Thread: Spinoff --- Whats with the Vodka for B.O?

So I just got a costume that has some lingering body odor. I've read a few threads that suggest mixing a spray bottle with 1/2 water 1/2 vodka. Can anyone explain how/why this works? I assume you don't end up smelling like an alcoholic after doing this if its a popular suggestion ..l;,

Thanks in advance!

It works! Haven't tried it on B.O., but I used it to remove the cigarette smoke odor from a Turkish costume.

The logic is that the alcohol evaporates quickly and lifts away the stench as it dries. And once it dries, your costume doesn't smell like booze, either. That's probably why you're supposed to use something clear like vodka. I wouldn't imagine Jack Daniels would smell very enticing on a Bella!

I saw this on Myth Busters, so it must work!

You could also just get a bottle of alcohol from the drugstore... like isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. and yup! it evaporates, so your item dries quicker and there isn't as much risk of musty costume.

Whatever you do though... do NOT use vinegar! The smell stays for a while... and it sucks!

They use the vodka/water trick in theatres all the time. It works!

Do you think people use vodka, as opposed to other alcohols, because it has no flavor -- and therefore no lingering smell?

Vodka is high proof and cheap, and generally doesn't have any coloring added like some other liquors, so no possibility of stains. What alcohol does is kill bacteria, which is the cause of odor.

I just use 1/2 water + 1/2 rubbing alcohol. Much cheaper and why waste a good vodka?..g.:

Well, I just bought me a big bottle of vodka. I figure I may as well have a glass or 2 during the process. Might make me feel better about the extra work and stench ..l;, Fingers crossed this will work. Thanks for the replies everyone! xox

you have to be careful with this stuff. This is how I got hooked on Apple Martinis. I bought a bottle, but just a little was enough for a long time for costumes, so I drank the rest. and that's how it started...

Originally Posted by Marianna

you have to be careful with this stuff. This is how I got hooked on Apple Martinis. I bought a bottle, but just a little was enough for a long time for costumes, so I drank the rest. and that's how it started...

lol
I think I'm safe. I just sprayed the costume and its a little early to start with the vodka, this time anyway ..l;,

NEW QUESTION:
How long after spraying should you smell the difference? Just sprayed it 5 minutes ago and now it just smells like a mix of alcohol and B.O. Does it take a while for the vodka to set in and lift the smell? Or am I doomed? ..c::

Originally Posted by AngelicaDances

lol
I think I'm safe. I just sprayed the costume and its a little early to start with the vodka, this time anyway ..l;,

NEW QUESTION:
How long after spraying should you smell the difference? Just sprayed it 5 minutes ago and now it just smells like a mix of alcohol and B.O. Does it take a while for the vodka to set in and lift the smell? Or am I doomed? ..c::

Let is dry overnight. You might need to spray a second time. Be generous with it- let it soak in.

Does it tend to discolor costumes at all?

Originally Posted by Kat144

Does it tend to discolor costumes at all?

ALWAYS do a patch test first. But when I spray vodka on a stinky costume, I spray the underside of the fabric so the mist doesn't come directly into contact with sequins. You never know what will eat the finish off some of the newer holographic sequins!

Originally Posted by Kat144

Does it tend to discolor costumes at all?

I sprayed the entire bra... front and back and no discoloration happened.

The stench is still there and right now it actually smells worse. I think since it is still slightly damp its holding the smell. Time for the second round. I literally will have used half of a large bottle of vodka just on the bra

I don't think its my responsibility to have to do this..... and if it doesn't work, I won't even be able to wear it! I'm thinking of confronting the seller. WWBD?

Bonjour Angelica,

Did you let it dry inside the house? Because I also heard that letting clothes dry outside in the sun could help.

Sun rays kill bacterias. Of course if it possible for you to let it dry safely outside. (Can't help thinking about the neibors..l;, reaction seeing this baby on the clothesline!)

Changing the lining may also help, but I imagine the smell is probably already impregnated in. Eeew!,f::

Maybe you could also ask info and help from a professional dry cleaner company (Michel Forget Nettoyeur is a good reference in Montreal)

Good luck!

Qamar

Don't give up. Maybe it needs a Woolite bath, or two, too.

I received a Turkish costume that smelled like stale cigarette smoke and successfully neutralized the odor with these tips:

More Un-Glam Advice for Glam Queens: How to Neutralize Cigarette Smoke Odors in Belly Dance Costumes | Carrara Nour

Originally Posted by Qamar60

Bonjour Angelica,

Did you let it dry inside the house? Because I also heard that letting clothes dry outside in the sun could help.

Sun rays kill bacterias. Of course if it possible for you to let it dry safely outside. (Can't help thinking about the neibors..l;, reaction seeing this baby on the clothesline!)

Changing the lining may also help, but I imagine the smell is probably already impregnated in. Eeew!,f::

Good luck!

Qamar

Salut Qamar!

I did let it dry in the house. We just moved to a high-rise building and I don't get any sun on my balcony. Otherwise it would be a great idea to leave it out, neighbors or no neighbors ..l;,

If I can describe the smell.... its kind of like smelling a stinky armpit after a good workout.... its not just sweat smell... its stink smell

My fingers are crossed this second round will work. I'm so disappointed...

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Don't give up. Maybe it needs a Woolite bath, or two, too.

I received a Turkish costume that smelled like stale cigarette smoke and successfully neutralized the odor with these tips:

More Un-Glam Advice for Glam Queens: How to Neutralize Cigarette Smoke Odors in Belly Dance Costumes | Carrara Nour

Thanks for the link. Will read very closely
Props again on your website btw. I love love love it!

At this point, maybe take off the lining and remove any padding. THEN try the vodka trick. Then replace with new padding and lining.
If the skirt is bad too- many can successfully be hand washed (find threads about it).

Originally Posted by Lesedi

You could also just get a bottle of alcohol from the drugstore... like isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. and yup! it evaporates, so your item dries quicker and there isn't as much risk of musty costume.

DO NOT USE RUBBING ALCOHOL or the other drug store stuff!!
that kind WILL discolor your costume.
but the vodka works the same, kills the bacteria which cause the odor.
drying your costumes in the sun each time after your wear them (wrong side up to prevent discoloring and to get the sun where it's needed) also is very helpful.
you can also line them with cheap felt (this tip courtesy of Shira's site) which you remove and replace when it gets nasty.

That's a shame... Not sure why the seller sold it knowing it smelled... yucky?

It's a stunning costume, though... I love it! Hopefully the odor will go away :(

Originally Posted by AngelicaDances

Thanks for the link. Will read very closely
Props again on your website btw. I love love love it!

Thanks so much chica!

Seriously, though. I'd remove the lining and bra padding (think about it, those are the sweaty parts!), give it a couple of Woolite baths, hang it out to dry in the sun, and maybe try some of the neutralizing tips, like incense and lavender sachets. I even like those froo-froo flowery/fruity perfumed sachets that you get for 3/$4 at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Also, I think it was Shira who recommended putting kitty litter in a sock and storing it with the costume, since kitty litter absorbs odors...

My costume absolutely STUNK when I got it, and I'm allergic to cigarette smoke. After I gave it some TLC, the smell went away. I think you can beat the B.O.!

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Also, I think it was Shira who recommended putting kitty litter in a sock and storing it with the costume, since kitty litter absorbs odors...

would that make it smell like kitty litter instead? i think that'd be worse.... ?

Hi Angelica - just went through this with a costume (not yours Lulu!): Removed the padding, handwashed in cold water, still kinda ripe. Tried Fresh Again which usually does a great job, then Febreze - improved, but still a trace of yuck, especially noticeable when I put it on. Finally dabbed a bit of lavender essential oil in the ripe areas - viola! Fresh and lovely!

Originally Posted by raqFariha

would that make it smell like kitty litter instead? i think that'd be worse.... ?

No idea. I've never tried it! Guess it depends on how badly your costume stinks and choosing the lesser evil - would you rather smell like B.O. or kitty litter? Tough call .w.:

Originally Posted by isildriel

Finally dabbed a bit of lavender essential oil in the ripe areas - viola! Fresh and lovely!

Hmmmm, you're onto something. Lavender has natural antimicrobial properties...

Just be careful not to overdo the lavender oil - the stuff is powerful and a little goes a long way. I would gently spread a bit at time with fingertips over the affected areas. I wouldn't suggest pouring.

New update! I diplomatically spoke with the seller about the smell... She has offered to take it back and wash it

Hopefully it'll come back so fresh and so clean. If not, I will remove the lining and pading and try the lavender oil. Not really feeling the kitty litter, lol

Thanks ladies for all your comments and help! xox