A Simple, Cheap, and Effective Underarm Deodorant

For most if not all of us, underarm odor is not caused by your body; it confers no known evolutionary advantage. It is actually generated by bacteria that live in or around the hair follicles, feeding on your secreted sweat. The treatment described here kills the bacteria, resulting in freedom from odor may last longer than that produced by expensive commercial deodorants. Odor will eventually return because some of these bacteria live too deep to be wiped out by any topical treatment, or will be acquired again from the environment.

Important: underarm odor can have medical causes. If odor does not go away, see a doctor. This treatment uses household chemicals. If you find these chemicals irritating, discontinue use immediately. This page is not a substitute for medical advice. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is herein conferred.

Directions:

• In a small, twist-top bottle, mix up enough weak ammonia cleaner to last for a few weeks (very little will be used each time).
• Once a day, once a week, or somewhere in between (depending on the individual) treat your underarms as described in the remaining points.
• Hold the corner of a washcloth firmly against the open bottle of pure ammonia cleaner. Turn upside down to create a wet spot of cleaner on the washcloth. Use this spot to rub under one armpit vigorously.
• Dip a finger into the cleaner to wet it. Shake off any excess cleaner. Dip the finger lightly into an open box of sodium bicarbonate powder (baking soda, not baking powder). Rub the powder into the same armpit, over a sink or tub (excess powder will fall down). Do not rinse the armpit.
• Repeat this treatment (the previous two steps) with the other armpit. Don't forget to replace the top of the bottle tightly when done.

Not only is this treatment very effective, it does not cause the same kind of yellow stains on clothing as commercial deodorants.

Enjoy!