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Housekeeping

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Original poster

how to get rid of BO smell from wool coat?

26 replies

HoggleHoggle · 17/10/2015 08:14

Let me preface this by saying I'm actually a very clean person - I wash and use deodorant every day! - but I am naturally very sweaty Blush especially when I'm cold - so my winter coats bear the brunt.

I have a wool coat that has an ingrained smell around the arms, it's dry clean only and that hasn't got rid of it. Any suggestions?

I'm outside with a toddler lots so this is the first year I've treated myself to a really nice warm coat. And it already honks Sad

OP posts:
Abraid2 · 17/10/2015 08:17

Wash it gently around the inside armpit area, presumably lining, with laundry soap and hang it up inside out on the washing line.

Original poster
HoggleHoggle · 17/10/2015 10:10

Thank you, will try that!

This morn I febreezed it and put it in the airing cupboard, that's helped as a temporary fix.

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 17/10/2015 10:19

also, hanging it outside on a windy, or preferably sunny, day. Though we are not sweaty here, it works on fag and bar smells. Turn it inside out to expose the lining.

A lot of dry-clean only clothes can be put through a warm, delicate wash, but as a last resort as they might have linings or padding that will not stand it.

TondelayaDellaVentamiglia · 17/10/2015 10:23

fresh air and sunshine....

I have a vintage coat that reeked of old lady, dark wardrobes and just OLD
...I hung it on the line every sunny breezy day, left it out on a frosty night

took about a fortnight of daily airings and a few squooshes of febreze but it's fresh as a daisy now!

SuburbanRhonda · 17/10/2015 10:28

Won't help for your current coat, but could you think about buying a coat in a different fabric? Wool is able to absorb three times its weight in water, so will absorb more sweat than a coat made from synthetic fibres. This by far outweighs the fact that wool is "breathable". And many modern synthetic fabrics are now also breathable.

If I were you I would be buying synthetic fabric coats and machine washing them regularly.

Haggisfish · 17/10/2015 10:31

As suburban says. I never buy dry clean only coats or dresses because I sweat, too, and need to be able to wash with biological powder to get it out. Other than that, you could try sewing in some shoulder pads to the arm pits of the coat to soak up sweat and can be easily removed and replaced?

pickledparsnip · 17/10/2015 10:32

Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda

Original poster
HoggleHoggle · 17/10/2015 10:53

All so helpful, thanks so much.

Suburban and haggis very interesting about wool. Clearly not the material for a sweat monster like me. I was seduced by the coat as it is lovely but I will be stronger from now on.

At least I know how to keep on top of the smell in this one, thanks so much.
Wish I wasn't a sweater though!

OP posts:
Haggisfish · 17/10/2015 10:58

At least we are very good at controlling our temperature!!

Gatekeeper · 17/10/2015 13:45

you can buy dress shields- tack them in the armpit and then you can undo them and wash as needed

stoppingbywoods · 17/10/2015 14:04

Where would you purchase such a thing gate?

Gatekeeper · 17/10/2015 14:35

you can buy them from amazon - I got some from John Lewis

Original poster
HoggleHoggle · 17/10/2015 15:26

Gate I'd never heard of those, how brilliant! I will look into it ASAP, it's such a shame when nice clothes are ruined because of my inability to stop streaming sweat.

OP posts:
stoppingbywoods · 18/10/2015 09:04

Do they stick in or do you have to sew them in each time? I can't quite tell from the pictures.

LettuceLaughton · 18/10/2015 09:19

You need to spray the pits with rubbing alcohol or vodka. That'll sort it right out without any residual alcoholic smell. Tis an old costume department trick.

BrandNewAndImproved · 18/10/2015 09:22

Can you try a stronger deodorant like Mitcham?

MaisieDotes · 18/10/2015 09:25

I came on to say vodka but lettuce has beaten me to it.

Cheap vodka in a spray bottle.

Awholelottanosy · 18/10/2015 09:29

Wow this thread has some brilliant tips on it! Must try the rubbing alcohol thingy and I'm not even particularly sweaty!

Actually I think rubbing alcohol could have it's own thread as there's so much you can do with it...Smile

Gatekeeper · 18/10/2015 09:51

stopping you can buy disposable stick on ones as well as sew in ones

Gatekeeper · 18/10/2015 10:02

both kinds here

simonettavespucci · 18/10/2015 10:09

I know this wasn't your question, but have you considered a really effective deodorant. This, for instance:

www.international.boots.com/en/Driclor-Solution-Roll-On-Applicator_22023/

Original poster
HoggleHoggle · 18/10/2015 10:42

Thanks brand I have tried Mitchum but I have sensitive skin so it irritated me. Simone I haven't heard of that one before...do you think it would be ok with sensitive skin? I would like to sweat less, definitely! At the moment I also have to steer clear of fabrics/colours that would allow sweat patches to show, which is annoyingly limiting.

Vodka also a great idea. So pleased I started this thread!

OP posts:
simonettavespucci · 18/10/2015 11:26

Hmm hoggle - I think it might be a problem to be honest - it stings a bit even on my very not sensitive skin.

On the other hand, once you get it up and running, it genuinely lasts weeks. I re-apply maybe once a month (also use a light anti-deodorant daily) and it has completely transformed my clothing options. It might be worth trying, depending on whether you're talking mild discomfort or breaking out in hives?

Here's a link to their FAQs:
www.driclor.com.au/uses-faqs.html

stoppingbywoods · 18/10/2015 13:15

thanks gate, cheers

Original poster
HoggleHoggle · 18/10/2015 13:34

Thanks simone, it's not super sensitive so I'll look into it. It sounds as though it could be perfect.

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