{"id":263258,"date":"2025-07-14T03:56:12","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T03:56:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/263258\/"},"modified":"2025-07-14T03:56:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T03:56:12","slug":"how-to-know-if-you-smell-bad-and-what-you-can-do-about-it-hygiene-experts-tips-on-everything-from-the-forgotten-body-parts-you-must-clean-to-the-fruit-to-eat-to-avoid-bad-breath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/263258\/","title":{"rendered":"How to know if you smell bad &#8211; and what you can do about it: Hygiene experts&#8217; tips on everything from the forgotten body parts you MUST clean to the fruit to eat to avoid bad breath"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">We\u2019ve all worried at some point: do I smell? With the rise of extreme hygiene routines on <a style=\"font-weight: bold;\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/tiktok\/index.html\" id=\"mol-703f8bb0-5ffe-11f0-8e1f-c119ad6bf9e5\" rel=\"noopener\">TikTok<\/a>, a surge in sales of wet wipes and all-body deodorants, and the obsession with scented everything, it\u2019s easy to feel paranoid about personal odour.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">So, after yet another heatwave this summer and more expected before the cooler months arrive, what do you need to stay fresh and fragrant when the temperature is rising? Are we over-cleansing or under-scrubbing? Or are household habits the real culprit? We asked dermatologists, dentists and hygiene experts to sniff out the truth.<\/p>\n<p>THREE SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT BODY ODOUR<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">1. You smell your age<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">As we age, we produce more of a compound called 2-nonenal. In tests, people could identify whether body odour came from someone over 75. The good news is that they rated it as more pleasant and less pungent than the smells emitted by younger people.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">2. Stress smells like leeks<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">We make two kinds of body odour. The first is on the surface, involving sweat, sebum (an oily substance) and bacteria. The second is \u2018skin gas\u2019 emitted from inside our body.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Under psychological stress, people\u2019s skin \u2018emitted an odour similar to stir-fried leeks\u2019, according to Japanese researchers in a study published by the US National Institutes of Health. The researchers said their findings indicated \u2018the possibility of human nonverbal communication through odour\u2019.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">3. You may attract mosquitoes<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Mosquitoes are drawn to people with higher levels of compounds called carboxylic acids in their skin\u2019s sebum, which affects the way we smell, a Rockefeller University study found. The scent is imperceptible to humans but irresistible to the bugs. One person studied was 100 times more attractive to mosquitoes than others.<\/p>\n<p>   <img decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-adb5af85317406ee\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/100269555-14901515-image-a-24_1752422496795.jpg\" height=\"423\" width=\"634\" alt=\"Hygiene experts share the importance of washing you and your things at the right frequency\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" style=\"max-width:100%\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>   <\/p>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Hygiene experts share the importance of washing you and your things at the right frequency<\/p>\n<p>BODY BASICS \u2013 FROM BITS TO PITS (AND BEYOND)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">How much washing is enough?<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">According to Aleksandar Godic, consultant dermatologist at Stratum Clinics, you can forget obsessive cleansing rituals: a once-a-day scrub is enough to keep most people smelling sweet.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018Focus on sweat-prone areas like underarms, groin, feet, and skin folds,\u2019 says Dr Godic. \u2018These are where odour-causing bacteria thrive.\u2019<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">He advises using a gentle, non-fragranced soap or pH-balanced shower gel. There\u2019s no strong evidence that antibacterial washes offer benefits for routine hygiene and overuse can irritate skin or disrupt the natural microbiome.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Dr Sasha Dhoat, consultant dermatologist at The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic, adds: \u2018It\u2019s bespoke \u2013 if you\u2019re sweating, working out, or it\u2019s a hot day, you may want to shower every day. But alternate days may suffice if you don\u2019t sweat much or live in a cooler, drier climate. Aggressive over-washing can damage your skin\u2019s barrier, our protective defence against the outside world. Five to ten minutes in the shower is ideal. If your feet go \u201cpruney\u201d, you\u2019ve overdone it.\u2019<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">Getting specific<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mol-bullets-with-font\">\n<li class=\"\">Underarms:\u00a0\u00a0If you don\u2019t shave, you may need to wash more thoroughly and re-apply deodorant. Hair can trap odour-producing sweat and bacteria but doesn\u2019t cause odour itself.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Intimate hygiene: Consultant gynaecologist Dr Tania Adib says a healthy vaginal smell is simply your usual one. \u2018Most women don\u2019t notice their own smell as we are so used to it,\u2019 she says. A strong or unusual odour may signal an issue such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is caused by an imbalance in your natural skin flora, STIs like gonorrhoea, or, very rarely, cervical cancer. Forgotten tampons can also be culprits. \u2018If your odour changes, see your doctor.\u2019 During menopause, vaginal dryness can increase the risk of developing BV. Moisturisers, topical oestrogen, HRT and sea buckthorn oil supplements may help. \u2018Avoid perfumed soaps and gels \u2013 they can irritate sensitive skin,\u2019 says Dr Adib. \u2018Use the purest unscented soap or just water on the vulva. Even bland soap may be too abrasive for women with sensitive skin \u2013 use plain emollients like Cetraben or Hydromol. She adds: \u2018The vagina \u2013 the internal part \u2013 is self-cleaning. Never douche. This strips away natural flora, ironically increasing the risk of an odour-causing imbalance.\u2019<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Toilet talk: Moist toilet tissues have soared in popularity, but are they necessary? Julie Bowring, consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology, sounds a note of caution. \u2018They can make you feel fresh and clean, but the colorectal surgeon I work with advises against wipes due to potential irritation caused by chemicals in them,\u2019 she says. Dr Godic suggests opting for fragrance and alcohol-free wipes for sensitive skin. However, soft toilet paper followed by water is often gentler and more eco-friendly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">A breath of fresh hair<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018Your scalp is skin, and just like the rest of your body, it secretes sweat and sebum, sheds dead skin cells, and collects dust, dirt and bacteria,\u2019 says Anabel Kingsley, lead trichologist at hair care brand Philip Kingsley. Hair can also trap smoke and cooking odours.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">She recommends washing hair at least every three to four days or more frequently if you have fine or oily hair. \u2018The idea that hair is self-cleaning is a myth,\u2019 she says. \u2018Fine hair means more individual hairs per square centimetre of the scalp. As every hair has its own oil gland, fine hair means more oil and often requires daily washing. Coarser or coil-textured hair can go longer between cleans as there are fewer hairs and, therefore, fewer oil glands on the scalp. To avoid limp locks when washing daily, use a volumising shampoo.\u2019<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">The forgotten zones<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mol-bullets-with-font\">\n<li class=\"\">Feet: A bacterial breeding ground. Podiatrist Emma Supple says, \u2018Don\u2019t just stand there and let water run over them \u2013 scrub with a bristled brush and dry between toes.\u2019<\/li>\n<li>Belly button: Often neglected. Dr Godic says: \u2018Clean gently with a flannel or fingers. Don\u2019t poke anything inside.\u2019<\/li>\n<li>Behind ears: Another place where sebum and sweat can gather. Wipe gently during your regular wash.<\/li>\n<li>Nails and toenails: Scrub with a nail brush daily.<\/li>\n<li>Ears and nose: Clean the outer ear only. Never insert anything into the ear canal. Noses usually take care of themselves. Just wipe gently.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Arms, legs and backs: Applying shower gel or soap with your hands is sufficient for daily cleansing, especially for sensitive or dry skin. Simply letting water run over the body may not be enough to remove oils, dirt, sunscreen or dead skin cells. A clean flannel or shower puff can help provide light exfoliation but should be washed and dried thoroughly after each use to prevent bacterial buildup.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">People with sensitive skin, for example, anyone with eczema, should avoid scrubbing because they could damage the skin barrier function. A gentle lather and rinse is enough.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Natural and all-body deodorants: Do they work?<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Natural deodorants can reduce odour by using baking soda or essential oils, but they don\u2019t stop sweating. \u2018They\u2019re good for sensitive skin, but expectations should be realistic,\u2019 says Dr Godic.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">And what about spraying antiperspirant everywhere?<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018Definitely not advised,\u2019 says Dr Dhoat. \u2018These products are for underarms only. Using them on areas like the groin can cause irritation. However, products marketed as whole body deodorants are designed specifically with these broader application areas in mind.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">These tend to use gentler formulations but because they avoid antiperspirant ingredients like aluminium salts, they won\u2019t prevent sweating.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">What about dry brushing?\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018Body brushing can be useful for exfoliation,\u2019 says Dr Godic. \u2018But it\u2019s not necessary for hygiene and should be done gently to avoid damaging the skin barrier.\u2019<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">Bad breath: It\u2019s not always about teeth<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018A dry mouth allows bacteria to breed, especially when food debris isn\u2019t washed away,\u2019 says Dr Sam Jethwa, president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking fluids helps.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018Bad breath can be linked to gastric reflux, high-acid diets, or gut bacteria,\u2019 he adds. \u2018Dairy and high-protein foods release amino acids that feed bacteria on the tongue, while acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus encourage bacterial growth. Pregnancy can also trigger odours due to hormonal shifts, dehydration or morning sickness.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018If your breath smells like rotten eggs, the issue may be gastrointestinal. If changes in hygiene and diet don\u2019t help, see a dentist or doctor.\u2019<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mol-bullets-with-font\">\n<li>Floss once or twice daily between every tooth to loosen any trapped food, a common cause of smells. Then brush afterwards for two minutes to whisk any debris away.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Replace toothbrush heads every three months or whenever bristles look splayed, worn down or have become stiff.<\/li>\n<li>Brush your tongue or use a tongue-scraper. \u2018But only use light pressure to avoid damage to the taste buds,\u2019 says Dr Jethwa.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">See your hygienist twice a year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Any quick fixes? \u2018Swill water after eating,\u2019 says Dr Jethwa, adding: \u2018Apples help clean teeth and boost saliva.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>   <img decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-4a63aae91a303531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/100269557-14901515-image-m-23_1752422359319.jpg\" height=\"375\" width=\"306\" alt=\"Dr Lisa Ackerley, hygiene expert\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" style=\"max-width:100%\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>   <\/p>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Dr Lisa Ackerley, hygiene expert<\/p>\n<p>HOUSEHOLD HYGIENE<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Sometimes, it\u2019s not you \u2013 it\u2019s your stuff. Dr Lisa Ackerley, a chartered environmental health practitioner known as The Hygiene Doctor, says cleaning mistakes may make us smellier than we realise.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">Laundry lowdown<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Low-temp washes and non-bio detergents may be gentle and eco-friendly but less effective at removing odour.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018You may not get the smells out properly,\u2019 says Dr Ackerley. Washing gym gear, dog blankets and towels with other clothes can cross-contaminate them with bacteria and odours.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Body heat activates smells trapped in fabric, especially in gym clothes made from moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics. These absorb oils, sweat and bacteria, worsening over time. Dr Ackerley advises turning them inside out to expose oils and sweat to detergent and washing them immediately.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018Use a 60\u201390C wash to kill bacteria,\u2019 she says. \u2018For delicates or low-temperature washes, consider adding a laundry sanitiser. Bio powders are more effective than liquids as they contain stain-removing enzymes, and powders for whites often contain bacteria-busting bleach.\u2019<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">If your washing machine is smelly, all your clothes will smell too. It often happens because we only use the cool wash setting, which allows bacteria and yeasts to flourish.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Run a hot wash or use a washing machine cleaner once a month or at the first sign of a whiff and wipe the rubber seal with antibacterial spray.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Line drying makes clothes smell fresher. Leaving slightly damp clothes piled up in a warm tumble dryer can create musty odours. If you tumble dry, remove and air clothes immediately.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">Is your dog making you smell?<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018I have a dog that I walk on the beach daily,\u2019 says Dr Ackerley. \u2018So I know that even a fairly clean wet dog smells bad. Your car or sofa can absorb that smell, and, in turn, so can you.\u2019<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Dr Ackerley recommends using dog-drying coats made of towelling as well as washing dog towels at high temperatures or with a sanitiser.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">Makeup bag mayhem<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mol-bullets-with-font\">\n<li class=\"\">Makeup brushes: Clean weekly.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Hairbrushes: Remove hair daily; wash monthly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">Bathroom basics<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mol-bullets-with-font\">\n<li class=\"\">Towels: Wash every 3 uses and air thoroughly.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Flannels: One use only. Don\u2019t use body flannels on your face. Wash in hot water weekly.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Toothbrush holders and soap dishes: Clean weekly \u2013 they accumulate grime quickly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">Bedroom habits<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mol-bullets-with-font\">\n<li>Pillows: Wash quarterly according to the label instructions or replace yearly. Use pillow protectors to keep them cleaner.<\/li>\n<li>Sheets: Change weekly, more often if you\u2019re sweaty or unwell, as bacteria and viruses can linger. Mattress protectors are another essential.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Pyjamas: If you shower at night, wash every 2\u20133 wears. Change bottoms daily if you go commando.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>CLOTHING &amp; ACCESSORIES<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mol-bullets-with-font\">\n<li class=\"\">Socks and underwear: One wear only.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Bras: Every 3\u20134 wears. More often in hot weather.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">T-shirts: After every wear.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Jeans: Every 4\u20135 wears unless visibly dirty.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Swimwear: Rinse every time. Wash properly after two wears.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Summer dresses: Every 1\u20132 wears, depending on heat and sweat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-bold\">Accessories and summer gear<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mol-bullets-with-font\">\n<li class=\"\">Sun hats: Wipe the band with mild soap or replace annually.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Sunglasses: Wipe daily; clean weekly with mild soap.<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Totes and beach bags: Empty and then clean with an antibacterial wipe. \u2018Some people\u2019s bags are disgusting, inside and out,\u2019 says Dr Ackerley. \u2018People put all sorts of things in them, from half-eaten sandwiches to dog balls. No wonder they get smelly. A top tip is not to put bags on the floor, especially in public areas such as on transport and in toilets. If you do, don\u2019t throw them on your bed and definitely don\u2019t put them on a kitchen counter, which I\u2019ve seen people do.\u2019<\/li>\n<li class=\"\">Smelly sandals: That black gunk? \u2018It\u2019s sweat, skin, dirt and bacteria,\u2019 she says. Wipe footbeds with a damp cloth and soap from time to time. Allow to dry thoroughly before reuse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"We\u2019ve all worried at some point: do I smell? With the rise of extreme hygiene routines on TikTok,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":263259,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[92,105,449,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-263258","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-health","8":"tag-dailymail","9":"tag-health","10":"tag-tiktok","11":"tag-uk","12":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114849578014887945","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/263258","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=263258"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/263258\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/263259"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=263258"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=263258"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=263258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}