Bacteria grows on the skin and combines with sweat to produce body odor (BO). Often known as “perspiration odor,” BO can attach itself to socks, shirts, sports equipment, yoga mats, and bedding, causing unpleasant and sometimes embarrassing smells.
The best toolbox of natural materials to neutralize and eliminate BO and perspiration stains will include essential oils, vinegar, salt, and baking soda. That’s it. Bacteria grow the best within a narrow range of pH between 6.7 and 7.5. A neutral pH is 7. White distilled vinegar with a pH of 2.4 will make a very inhospitable environment for bacteria, as will baking soda, with a pH of 9. Salt and essential oils are both very anti-bacterial (thyme and Australian Tea Tree Oil are especially good).
How to use: Spray vinegar straight on places with odors and don’t rinse. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda on places such as yoga mats, and let set for a few hours before sweeping up. Add 4 cups of salt to laundry for deodorizing sports clothes and towels. To use essential oils, add 1 teaspoon to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle, spray on area and don’t rinse.
By Annie B. Bond, best-selling and award-winning author of five green living books, thousands of blogs, and all the tips in the Greenify Everything app.
