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Original poster

My very clean partner has started to smell of something that repulses me

135 replies

Tigertigertigertiger · 14/04/2022 23:17

This is an odd one.
I’ve been with DP ( we are in our early 60s ) for about ten years and we are mostly happy. We do have ups and downs and from time to time I think I’d be better on my own but that feeling never lasts long.

He is clean almost to a fault. Showers at least once a day and the washing machine is never off - he’s obsessed with washing his clothes and changes them after work and washes everything after half a day’s wear.

Recently he has developed a body odour that I can’t quite describe but it is giving me the ick.

It’s a sort of sour smell . Like washing that has been left in a washing machine for a week, or something like that. Like towels that have been used again and again without washing.

We have always been affectionate but not very sexual for the past few years which suits us both.

He scrubs himself from top to toe in the shower and goes through a ton of shower gel.

What’s going on ?

OP posts:
thenewduchessoflapland · 14/04/2022 23:18

Has he been tested for diabetes?

Rememberitwell · 14/04/2022 23:19

Is it his body or his clothes?

Sunshineanddaisies2021 · 14/04/2022 23:19

Reflux? Parkinsons?

Original poster
Tigertigertigertiger · 14/04/2022 23:20

It’s his body.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tigertigertigertiger · 14/04/2022 23:21

Why do you suggest Parkinson’s ?

OP posts:
ImAvingOops · 14/04/2022 23:22

I think menopause can affect women's sense of smell. Or, and I know it sounds weird, but do you think he's ill - imo some people are very sensitive to what illness smells like

Bagelsandbrie · 14/04/2022 23:23

Are you sure it’s not a breath thing? Gum disease? Abscess?

MissisBoote · 14/04/2022 23:24

Does he have a beard?

Depending on my hormones I'm more sensitive to scent and occasionally I can't bear the smell of my husband. I think it's worse when he's been out of the house. A bit of a beard makes it worse.

Like your dh he is scrupulously clean.

trainnane · 14/04/2022 23:24

As @ImAvingOops says. Some of us are very sensitive to smell. Illness smells. Id get a GP appointment for tests

caecilius1 · 14/04/2022 23:24

Does he go to the dentist regularly and do you know if he has a diagnosis of periodontal disease?

ClemDanFango · 14/04/2022 23:29

Sour smells sometimes come from fungal infections. Does he have any skin rashes?

ABitOfAShitShow · 14/04/2022 23:37

Echoing what has been mentioned about hormones, could it be you?

When I was pregnant, I couldn’t bear the smell of my ex. Nothing had changed about him - my sense of smell was just so crazy and I was so sickly that I swear I could smell and be repulsed by my own self!

sazza76 · 14/04/2022 23:40

Its worth him visiting his GP for some blood tests, there are some illnesses that can cause body odours. As others have said, check he has no fungal infections, lots of washing can make them more likely, check feet, toenails, armpits and groin areas. Also as others have said, his mouth, but if its coming from his body not his breath its unlikely.

KateMiddletonsBodyDouble · 14/04/2022 23:43

Oh wow there was a thread so similar to this recently...I'll see if I can find it

SpinningMeSoftly · 14/04/2022 23:44

If he's washing himself and his clothes so often and so thoroughly, I wonder what it is that HE thinks he can smell on himself or has to be washing out?

rubbishatballet · 14/04/2022 23:45

I thought this had happened to DH recently, and was a bit worried there was something wrong with him. But it turned out to be a new pair of jeans that he'd bought. A really weird, strong smell that wasn't obviously chemical and seemed much more bodily/breath. Even though they've been washed quite a few times now there's still a bit of a smell when he wears them. Just in case it's worth checking it's not something as simple as that.

KateMiddletonsBodyDouble · 14/04/2022 23:46

Found it www.mumsnet.com/Talk/relationships/4499599-My-husband-smells-but-only-I-can-smell-it
Hope it helps OP

Weenurse · 14/04/2022 23:49

Some people seem to be able to smell cancers in their partner, a bit like some dogs can.
Does he have any obvious skin lesions or skin cancers?

Weenurse · 14/04/2022 23:51

Also, since menopause, I have been very sensitive to the smell of my DH when he eats anything with garlic.

worriedaboutmoney2022 · 14/04/2022 23:54

My dad smelt of vinegar and it indicated he had problems with his kidneys I'd get him to the GO for a blood test

worriedaboutmoney2022 · 14/04/2022 23:55

GP not GO

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 14/04/2022 23:55

Is it his shoes?

sessell · 14/04/2022 23:57

It might be something innocuous. It also might be an illness. There was a story of a woman who could smell Parkinson's. Dogs and some people can smell cancers. Ask the GP for blood tests or other specific tests and look out for any symptoms. I hope it's nothing but if it is something best to find it early.

SunshinePie · 14/04/2022 23:58

Has he started taking vitamin tablets? That can change body odour. Or starting eating anything different recently?

Rinatinabina · 15/04/2022 00:17

May be illness, I can smell when DD isn’t well.