How to Smell Good Without Taking a Bath or Shower

Co-authored by Michael Van den Abbeel

Last Updated: October 11, 2022 References Approved

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.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Bathing Without Water

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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]
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- 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.
2
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.

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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]
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- 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.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Using Deodorizers

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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]
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- 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.^{[4]
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- 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.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Smelling Good in Other Ways

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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.^{[5]
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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.^{[6]
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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.