How to Get Rid of Armpit Odor (A Routine That Works)

The Sweat DeskBody odor

Quick answer: To get rid of armpit odor, wash your underarms for at least 30 seconds with an antibacterial or benzoyl peroxide wash, dry completely, apply antiperspirant at night, and use a deodorant in the morning. Trimming or shaving underarm hair, wearing breathable fabrics, and washing sweaty clothes promptly also help. If odor changes suddenly or doesn’t improve, see a doctor.

Armpit odor isn’t a hygiene failure. It happens when bacteria on your skin break down sweat, especially the thicker sweat from apocrine glands in your underarms. That means the fix is less about masking the smell and more about three things: reducing the bacteria, reducing the sweat, and keeping the area dry.

Here’s the routine that helps most, the habits that make it work better, and what to know about popular home remedies.

Infographic on how to get rid of armpit odor: a four-step daily routine (wash 30 seconds, dry completely, antiperspirant at night, deodorant in the morning), habits that help, what to know about home remedies, and when to talk to a doctor. — Cut the bacteria, cut the sweat, and keep the area dry.

The daily routine for armpit odor

1. Wash for at least 30 seconds

A quick rinse doesn’t do much against odor bacteria. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi recommends lathering your underarms with an antibacterial soap for at least 30 seconds. For stubborn odor, dermatologists often suggest a benzoyl peroxide wash, which targets odor-causing bacteria. Our guide to the best soap for body odor compares the options.

2. Dry completely

Bacteria “thrive in damp and dark conditions,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Geeta Yadav. Pat your underarms fully dry after showering. Applying antiperspirant to damp skin also makes it less effective and more likely to irritate.

3. Apply antiperspirant at night

Less sweat means less for bacteria to break down. Antiperspirant works best on dry skin at night, when sweat glands are less active, and it keeps working after a morning shower. See why nighttime application works.

If you only have mild odor and don’t sweat much, you may not need antiperspirant at all. Ghent University researcher Chris Callewaert, who studies the armpit microbiome, suggests a regular deodorant for slight odor rather than blocking sweat.

4. Use deodorant in the morning

A strong odor-control formula handles what’s left. Deodorants with gentle acids, like mandelic acid, lower skin pH and make it harder for odor bacteria to thrive. Dr. Shirazi also often recommends a glycolic acid product a few times a week. Our best deodorant for body odor guide covers both antiperspirants and deodorants.

Habits that make the routine work better

Trim or shave underarm hair. Dr. Shirazi suggests keeping it short. In one small study of 30 men, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, shaving or waxing made soap washing noticeably better at reducing odor. The study was run by razor maker Procter & Gamble, so treat it as a promising early finding.
Wear breathable fabrics. Loose cotton dries faster than tight synthetic clothing, which can trap moisture and odor.
Wash sweaty clothes promptly. Odor can build up in fabric, especially workout clothes left in a gym bag.
Watch common food triggers. Dr. Yadav names onions, garlic, and alcohol as common offenders. Callewaert’s research links eating more vegetables to better body odor, and frequent meat and fast food to worse.
Manage stress where you can. Stress sweat comes from apocrine glands and tends to smell stronger. If your odor has a sharp, oniony edge, here’s why armpits smell like onions.

Do home remedies work?

Home remedies are everywhere online, but the evidence behind them is thin, and some can irritate your skin.

Baking sodaIt can neutralize odor, but dermatologist Dr. Neelam Vashi explains it’s alkaline, “more basic than the skin’s natural pH,” so it can easily irritate. Patch test first.

Apple cider vinegar or lemon juiceThese are acidic and have little evidence behind them. Never apply them to freshly shaved or broken skin.

Armpit detox masksThere’s no evidence that armpits store toxins. Consistent washing does more than a clay or charcoal mask.

Switching to natural deodorantIt can work for mild odor, but it won’t reduce sweat. See our natural deodorant guide.

If a remedy or new product leaves your underarms red, itchy, or burning, stop using it. Our deodorant rash guide explains how to calm irritated skin.

When to see a doctor

Your body odor changes suddenly or strongly without a clear reason.
The routine above doesn’t help after a few weeks of consistent use.
You’re also sweating much more than usual. Excessive sweating can be a treatable condition, and Dr. Yadav notes that options such as Botox and miraDry can reduce sweat and odor.

Products to try

Affiliate disclosure: Best for Deodorant may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full affiliate disclosure.

These picks from our buyer’s guides match the routine above.

Wash
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, 10% Benzoyl Peroxide

Type
Benzoyl peroxide wash
Note
Bleaches dyed fabric
Check price on Amazon
Night
Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid

Type
Clinical antiperspirant
Active
Aluminum zirconium 20%
Check price on Amazon
Morning
Lume Whole Body Solid Stick, Unscented

Type
Aluminum-free deodorant
Odor fighter
Mandelic acid
Check price on Amazon

Active ingredients come from each product’s label or brand page at the time of writing. Formulas change, so check the package you receive.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get rid of armpit odor permanently?

There’s no permanent cure for normal body odor, because sweat and skin bacteria are always present. A consistent routine keeps it under control: wash for at least 30 seconds, dry completely, apply antiperspirant at night, and use deodorant in the morning. For heavy sweating, a doctor can discuss longer-lasting options such as Botox or miraDry.

Does shaving your armpits reduce odor?

It can help. In a small study of 30 men published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, shaving or waxing made soap washing noticeably better at reducing underarm odor. The study was run by razor maker Procter & Gamble, so more research is needed, but dermatologists also suggest keeping underarm hair short.

Does baking soda get rid of armpit odor?

Baking soda can neutralize odor, but it’s alkaline and can easily irritate the skin, according to dermatologists. If you try it, patch test first and stop if you notice redness or burning. A fragrance-free, baking soda free deodorant is a gentler option.

Why do my armpits smell right after a shower?

Odor bacteria aren’t fully removed by a quick rinse, and they return quickly, especially if you sweat soon after. Lather with an antibacterial or benzoyl peroxide wash for at least 30 seconds, dry completely, and make sure your towel and clothes are clean, since fabric can hold onto odor.

What foods make armpit odor worse?

Onions, garlic, and alcohol are common culprits, according to dermatologists. Research from Ghent University also links frequent meat and fast food to worse body odor, and eating more vegetables to better body odor.

This article is educational and is not medical advice. If your body odor changes suddenly or doesn’t improve, talk to a doctor. Sources: theSkimm, with dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi; HuffPost UK, with dermatologist Dr. Geeta Yadav and researcher Chris Callewaert; Cosmetics Design Europe, on the P&G shaving study; “Here’s Why Your Natural Deodorant Gave You a Rash,” with dermatologist Dr. Neelam Vashi.

How to Get Rid of Armpit Odor: A Routine That Works