Sweat and underarm odor is an unfortunate fact of life that sometimes leaves behind an unpleasant smell on your clothing. Perspiration is your body's natural way to maintain a lower temperature, and it's not the sweat that's causing the odor but the bacteria found lurking under your arms. If you're strapped for time, or the smell of sweat is lingering after laundering, there is a quick and effective way to eliminate the unpleasant odor of perspiration from your coat.
Step 1
Turn the coat inside out, and lay it down on a towel. Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area of the coat. Work the baking soda into the coat with your fingers.
Step 2
Allow the baking soda to remain for at least 30-minutes. The baking soda absorbs the sweat odors without causing any discoloration or damage. Shake the coat outdoors or over a garbage can. Remove any remaining powder by running a vacuum cleaner's hose attachment over your coat. If the odor is still strong, reapply the baking soda, and allow it to remain for an additional 30-minutes.
Step 3
Hang the coat outside for at least one hour. This helps remove any lingering odor and works the baking soda out of the coat's fibers.
Step 4
Hang the coat inside and spray a fabric freshener on the underarms. If a fabric freshener isn't available, the Organic Authority recommends creating your own with a mixture of 1-part white vinegar, 1-part water and 2 to 3 drops of your favorite essential oil. Pour the ingredients into a plastic spray bottle, and apply liberally to the coat's underarms.