Honking of body odour!

[Manatee50]

Is it just me noticing but there seems honking body odour permeating the air. Are people just not washing? Or is a thing to reek ? It seems tubes, buses, streets have are filled with people with stifling B.O.

Is hum dinging any better for you?

Can’t say I’ve noticed an increase in BO anywhere.

I use Fussy deodorant, one of those ‘natural’ ones, and find it works really well. I think it contains probiotics or something that ‘eats’ sweat bacteria. I also shower every morning without fail. Personally I think it’s pretty grim not to hop in shower first thing, as most people sweat at night.
I’m peri menopausal so might be more sensitive to smells. Have also started using public transport, being in a city and near students on a regular basis - sometimes the stench is horrendous.
Am afraid I do screw my nostrils up, get up and move when I can.

The infiltration of man made fibres really doesn't help and the fuckers are sneaky with it. Even decent brands I'm finding I'm having to check the label.....I stick to 100% cotton or wool because I stink otherwise and I won't be the only one.

Not so much BO, but a lot of places smell of weed. There was a strong smell in the posh village within a city the other day. They can stick that in their house prices.

Have you tried Driclor??

Agree with this. It's difficult to find clothes made of natural fibres these days without paying a fortune.

I notice it a lot this time of year, maybe some people are washing less than they should because the weather is colder along with not drying clothes properly. It is horrible though.

This is fascinating, the only problem is my partner is so unstinky that he doesn’t even need to wear deodorant. I think I might need to attack him with mine! I wonder if there’s a risk of the opposite issue though and he gets my substandard biome?!

Hi @GarlicBreadStan I know you probably researched this yourself, but I think this (weed smell) can be caused by terpenes being broken down in your sweat. I think, although not a cure, reducing strong, smelling food, like garlic and onion, can actually help with this. Anyway, I’m sure you’ve looked into this yourself, but just in case!

In some countries washing clothes in cold water is normal, people don't smell.

Gosh, poor you @GarlicBreadStan that must be really difficult. I suffer with hyperhydrosis but thankfully it only smells if stale (boomerang smells as per the ad!) so I have to be scrupulous never to wear stuff twice without washing it and throwing stuff out frequently, which is gutting and very expensive ☹️

I did see rave reviews about something called Sweatblock wipes recently - only available from the States though, so again very expensive, but I am going to try it as apparently can stop you sweating for up to a week!

What about stanking?

Public transport has always smelled bad. Young boys and men are almost always the culprits.

One adolescent boy smelled so strongly it was stinging my nose and throat like chlorine from the other end of the bus.

There have always been smelly people. I think this time of year when it starts off cold of a morning, then can get really warm add to it.

I don’t really smell BO that much, I do smell that gross, unwashed body/hair/scalp/bed smell. And morning breath.

Its genuinely like some people have rolled out of bed and gone to work without washing body or clothes and brushing their teeth

Might get told off for being non pc but big cities often have more diverse populations, people of south asia/Indian subcontinent heritage often don't use deodorant. I think perhaps you become attuned to different odours so its what you're used to. My mam will wear very strong perfume a lot, she barely notices it now, her brain just ignores it, whereas i notice how strong her perfume is.

Glycolic acid. Apply it to your underarms, let dry then apply your usual antiperspirant. It helps to kill off the BO bacteria. I use The Ordinary glycolic acid. You can apply with your fingers or cotton wool but I prefer putting it in a little travel spray bottle and using that. Makes it really easy to apply.

Soak your tops in Napisan before washing to help get rid of any smells.

Are Botox injections for excessive sweating an option?

@70sMuuMuu Your partner is probably one of the lucky genetic freaks who don’t have the gene for BO. They exist. My dad doesn’t have the gene either. Unfortunately I didn’t inherit this.

Lots of urban spaces now reek of weed. Maybe this is what you are smelling? It smells like skunk

Greatest sympathy for your situation but you are definitely not helping yourself at this point! Wrapping yourself up in man made fibres is the exact opposite of what you should be doing!

I have no idea what your budget is like but ideally you need 2x Light cotton nightwear, 2x cotton tops for daytime wear (in a loose fit style) 2x cotton joggers/leggings to go with the tops and as much cotton underwear as you need to keep changing frequently. Swap 'cotton' for any natural fabric you prefer! You need to be on a wash one, wear one rota (so if you can afford 3 off each even better!). Before you wear anything new take a long hot shower and use a strong deodorant.
Only wear each item of clothing ONCE before washing, you can buy specific laundry disinfectant but I use the Aldi lemon/grapefruit disinfectant that is about 90p a bottle, I use a rather generous glug as we have dogs so I like to try and keep on top of the germs!
Lastly dry clothes/towels/bedding thoroughly, away from food smells if possible (bathrooms are good for drying, set up an airer in the bath and open the window! ).
Lastly, go to the doctor. You know you have a problem and I assume you wouldn't walk around with your leg hanging off without seeking treatment. This is no different.

I love the word honking!!!

To be fair I probably would let my leg hang off without going to the doctor 😅

I only wear a clothing item once. It's only my armpits that smell and genuinely any type of fabric I've tried doesn't help 😔 I will try going back to the doctor, I just always get dismissed

I haven't looked into this, to be honest. I did know onion can cause strong smells, and I do eat a lot of cheese and onion crisps, but I also have very strong sensory issues and fears surrounding trying new food so it's really hard to get out of eating them because they're a safe food 😅 but I do appreciate your comment and I will definitely look into what you said!

You are being racist to geese.

I've noticed it a bit too on the tube, really overweight people smelling really badly. I dont think clothes are washed properly as some have commented too. Dettol antibacterial laundry liquid is a good buy and helps with stinky socks, sports clothes etc.