How to prevent laundry from smelling of sweat even after washing it
Concern about one’s own body odor increases during the summer. This does not mean that bad smells do not exist during the rest of the year, but in summer you sweat more and therefore the chances of smelling bad increase.
The bad smell of sweat in the armpits, in reality, is not caused by sweat, but by the Staphylococcus himinis bacteria that live in the armpits (a humid, warm and dark place, perfect for their proliferation).
Sometimes, however, although a shower is enough to eliminate the bad smell from under the armpits, a wash cycle is not enough to eliminate it from the laundry. It happens that the smell of sweat continues to be present, perhaps slightly hidden by the fabric softener.
This is mostly the case with synthetic sportswear, which is made from “hydrophobic” fabrics that absorb body oils, but not water. This creates a perfect environment for bacteria to grow and ensures that the bad smell stays longer.
To remove the bad smell of sweat from clothes, the first rule is to separate them from the rest of the laundry. Then apply one of these very simple methods.
Aspririna and cream of tartar. Mix three white aspirins together with 250 ml of warm water and a tablespoon of cream of tartar. Rub with a toothbrush on the armpit area and let the garment soak for 20 minutes. Finally, wash it normally.
Baking soda. Make a creamy mixture by mixing baking soda and warm water, and apply it directly to the smelly area. Leave on for 15 minutes, then wash the garment as normal.
Salt. Dissolve several tablespoons of table salt in a bucket full of warm water and soak the garment in it for half an hour before washing it as you usually do.
Vinegar. Fill the drum of the washing machine, then add 100 ml of vinegar. Soak the laundry in it for 15 minutes then wash normally. You can also use vinegar instead of fabric softener.
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Important: This website does not give medical advice, nor does it suggest the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical problems, for which medical advice is required. If you decide to apply the information contained in this site, you do not assume responsibility for it. The intention of the site is to be illustrative, not exhortative or didactic.