Sweat smell in the armpits of clothes, what can you do
Short answer: Sweat smell sits in the fabric because bacteria break down the sweat and the smell lingers in the fibres. You get rid of it by washing quickly, using the right amount of detergent and letting the clothes dry fully. Here are the tips, kept easy to follow in everyday life.
Why do clothes smell in the armpits
Sweat itself hardly smells, but bacteria on the skin and in the fabric break it down, and that is where the smell comes from. It settles in the fibres and lingers even after a wash. That is why a T-shirt can smell even when it looks clean, most clearly at the underarm where the fabric lies close to the skin.
Wash soon after wearing
The sooner a sweaty T-shirt goes into the wash, the less time the smell has to set. Do not leave it damp in a basket for days. Hang it up to dry first if you cannot wash it straight away. If you want several to rotate between, take a look at bamboo T-shirts for men.
Do not use too much detergent
It may sound the wrong way round, but too much detergent can leave residue in the fabric that holds on to the smell. Follow the dose on the pack and base it on how dirty the clothes are. Do not fill the machine completely either, so the water can rinse properly, and choose a longer rinse if you can.
Soak and pre-treat
If the smell is stubborn, you can soak the T-shirt in lukewarm water for about half an hour before washing. Rub a mild detergent into the underarm and then wash by the label. Avoid high heat unless the label allows it, because the fabric can be damaged. Repeat if you can still smell it afterwards.
Let the clothes dry fully
Moisture is what bacteria thrive in, so make sure the clothes dry fully. Hang them somewhere airy and do not leave them in a heap in the washing machine. If you dry outdoors, fresh air often helps with the smell. Do not leave them in direct sun for many hours if the label warns against it.
Choose fabric and fit with care
Fabric and fit affect how much moisture stays behind. A slightly looser fit lets air through, and a soft, breathable fabric often feels nicer when you sweat. Bamboo in clothing is viscose made from bamboo. For warm days you can also look at bamboo polos for men.
Keep the whole layer fresh
Change underwear and socks daily and wash them after wearing, so the smell does not build up through the whole layer. If a T-shirt sits close to the body, wash it more often than you would a loose top. Also take a look at bamboo underpants for men when it is time to replace.
If the smell does not go away
If the smell does not go away after several washes, it can help to clean the machine itself, because residue in it can settle in the clothes. If the fabric is worn and old, it may be time to replace it. If you notice a sudden and marked change in your body odour, you can talk to your doctor about it.
Frequently asked questions
Can sweat smell disappear completely from clothes?
Often yes, if you wash quickly, use the right amount of detergent and dry fully. If the smell is old and set deep, it may take several washes and pre-treatment.
Why do clothes smell even though they are washed?
The smell can sit in the fibres if residue from sweat or detergent remains. More detergent rarely helps, so try pre-treatment, good rinsing and thorough drying.
How often should I wash the T-shirt?
After each wear if you have sweated, and especially if it sits close to the body. With several T-shirts in rotation they last longer and get time to dry.
