To most efficiently get rid of body odor, particularly armpit sweat smells, from your clothing each week, it's best to use warm water. Here's why:
Hot Water: Hot water can be effective at removing stains and bacteria, including body oils and sweat. However, using hot water for all types of fabrics may not be suitable, as it can cause certain materials to shrink or fade over time. It's generally better to reserve hot water for whites, cotton, and durable fabrics.
Cold Water: Cold water is gentle on fabrics and helps prevent shrinking or fading. However, cold water might not be as effective in removing stubborn body odors and stains, especially when they've set into the fabric.
Warm Water: Warm water strikes a balance between hot and cold water. It can effectively remove body oils and sweat while being gentle enough on most fabrics. Warm water helps to break down and lift off the oils and bacteria responsible for causing odors.
Keep in mind these additional tips to maximize odor removal and clothing care:
Pre-treatment: For heavily soiled or smelly items, pre-treating the armpit area with a stain remover or a mixture of water and vinegar can be beneficial.
Detergent: Use a good quality laundry detergent with enzymes specifically designed to break down body oils and remove odors.
Proper Drying: After washing, ensure your clothes are fully dry before storing them to prevent mildew and odors from forming. Drying clothes in direct sunlight can also help remove lingering odors.
Ventilation: Allow your clothes to breathe by providing adequate ventilation in your closet or storage area.
Good Laundry Habits: Regularly washing your clothes, especially sweaty items, after each use can help prevent odors from becoming deeply ingrained.
In summary, using warm water with the right detergent and laundry practices will help efficiently remove body odor from your clothing each week while ensuring the longevity of your garments.