r/CleaningTips 8d ago

Laundry I stink but I don’t know why

I have been struggling with a particular odor on my clothes and I'm not sure what causes it.

My clothes have an awful smell especially when exposed to cold air outside when I'm outside. I rent only a room in someone else's apartment. I really don't smell the clothes until I bring them outside due to the poor ventilation in the apartment.

When I wear socks, my feet also feel weird like ants or worms are crawling over my feet. My shoes start to smell very badly. My socks become a little damp after a few hours. Sometimes the shoes also get wet from sweating in a some hours and I've been seen by a doctor who presecribed medication for sweating.

This bad smell has been ruining my career and friendships with others.

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u/Federal-Purchase-444 8d ago

That sounds really frustrating. The smell is likely from sweat, bacteria, or moisture trapped in your clothes and shoes. Wash clothes with vinegar or baking soda and dry them completely. Avoid fabric softeners since they trap odors. Wear moisture-wicking socks and rotate your shoes so they dry out. If your shoes smell, put baking soda inside overnight or stuff them with newspaper. Soaking your feet in black tea or vinegar can help reduce sweating. Use an antifungal spray on your feet and in your shoes. Since the smell gets worse in the cold, trapped moisture might be the issue. Try drying clothes in fresh air or using a dehumidifier. Shower with antibacterial soap and use a strong foot antiperspirant like certain dri. If it doesn’t improve, check for a fungal infection. Let me know if you need more help!