Mild body odor is quite common, but occasionally when it is particularly bad, this can damage your self esteem.
Here are a few things you should know about body odor.
Sweat glands are made up of eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine’s are present in almost all body parts which produce sweat and the apocrine is found in specific body parts like armpits, groin, on feet and around the nipples. Body odor is caused when the bacteria on that area comes into contact with sweat.
Baking Soda for Body Odor:
Baking soda or bicarbonate of soda is a white crystalline compound with many health benefits. Here is how it can help:
- It absorbs moisture from the skin and keeps it dry.
- It acts as a natural deodorant agent to prevent body odor.
- It kills bacteria and neutralizes / alkalizes the body to prevent excess sweating and odor.
- Baking soda will lower the pH level of the sweating parts to counteract the acids in sweat.
1. Baking Soda
Process 1:
- Dust baking soda on the places where you sweat the most.
- Let it sit for few minutes to absorb the sweat.
- Discard the excess baking soda and wear clothes as normal.
Process 2:
- Place baking soda in a clean bowl and add water to make a fine paste.
- Wet your underarms or effected areas and apply the paste evenly.
- Rub gently for a minute or two and then allow it to sit for about 5 – 10 minutes.
- Shower to remove and repeat regularly.
2. Baking Soda with Lemon Juice
Baking soda dries out the area where it is applied and lemon kills the bacteria with its citric acid and works as natural deodorant. However, do not go in the sun when the lemon juice is on, apply before bed is best.
Process:
- Mix 1 tablespoon each of baking soda and freshly squeezed lemon juice into a mixing bowl.
- Apply this on your underarms and other body parts where you perspire excessively with either a cotton pad or finger tips.
- Allow it to sit for about 10 – 15 minutes.
- Make sure that not to scrub or rub the skin.
- When dried, have a shower or bath.
- Follow daily for few weeks.
3. Baking Soda with Cornstarch
Both baking soda and cornstarch are excellent absorbent agents so this combination works really well.
Ingredients:
- Baking soda – 1/2 cup
- Cornstarch – 1/2 cup
- Tea tree oil – 10 drops
- Plastic containers
- Powder shaker container
Process:
- Add tea tree oil to equal quantities of baking soda and cornstarch powder.
- Pour this well mixed powder into a shaker container and close it properly.
- Then apply this mixture every day after taking shower.
- Let it sit for few minutes and then remove excess mixture.
- Wear clothes as normal.
- Regular follow up of this process will definitely help.
- Or you can replace tea tree oil with coconut oil and mix it to make fine paste, apply and be sure to wash it off afterwards.
4. Baking Soda with Alum Powder and Rubbing Alcohol
This process is useful for the people those who don’t want to use scented deodorants to prevent their body odor, as alum is unscented.
Ingredients:
- Baking soda – 2 teaspoons
- Alum powder – 4 teaspoons
- Rubbing alcohol – 225 ml
- Empty and clean, dry spray bottle
Process:
- Mix all three ingredients in a clean, dry spray bottle.
- Stir it properly until all are mixed well.
- Store and use as needed.
- Replace your regular deodorant with this homemade unscented deodorant.
5. Homemade Natural Deodorant
Commercial deodorants are generally loaded with chemicals that cause harm to the skin. The solution is made from baking soda and essential oil to get rid of body odor naturally without causing any harm to the skin.
Ingredients:
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
- Essential oil – 3 to 4 drops
- Water
Process:
- Add sufficient amount of water to baking soda and stir it well to make a thick paste.
- Then add an essential oil of your choice like lavender, lemon or vanilla oil and mix.
- Apply this to the most odor prone areas like armpits, feet, groin, etc.
- Allow it to sit for about 15 – 20 minutes and then rinse with water.
- Or you can also leave it like that without washing it to completely dry.
- Regularize the application for best results.
6. Baking Soda and Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has lauric acid that helps to eliminate the bacteria causing sweat with odor. It has light fragrance that keeps the body refreshed. Baking soda eliminates the body odor by clearing the bacteria and absorbing the excessive sweating, making this combination very effective.
Ingredients:
- Baking soda – 3 to 4 teaspoons
- Coconut oil – 3 teaspoons
- Shea butter – 2 teaspoons
- Essential oil
- Arrowroot powder (optional) – 2 teaspoons
- Double boiler or saucepan
Process:
- Add Shea butter and coconut oil to a double boiler and place over medium heat until they melt.
- Remove from heat and add baking soda and arrowroot powder.
- Mix it well and then add an essential oil of your choice.
- Let it cool for few minutes to store this mixture in an airtight container.
- Fill an empty deodorant stick with this mixture and store in the fridge.
- Use this stick regularly as a deodorant.
- Note: If you don’t have double boiler pour some water in saucepan and heat it, then place coconut oil and Shea butter in a glass jar with a lid.
- Place the jar in the hot water until both these ingredients are thoroughly melted.
7. Baking Soda Bath for Body Odor
Have this bath regularly to prevent body odor.
Ingredients:
- Baking soda – 1/4 cup
- Warm water
Process:
- Add baking soda to a bath of warm water.
- Stir it well and have a relaxing bath in the water.
- This process helps to extend the baking soda benefits to the whole body.
- Have this bath regularly.
8. Baking Soda with Salt and Essential Oils Bath
Have this bath daily until you get relief from body completely and then continue this for once or twice a week.
Ingredients:
- Baking soda – 1 tablespoon
- Kelp powder – 1 tablespoon
- Epsom salt – 2 tablespoon
- Dead Sea salt – 3 tablespoons
- Lavender oil – 6 drops
- Lemon balm oil – 3 drops
- Lemon oil – 6 drops
- Warm water
Process:
- Run a bath of warm water.
- Pour baking soda, Epsom salt and Dead Sea salt into this water.
- Mix, and then add kelp powder and mix again.
- Now add lavender oil, lemon balm oil and lemon oil in it and stir well.
- Soak yourself in this water for about 30 minutes.
- Have this baking soda, salt and essential oils bath regularly.
9. Baking Soda with Apple Cider Vinegar, Borax and Water
Ingredients:
- Baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon
- Apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons
- Borax – a pinch
- Water – 1 liter
Process:
- Pour all the ingredients into water and stir well.
- Sip this slowly throughout the day.
- Continue the intake of this baking soda mixture for about 3 – 5 days and then give a break of 2 – 3 days.
Baking Soda for Foot Odor
Body odor is common in the feet due to continuous usage of shoes or other unhygienic conditions.
Ingredients:
- Baking soda – 4 tablespoons
- Warm water – 4 cups
- Towel or clean washcloth
Process:
- Add baking soda to warm water in a bowl.
- Stir well and soak your feet in the water for a few minutes.
- Take your feet out and dry properly.
- Or you can apply dry baking soda powder to the feet after taking shower.
How to Remove Body Odor on Cloths:
Baking soda can also be used to remove odor from clothes.
If you have washed clothes and they still have odor, then its time to use baking soda. Always remember that you have to wash these cloths separately so that the smell will not be transferred to other cloths.
Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Warm water
Process:
- Place baking soda in a bowl and add warm water to make a paste.
- Apply to the problem areas and rub it gently.
- Allow to sit for at least 20 minutes to overnight.
- After that, launder the clothes as regularly.
Removing Body Odor from Furniture Using Baking Soda:
Sweat smells and body odor will easily get attached to furniture, and is hard to remove. Here is the process that allows you to clear the odor using baking soda.
Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Vacuum
- Clean wash cloth
Process:
- Sprinkle baking soda over the furniture.
- Rub it gently and leave overnight.
- The next morning, vacuum the furniture thoroughly to remove baking soda.
- After that, clean the furniture with a clean and dry washcloth.
- Repeat this process regularly.
Tips and Precaution to be followed while using Baking Soda For Body Odor:
As everyone’s skin type is different, it may cause some side effects or problems. Follow these simple but effective tips to prevent body odor completely and safely.
- Use a fresh box of baking soda for treating body odor to get maximum benefits. Avoid using the one which has been stored for a long period of time.
- Take a shower or bath to eliminate the sweat and bacteria that causes body odor. Dry the body well before wearing the cloths, especially the underarms, feet and groin areas to prevent body odor.
- Avoid alcohol, strong spices, coffee and other foods which causes body odor.
- Continuous usage of this baking soda may lead to B vitamins depletion. So its always best to consult doctor about whether you have to make some changes in your diet, or have supplements.
- If there is any redness or irritation, it is to discontinue the usage of baking soda.
- Remember that excessive sweating and body odor may also be caused by several diseases like liver problems, bad breath, cervical cancer, ketoacidosis, hyperthyroidism, etc. so its always better to consult your doctor.
- Avoid applying this on recently shaved or waxed skin.
Do you know any other baking soda methods for treating body odor? Then feel free to share your experience with us.
62 comments
how can I stop my arm pit smelling
Try any method mentioned above in the article as per your convenience. Apart from that, shower after coming from outside to remove the sweat and bacteria that cause odor. Avoid alcohol and coffee as they can also trigger body odor.
And, also definitely begin to eat a clean diet. Inside out healing. Your underarm odor will go away! I am learning more and more about eating a plant-based diet while I am beginning to eat a plant-based diet. I have experienced so much improvement regarding odor. It’s because we got some toxic stuff going on inside!
Can the baking soda solution be applied on the virgina?
Yes, it can be applied but don’t forget to dilute it with water.
for how long should baking soda help to eliminate body odor and if does should a person stop using it
It’s quite difficult to tell exact time as everyones body is different. Apart from using above mentioned methods, drink plenty of water and exfoliate regularly for quick results. Instead of stopping it, use at least once in a while.
if i use baking soda as a deo, will it not affect the areas of armpit? say, will not get burn or getting dark armpit?
No it doesn’t burn your skin. If your skin burn or gets discoloured then you may allergic to it.
Baking soda is my deo super effective but burns my armpit..im thinking of mixing it with water
Yes, diluting baking soda with water will reduce the irritation and burning sensation.
hi good aftie..any methods that i can leave baking soda in my under arm like a regular deodorant.because some methods that had been mentioned above is you need to wash it after 15-30mins.
You can try the homemade natural deodorant using baking soda mentioned in the above article. Good Luck.
Is it okay baking soda and coconut oil only to make as deodorant?
Yes, it is ok.
is it effective to use baking soda to control armpit sweating?
Yes, it is. It absorbs the moisture, kills the bacteria, balances the ph level and acts as a natural deodorant.
can i used baking soda that stored for a long time?
It is better to discard it and buy a new one.
When I mix the baking soda with water it doesn’t create a thick paste. It rather remains at the bottom of the bowl while the water is floating. could the water still be effective since it is stirred well already?
Reduce the amount of water to get the consistency. You can combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water.
OMG. I just tried this today and I am SO grateful! I am moving away from all controllable toxic ingestion, to include my skin. The natural ingredients work better anyway! God designed these tools for us! I have been on a natural journey for only a very, very, short time and the results across the board (in this case, my body : ) have been nothing short of miraculous! (My Mom hipped me to the use of lime once she knew I was moving away from toxins. I thought, ehhh? I don’t like lime. Had the lemon. Had the baking soda. And, here we are today!) For the record, I am a sweater and a stinker. However, due to my also moving to a plant-based diet, I do not get as funky. Cleaning from the inside out!
baking soda makes my underarm dark why should I do to make it whiten again
You can try other methods mentioned in this article – http://wellness.guide/whiten-dark-underarms/
Can i apply 2 process of the above article everyday? for example ill do num 1 then num 7
Yes, you can do both method 1 and 7 in a day. You can add baking soda to your bath water daily and dust some baking soda instead of antiperspirant.
What does #9 help with?
Is it for bad breath? Or help fight odor from the inside?
It helps to treat body odor from inside.
What if I have 500 ml of rubbing alcohol. How many teaspoons of tawas and baking soda should I mix? And what will happen if I put tawas on my recently shaved/waxed skin???
8 teaspoons of alum powder and 4 teaspoons of baking soda.
hi, how many hours/days should i wait to apply the above processes if waxed/shaved?
I have just sprinkled bicarb of soda under my armpits after showering more ages now – no body odor, no irritation. Fantastic stuff.
Can it be used in the vaginal area as well?
pH imbalance is one of the main reasons for vaginal odor. Baking soda is helps to balance pH levels. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bathwater and soak for 15 – 20 minutes. Dry your body thoroughly before wearing your clothes.
What’ll happen if I mix a roll on with baking soda ?
If you have sensitive skin then it may cause skin irritation and burning sensation.
Will using the baking soda and coconut oil mixture on your underarms cause oily stains on your clothes on those areas?
If applied normally, it doesn’t stain the clothes, but if you apply more than required then it might.
what will i do if using baking soda will only reduce the body odor and it doesn’t stop it?
If topical applications are just reducing the body odor but don’t stop it, then its time to start healing from inside. Diet also plays an important role in body odor. An unhealthy food can lead to toxin buildup in the body leading to body odor. Apart from that, eating lots of asphagarus, onion and garlic can also lead to body odor. Stop including them in your diet for 2 – 3 days to know whether they are the root cause behind the odor. So, start eating a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins.
what time baking soda and lemon juice should be used in armpits? morning or before go to bed and till how much time it will be effective?
You can use it either in the morning or before going to bed as per your convenience. You can leave the application 10 – 15 minutes. Repeat the method daily.
After applying baking soda, should I still use some deodorant after? I am worried because I am thinking if I leave my armpit without deodorant it might smell bad when I am sweating
You don’t have to apply deodorant after applying baking soda as it acts as a deodorant and prevents bad odor.
Thank you very much! I will start putting some now ^_^
Another Question haha Im sorrym the hairs. Should I shave it or pick it using Tweezers?
I use baking soda as a deo but why my armpit getting darker??
Initially, baking soda may darken the armpits as it draws out the toxins. Once, it removes the toxins, it will slowly lighten the color.
Can I use baking soda on a child of about six years
We usually don’t recommend as it can be harsh and even damage the skin texture.
I dust baking soda for the first time last night and it started to burn during the night
Should i continue to use daily
My deodorant has stopped working for me the more i use the more smellier i get lol
If it has caused burning sensation then avoid using it and use any other remedy like lemon. You can find more information and remedies in this article – http://wellness.guide/lemon-for-body-odor/
Can i dust some baking soda on my face to relieve my excessive sweating on my face after shower?
Yes, you can.
Can i combine white vinegar and baking soda on my daily shower to prevent excessive sweating?is it safe to use?
Yes, you can.
Is it okay if I did not discard the baking soda?
Can i mix baking soda with ACV as deodorant?
can i put baking soda only in my armpit? what can i use if im working or can i use baking soda with lemon juice as a deodorant den wear my uniform?
Lets say i had a bad day. And im getting bad odor, can i put baking soda without cleaning?
Ok so I haven’t been very hygienic for a while, my life was kinda spiraling down and I just stopped caring about everything. I started turning my life around and got back to cleaning myself everyday but I definitely have remnants (odor) from previous habits and it’s starting to affect life. It’s hard to be at work since I’m constantly in whisper range of people and I seem to always run hot which means I’m always kinda sweaty somewhere. I can’t really afford all the extra stuff but the simple baking soda bath I can do, is this the best option for me or is there something better I should try? Sorry for this whole ridiculous story but it’s something that eats at me since I have almost crippling anxiety issues and it’s something I could really use help with.
Hello ! I just want to ask if it’s ok for my 11 yrs old daughter for baking soda and lemon?