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Why do I smell after washing?

51 replies

RedToast · 07/01/2022 17:06

This is driving me insane! I'm 32 years old, never smelled "bad" before.

I've noticed my underarms have been smelling of BO over the last few days Envy-- not envy.

So, last night I had a bath and made sure to clean VERY WELL. Then I had a shower this morning and again made sure I was super clean. I put on a freshly washed bra and a brand new top.

While I was drying my hair, so about 30 minutes later, I noticed a BO smell from my underarms. WTF?

Does anyone have any idea what could be causing this? And so quickly? It's so weird.

OP posts:
lightnesspixie · 07/01/2022 17:08

Do you wear deodorant?

RedToast · 07/01/2022 17:08

Yes, I wear dove deodorant too. 😭

OP posts:
PuppyMonkey · 07/01/2022 17:09

Is it antiperspirant deodorant?

Poppy101010 · 07/01/2022 17:10

Could be related to diet. If I have eaten a lot of garlic etc I notice my body odour is a bit more smelly for a day or so after. I also think we notice more than others so try not to worry too much :)

Xmasgetaway · 07/01/2022 17:10

Wash with soap, not dove or shower gel. I had this until I made the switch.

heldinadream · 07/01/2022 17:11

What fabrics are you wearing? I find a huge difference if I'm wearing man made, instant smell especially if they are fitted garments as opposed to loose round the armpit.

RedToast · 07/01/2022 17:11

I use this.

Why do I smell after washing?
OP posts:
RedToast · 07/01/2022 17:12

Loose garments too! I also haven't changed my diet at all.

It's just so odd. I thought that BO smell was from old sweat Envybut it's definitely not that.

OP posts:
bookish83 · 07/01/2022 17:16

That deodorant would not be strong enough for me! I wear stronger Sure

Also BO seemed to become worse after having a baby, so hormone related?

ponkydonkey · 07/01/2022 17:28

It might be lodged in your T-shirts? I get that sometimes a t shirt has a bo smell after an hour or so

I realised it was because I use a short wash and non bio on dark clothes

Now they get a long wash and I use bio
No more wiffy armpit smells

wineandchocolateforthewin · 07/01/2022 17:29

I've found antibacterial soap is a huge help, better than normal soap for odour control. I then use Mitchum Ultimate Fresh Gel

AnotherMansCause · 07/01/2022 17:32

Soap not shower gel, antibacterial if regular soap still doesn't work.
Biological washing powder to wash clothes.

RagamuffinCat · 07/01/2022 17:32

Could you be coming down with something? I notice a strange smell both on myself and others when they are coming down with a virus!

SockFluffInTheBath · 07/01/2022 17:33

Towel dry, don’t sit dry. Try wiping your pits with witch hazel before applying deodorant. Agree with a pp that it could be in your clothes. Squirt liquid detergent or washing up liquid on the pits of your tops and leave for an hour or so before washing at 40 on an hour long cycle.

actiongirl1978 · 07/01/2022 17:34

I smell of BO using Dove.

I use Sure - one of the 48hr ones. I did use mitchum unscented until they added a vile scent to it.

NonBlogger · 07/01/2022 17:34

Yes to Mitchum roll on deodorant! Great stuff! Dove wouldn't be good enough for me either

PolytheneRam · 07/01/2022 17:35

Spray deodorants are crap in my experience. I use the Mitchum stick and it's great. I do use shower gel, but I use soap on my pits and bits. I work 12hr shifts covered in PPE and this regime holds up well.

ludocris · 07/01/2022 17:36

In my case I definitely noticed this after having a baby (and I mean it seems to be a long-term change). Agree that soap as opposed to shower gel and Mitchum work well.

BeLessMe · 07/01/2022 17:45

Anti perspirant should be applied at night to clean arm pits.

As pp have said, wash using bar soap rather than shower gel. I do wonder if it’s an age /hormone related thing because I was always fine until mid-30’s. Apply this
www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/272191840?sc_cmp=ppcGHS+-+Grocery+-+NewMPX_Shopping_All_Other_Smart+Shopping+All+Products_Other_Online+BudgetAd+groupPRODUCT_GROUP272191840*&ds_rl=1116322&gclid=CjwKCAiA5t-OBhByEiwAhR-hmw39L33vb4XxX7ziFin10B_AsOvf-pW9GD2jai26ja3NZsuLnp1q8xoCLK4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

“If you apply antiperspirant at night, it's proven to be more effective at keeping you dry than during the day. A study by the British Journal of Dermatology found that if you apply antiperspirant at night – when your body naturally sweats less – “it improves conditions for the active ingredients to enter the duct”.
doctorsweat.com/blogs/news/when-is-the-best-time-to-apply-deodorant

DrNo007 · 07/01/2022 17:50

Agree with those who suggest looking at the fabrics you wear. Synthetic fabrics make me smell bad quickly. Natural fibres fine. And yes to using biological washing powder or liquid. Also keep away from processed and junk food and sugary stuff. When I keep to a good diet I don’t get BO. And drink plenty of warm or hot water.

Maxifly · 07/01/2022 17:52

Wright's coal tar soap, good for sensitive skin too. BUT not everyone likes the smell. Followed by sure anti perspirant.

CrazySnakeWoman · 07/01/2022 17:53

Are you premenstrual? Sometimes my deodorant fails just before my period is due.

LaBelleSausage · 07/01/2022 17:54

What smells is the bacteria on your skin, not the actual sweat.

I had this a while ago and used antibacterial hand soap on my underarms a couple of times in the shower. Hasn't been an issue since.

Roadhouse111 · 07/01/2022 17:54

Could you be pregnant? My whole body odour changed when I got pregnant and it's never been the same, I need to use a stronger antiperspirant, got even worse when I was breast feeding!!

RedToast · 07/01/2022 17:57

Great advice, thanks everyone. I actually had a miscarriage two weeks ago. Maybe it's related to that?

I'll be trying the witch hazel and Mitchum!

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