it has been washed. There is no need to throw out an otherwise good piece of clothing just because it smells of body odor. Take the proper measures to remove body odor from your clothing and leave it smelling fresh.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Household ammonia
• Rags

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water. Add 1 cup white vinegar.

2. Put the clothing into the bucket. Let it soak overnight.

3. Remove the garment the next day. Hang it outside in the sun to dry thoroughly.

4. Launder the garment as usual. Add 2 cups of baking soda to the washer before laundering. Hang the garment in the sun to dry.

5. Mix 1/2 cup water with 1/2 cup household ammonia if the clothing still smells. Use a rag to sponge the ammonia solution onto the areas that smell like body odor. Add 2 cups of baking soda to the wash load and launder the garment again. Dry the clothing outside in the sun.

Tips & Warnings

• It may take more than one treatment to effectively remove body odor from clothing.

• Mix together equal parts lemon juice and water and sponge it onto the areas of the clothing with body odor for an another method for removing the smell. Launder the clothing as usual.

• Never mix bleach and ammonia. The fumes created can be fatal.

References

• Mrs. Clean USA: How to Remove Sweat, Perspiration and Deodorant Stains
• I Love India: How to Get Perspiration Smell Out of Clothes