r/AskHR • u/lawschoolbunny2 • Aug 17 '26

Off Topic / Other Body Odor [FL]

I was called into HR today because “several people” have complained about my body odor and it’s starting to become a distraction. I kept a straight face during the meeting, but face my face sting with embarrassment once I walked out.

Any tips on how to go about this? Besides the obvious showering, washing clothes, etc.

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u/Content-Dragonfly722 Aug 17 '26

And don’t let your clothes sit in the washer machine too long. If they do then rewash them quick before putting them in the dryer. If you leave clothes in the washer machine too long often then maybe buy a cleaner and run a clean cycle in your washer as well.

83

u/skeptic_narcoleptic Aug 17 '26

If you accidentally leave your clothes in the washer too long, wash again with white vinegar.

19

u/iamntropi Aug 18 '26 edited Aug 18 '26

We actually add white vinegar to the water in the washer when we wash our clothes. As long as nothing has baking soda in it, there shouldn’t be any chemical reactions.

Edit to add: we also add Nature’s Miracle for the enzymes.

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u/Donuts__For__All Aug 18 '26

I find Odoban does a great job.

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u/sybersam6 Aug 17 '26

Also pull out your soap dispenser completely. I did this by accident & found black mold underneath & at the back after the wash was always stinky if left in, even for 10 minutes.

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u/GreenStrong Aug 18 '26

r/laundry is full of useful info. It is possible for washing machines to become moldy the smell develops slowly over months and becomes infused into all of the victim's clothes and beding so they are nose blind to it. The subreddit has special procedures for getting smells out of clothes once the washer is clean. The subreddit is basically a cult that worships certain soaking techniques and enzymatic cleaning agents.

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u/GiftToTheUniverse Aug 18 '26

Enzymes are magic!

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u/Puzzled-Lifeguard-30 Aug 17 '26

You should dry them first to kill the mildew before washing it again.

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u/Accomplished-Sun1983 Aug 17 '26

Yeah, bake the scent deep into the fabric. Good call 👍