How to Know You Smell when You Can't Smell Yourself

Co-authored by Tami Claytor

Last Updated: November 3, 2022 References

Knowing that you smell can be a difficult thing; we live with ourselves and our nose is very quickly accustomed to our own odor. Yet, if other people are suggesting that you're odorous, or you're simply worried that you might be, working it out for yourself requires some thought about your usual habits and hygienic practices.^{[1]
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Steps

1
Smell your clothes after removing them. Take a break first. Go take a shower, watch TV, read a book for a while. Then, collect the clothes and give them the sniff test, especially around the pit area and anywhere you sweat profusely. If you find an odor that is unpleasant, that might be an indicator that you have a body odor problem that is leaching into your clothing. Our own odor can be augmented by the materials we wear, with un-breathable synthetics being at the top of the list for enhancing bad odors. Stinky clothing always means that the clothes need a wash immediately!^{[2]
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2
Consider your diet. You might enjoy heaps of garlic, curry, onions, beer, spices, etc., but the residual odor can be very unpleasant to some people. If you think this might be a problem, make sure everyone you're hanging around with at the time shares your meal choices, and you'll all find it harder to smell one another's unpleasant odors!^{[3]
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Research source} Temporary relief can be found in chewing parsley, mint candies, or swishing mouthwash.^{[4]
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3
Hold your hand against your mouth and puff out some breath. If the result is stinky when you smell your hand and the air rising back up as a result of being stopped by the hand, it's time to clean your teeth and tongue a lot more thoroughly. Brush your teeth, floss your teeth, rinse with mouthwash, and brush your tongue.^{[5]
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- Another method is to lick your wrist. Wait ten seconds before sniffing your wrist. The odor that rises into your nose is the smell of your breath.
4
Check the parts of your body that moisture loves. Anywhere there is a potential for skin folds (between toes, under the arms, under breasts, etc.) can be a source of odor if bacteria gets the opportunity to thrive. Don't try smelling any of these regions; that will just confirm you're not thinking straight. The answer to avoiding this source of musty odor is to always dry skin fold areas thoroughly.
5
If you're sweating profusely, there is a fair chance that you don't smell wonderful. If it's post-sport, don't worry – everyone expects that sporty sweat smell. Less so if it's caused by the stress of your job, a presentation, an exam, etc. Use antiperspirant and/or deodorant and avoid foods that encourage sweating, such as chilies.^{[6]
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- Dress appropriately for the occasion.
- Do not wear too much perfume.
- It can be overpowering. Some people are allergic to it.
6
Ask someone whom you trust. Find a friend or a family member to give you an honest appraisal of your odor. Tell them that you're worried that you might be a little malodorous and see what they have to say. Don't forget to reassure them that you want the truth and won't hold their comments/assessment against them – and mean it too!

Warnings

Some people don't like deodorants or antiperspirants. It's their choice but you might want to limit time spent too close them if it bothers you; or, just get used to the odor. The nose gives up after a while of smelling the same thing continuously and just "accepts" it. Each re-entry after a break will bring it back though!

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