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Whether you don't have the time to take a shower or you're on a mission to save water, there are many ways to freshen up without actually bathing. It never feels good to be the smelly person, so it's important to learn a few techniques to keep your body odor in check.
Steps
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Use wet wipes to wipe yourself down. You can use scented moist towelettes or baby wipes, it's up to you. Use the wipes to thoroughly wipe down your armpits, privates and feet, as these are the areas most prone to bad odor. Then, use additional wipes to clean the rest of your body. [1] X Research source- Use separate facial wipes to quickly clean your face. This may not have a significant impact on odor, but a clean face will help create the appearance of cleanliness. Facial wipes will also help prevent acne and other facial bacteria.
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Give yourself a sponge-bath. You can use an actual sponge or a wet washcloth/towel to clean yourself. This is a great way to freshen up when you're in a hurry or when you don't want to waste water. Focus on your armpits, private areas, and feet first, and then give the rest of your body a wipe down. All you'll need is warm water, a washcloth, and a bit of soap to freshen up.- Reader Poll: We asked 356 wikiHow readers how often they shower, and 50% said that they shower once every day . [Take Poll] So, aim to give yourself a sponge-bath at least once a day, too.
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Use dry shampoo on your hair to keep it fresh. If you don't wash your hair, it might get a little bit greasy (which can look and smell bad). If you want to freshen up your hair, simply spray your roots with dry shampoo. Dry shampoos usually come in spray or powder form. The best dry shampoos soak up oil, clean hair, and leave you smelling fresh. Giving your hair a freshly washed look and smell will help you appear to be well-groomed.- Choose a spray dry-shampoo for best results and easy application. Dry shampoos can be purchased online, at beauty stores, and at your local convenience stores. [2] X Research source
- It's sometimes necessary to comb dry shampoo through your hair to get rid of any residue.
- Dry shampoo also gives your hair a little bit more volume.
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Apply baby powder to your body after you wipe yourself down. The baby powder will leave a nice scent and absorb extra oils.
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Apply deodorant to your underarms. Using deodorant is a great way to prevent you from developing a bad smell, as well as a great way to freshen up in a hurry. It's a good idea to carry deodorant with you so that you can reapply it as needed.- There are numerous types of deodorant and antiperspirants, so choose the right kind for you. Some go on as clear liquids, some are deodorant sticks, and some are sprays. Do a little online research to decide which kind of deodorant is best for you. [3] X Research source
- Antiperspirants prevent you from sweating, whereas deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of your sweat.
- Every time you do bathe or wash your underarms, make sure to apply some deodorant to your underarms before you get dressed. This will help prevent bad body odor from developing.
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Spray yourself with cologne or perfume. If you're feeling a little stinky, spritz yourself with some perfume or cologne. You can also use a body mist if you prefer subtler scents. Don't spray too much of your scent, as it can become overpowering. Spritz your neck, wrists, and chest.- Make your own body mist by adding a few drops of an essential oil of your choice to a spray bottle filled with water. This is a natural way to absorb bad odor.
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Use scented body wash and lotion. Using scented body washes whenever you give yourself a sponge bath, and scented lotions after you wash up, is a great way to stay smelling good for longer. Rub your entire body with a scented lotion after you dry off, and carry scented lotion with you to reapply throughout the day.
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Wear clean clothing. If you want to smell good, your clothing has to smell good. It's important to wear clean clothing, especially clean undergarments. Change your underwear and socks daily to avoid the inevitable bad smells. Wash your dirty clothes before putting them on again.- Try wearing breathable fabrics, such as cotton, to allow your skin to breathe. This will help with odor if you tend to sweat or perspire.
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Deodorize your shoes. Having smelly feet is a problem many people deal with, and foot odor can be exacerbated if you don't shower often. Keep your shoes and feet smelling fresh by using deodorizers on your feet and in your shoes.- The most common method of getting the stink out of shoes is using baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda in your shoes daily to keep them fresh. If you're dealing with a serious odor problem, pour a generous amount of baking soda into your shoes, place them in a plastic bag, and leave them in your freezer overnight. This should eliminate the bad smell.
- Another method of deodorizing shoes is leaving orange peels in your shoes overnight. The citrusy smell should eliminate the foul odor. [4] X Research source
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Spray fresheners on your clothing. If you can't seem to get the bad smell out of clothing, or you absolutely don't have time to wash the shirt that you must wear, use a fabric freshener. Spray your clothing with a light spritz, don't completely douse it. Popular fabric fresheners include Febreze and Lysol.- You can also make your own fabric softener out of common household materials. Combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with hot water, and put the mixture in a spray bottle. If you want to add a smell-good factor, use a few drops of essential oils like lavender or peppermint. [5] X Research source
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Freshen your breath. Having good breath will attribute to your overall good smell. You should brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash every day. It's also a good idea to carry around gum or mints to help keep your breath fresh.
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References
- ↑ http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/1020093/how-to-bathe-without-getting-in-the-shower
- ↑ http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/best-worst-dry-shampoo
- ↑ http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/p_best_worst_deodorants/p102722/page10
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/07/ways-to-deodorize-shoes_n_3393676.html
- ↑ http://dailymom.com/nest/diy-non-toxic-fabric-refresher-spray/
About This Article
Article Summary
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There are plenty of products you can use to make you smell good if you can’t have a bath or a shower. Use wet wipes to clean your face, armpits, and feet so that you feel clean and fresh. You can choose scented wet wipes for a pleasant fragrance. Dry shampoo can be a good idea if you want to freshen up your hair. Simply spray the dry shampoo onto your roots to help soak up excess oil and keep your hair smelling clean. Applying deodorant to your armpits is also a good way to prevent bad smells and to freshen up in a hurry. You can carry deodorant with you so that you can use it whenever you need it. A spritz of cologne or perfume is ideal if you want to cover up a bad smell. Spray the cologne or perfume on your chest, neck, and wrists. For more ideas on smelling good without taking a bath or shower, like deodorizing using baking soda, read on.
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Reader Success Stories
- "I live in a community hostel and most times the public bathroom we share can get way too messy. It's nice to know that I can keep clean without having to use the messy bathroom." ..." more
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"I live in a community hostel and most times the public bathroom we share can get way too messy. It's nice to know that I can keep clean without having to use the messy bathroom."
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"I am disabled and can't frequently bathe or shower, and I produce a lot of sweat due to a disorder, so the tips on how to stay smelling okay are very appreciated!"
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"My son is off backpacking for 8 days with no wash facilities, and the article has given us some good ideas to keep him clean and fresh."
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"This article helped me because I am super busy, so sometimes I have to ditch hygiene. This helped a lot, thank you wikiHow. "
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"Many times it get hard to bath due to my mental illness and now I can smell good, stay confident and save my self esteem."
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