Having nature's help to get your clothes smelling fresh again
The best way to remove body odor from clothes is to wash them right away on a hot wash with a biological detergent; however, if there are resistant stains and odors, there are other methods you can try. The key for tough odors and stains is to put them on a hot wash and use a stain remover, such as Oxiclean, that can be used in-wash--literally during the normal washing cycle. Whichever solution you decide to use, however, always test it on a discreet patch of fabric if you are unsure. Also remember that persistent odors may need two or three washes to really get the smell out.
Vinegar Solution
As crazy as it sounds, using a weak vinegar solution is one of the best ways to remove odors and stains from clothes. Distilled white vinegar is best for this. The acidic qualities of the vinegar act on the alkalinity of your body's natural sweat and break down the stains, which helps eliminate the odor. The more alkaline the sweat, the more it will smell. You should use a solution that is one part vinegar to eight to 10 parts water--or 1/4 cup vinegar for every 2 cups of water; you can always increase the vinegar ratios if you feel it is necessary. Soak the clothes in this solution and then wash on a hot wash as you normally would, using extra in-wash stain remover. For woolen products, try using lemon juice instead of vinegar.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a strong odor absorber, and for tough odors, it's worth making up a paste of baking soda and water and then rubbing it over the affected areas. You make the paste using 2 tsp. of baking soda to every 1 tsp. of water; you can increase the ratios if you feel it's necessary. Leave the paste to dry and wash on a hot wash. Again, don't forget to add in-wash stain remover to your wash.
Bleach Solution
If the vinegar solution isn't effective, then it's worth trying a mild bleach solution; however only use bleach on white or light clothing. Bleach will strip the color from clothes, and it is too strong to use on delicate materials such as silk. The bleach will not only remove the color of the stains, but it will neutralize the odor as well. Use one part bleach to 10 to 12 parts water--or 1/4 cup bleach for every 2 1/2 cups of water; you can always increase the bleach ratios if you feel it's necessary. Soak the soiled garments in the solution and wash as you would normally on a hot wash, again using extra in-wash stain remover.
