Let’s be honest—at some point, most of us have had that nagging thought: “Do I smell… okay?”

In today’s world of TikTok hygiene hacks, shelf-loads of wet wipes, and deodorants that promise full-body freshness, it’s easy to spiral into scent anxiety.

But when temperatures rise—like during this summer’s relentless heatwaves—our worries can get even more intense.

So, how do you actually stay fresh without overdoing it? Are we washing too much or too little? And could your laundry routine be part of the problem? We asked experts from dermatology to dentistry to help us sniff out the truth.

Three Unexpected Truths About Body Odour

You Might Smell Like Your Birth Certificate

As we age, we produce more 2-nonenal, a compound linked with “old person smell.”

But don’t worry—it’s not bad news. In tests, older body odours were rated less pungent and more pleasant than those from younger people. Who knew?

Stress Can Make You Smell Like Stir-Fried Leeks

A Japanese study found that when people were anxious, their skin released a scent similar to cooked leeks.

Scientists believe it could be part of a form of nonverbal communication—your body literally “broadcasting” your emotional state.

Mosquitoes Think You Smell Delicious

According to research from Rockefeller University, certain people produce higher levels of carboxylic acids in their skin oils—making them mosquito magnets.

Some unlucky souls were found to be up to 100 times more attractive to mosquitoes than others!

Bathing Basics: How Clean Is Clean Enough?

One Shower a Day Is Usually Plenty

Dr Aleksandar Godic, a consultant dermatologist, says you don’t need to scrub your skin raw.

A once-daily shower focusing on sweaty zones like armpits, feet, groin, and skin folds does the trick.

Use gentle, fragrance-free soap or pH-balanced shower gel.

Know Your Skin’s Limits

Dr Sasha Dhoat warns that over-washing can backfire.

Aggressive scrubbing damages your skin’s protective barrier.

Aim for 5–10 minutes in the shower—if your feet start looking like raisins, it’s time to step out.

From Armpits to Ankles: Zone-by-Zone Tips

Underarms

Hair traps sweat and bacteria, so unshaved pits might need more thorough washing and extra deodorant.

Intimate Areas

Your vagina is self-cleaning. Don’t douche! Use plain water or gentle emollients like Hydromol.

If there’s a strong or new smell, see a doctor—it could signal BV, STIs, or (rarely) cervical cancer.

Toilet Habits

Wet wipes may feel fresh, but they can cause irritation.

Stick to soft toilet paper followed by water, or choose alcohol-free, unscented wipes if necessary.

The Forgotten Zones That Deserve Love

Feet: Scrub them—don’t just let water trickle over.
Belly Button: Gently clean it with a flannel.
Behind Ears: Wipe sweat and sebum buildup.
Nails: Use a brush daily for hygiene.
Ears and Nose: Clean only the outer areas—no digging!
Arms and Legs: A light lather and rinse is enough.

Let’s Talk Hair

Scalps sweat, shed skin, and hold onto odours. Hair also soaks up smoke, food smells, and dirt.

Trichologist Anabel Kingsley says to wash every 3–4 days, or more often if your hair is fine or oily.

Fine hair has more oil glands per square inch, meaning it gets greasier faster.

On the flip side, thicker or curlier hair can go longer between washes.

The Truth About Natural Deodorants and Body Sprays

Natural products like those with baking soda or essential oils can help mask odour, but they won’t stop sweat.

And don’t go spraying regular antiperspirant everywhere—those are made for underarms only.

All-over sprays designed for sensitive areas are safer, but still won’t prevent sweating.

Brushing Up on Bad Breath

It’s Not Always About Brushing

A dry mouth or acidic diet gives bacteria the upper hand.

Brush twice a day, floss daily, and clean your tongue gently.

Drink water, chew sugar-free gum, and swill after meals. If your breath smells like rotten eggs, it could be a gut or reflux issue—time to see a doctor.

Replace your toothbrush head every three months, and visit your hygienist twice a year.

Is It You—or Your Stuff?

Laundry Might Be the Culprit

Dr Lisa Ackerley, aka The Hygiene Doctor, says low-temp washes and gentle detergents often don’t kill bacteria, especially in gym wear.

Wash sweaty items separately, inside out, and use a 60–90°C cycle or add a laundry sanitiser.

And don’t ignore your washing machine—run a hot cycle monthly and clean the seal regularly.

Smelly House, Smelly You?

A wet dog, a musty towel, or even your handbag could be to blame.

Wash dog towels hot, and avoid dumping your beach bag on the kitchen counter (ew). Clean makeup brushes weekly, flannels after one use, and towels every three uses.

Bedroom Habits That Matter

Pillows: Wash quarterly or replace yearly.
Bedsheets: Change weekly, or more often if sweaty or sick.
PJs: Wash every 2–3 wears—or daily if you skip underwear.

When Clothes Carry the Scent

Socks and Underwear: One wear only.
Bras: Every 3–4 wears (more in summer).
T-shirts: Wash after each wear.
Jeans: Every 4–5 wears, unless dirty.
Swimwear: Rinse after use, wash after two wears.
Hats, Sunglasses, Bags: Wipe regularly.
Sandals: Clean footbeds with soapy water and dry thoroughly.

Bottom Line

Staying fresh doesn’t mean scrubbing yourself raw or spraying every inch of your body. It’s about smart habits, gentle care, and paying attention to the stuff around you—from your towels to your toothpaste.

Sometimes, it’s not you—it’s your environment.