How to Eliminate Body Odor From Clothing

How to Eliminate Body Odor From Clothing
Published: Jul 18, 2010
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
1 minute read
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Zayra Miranda/Demand Media

Body odor poses an embarrassing-enough problem without it hanging around after you take your clothing off. From stressful situations to warm temperatures, your clothing may be the unwilling victim when the odor becomes trapped within the fibers and can't simply be washed out. For the sake of being able to wear the affected garment again without the embarrassing smell, it's time to take action.

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Zayra Miranda/Demand Media

Place the affected clothing in the washing machine and turn it on, allowing it to fill up with warm water.

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Zayra Miranda/Demand Media

Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the machine.

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Zayra Miranda/Demand Media

Allow the clothes in the washer to agitate for 5 to 10 minutes before turning it off.

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Zayra Miranda/Demand Media

Allow the clothes to soak in the water for at least 4 hours.

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Zayra Miranda/Demand Media

Turn the machine back on and add a bleach-free detergent.

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Zayra Miranda/Demand Media

Remove the clothing from the washing machine as soon as the cycle is finished.

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Zayra Miranda/Demand Media

Hang the clothing outside to dry as the fresh air will help to kill off any lingering odors.

Tips

This method is safe for washable clothing. For wool or silk garments, consult with a dry cleaner on how to eliminate the smell yourself -- or arrange for them to do it for you.

Warnings

Do not mix vinegar with bleach as the combination can cause harmful fumes.

Photo Credits

Zayra Miranda/Demand Media

Melynda Sorrels

Melynda Sorrels spent 10 years in the military working in different capacities of the medical field, including dental assisting, health services administration, decontamination and urgent medical care. Awarded the National Guardsman’s…

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