Discussions

How do you tell someone that they need to use deodorant without making them feel bad? I know this woman and she smells so bad like BO. She is a grown adult. She has made a comment or two about the chemicals in deodorant, but I know they have crystals and what not available. I wonder why her family or her friends wouldn't say anything.

Is how you would tell her. The fact that she has mentioned chemicals in deodorant tells you she chooses not to wear it. However it is truly a repulsive odour when left without deodorant. I would respectfully tell her that this should be addressed.

Depends on your relationship with the person. If it's a coworker then I would suggest approaching whatever you have for an HR department and let them know that the smell is affecting the work environment, let them deal with it so as not to foster a negative attitude in the workplace. If it's a friend or family member, just tell the person they stink. Assuming this person has access to clean water, and the means, there is no excuse to make others put up with your smell!

I am the office manager of a small professional company. The boss's wife honestly is the worst person I have ever smelled. She only comes in once every couple of weeks, but when she does the whole office smells for hours. My hubby thought I was exaggerating until he did some work in the office and told me I had to say something it was that bad.  
 
I've had to get my fan out and open the door and window when she is in. I was in the process of researching how to politely deal with it when (I think) my boss much have said something, because it has been a few weeks since she has come in smelling so badly.  
 
It's a very tough situation when it is your boss or the boss's wife - there are no etiquette rules that I could find to help me through the situation. There's really no reason for that any more - there are so many chemical free products to choose from. Good luck - it is a tough spot to be in.

I had a coworker a few years ago that was a really nice guy and would help you out with anything you needed, only he smelled so bad that you could tell that he had been in that room two hours after he had left it. He’d wear dirty clothes to work, refused to wear deodorant and would eat certain foods, such as raw peppers, seeds and all, which contributed to the odor. I know he had access to clean water and clothing at home, but I have no idea why he chose the Pigpen lifestyle. Some of us ended up telling our colleague, his roommate, who passed on our concerns and he started smelling better. Roommate never told him that we had anything to do with it, to avoid embarrassment

There are way too many HR people that are not qualified in terms of education and diplomas. Some companies just put anybody in that position to fill the job.

Talk about personal hygiene in the work place as a group, don’t pout out who it is and what is expected. If it continues then pull her aside and talk to her in private. Be understanding, be prepared with solutions ie visiting a doctor to ensure their is no under lying health conditions, suggest natural deodorants,etc. Be gentle.

Treat others the way you would want to be treated.  
For me I would want to know if I was “the smelly person”. I would want somebody to pull me aside, tell me quietly that it was an issue and only say it once. Don’t make it a big deal, apologize and hopefully everyone can move on. Be respectful but be straight to the point.

I don't work with this woman, but we have to interact with each other on a regular basis. I actually ended up speaking to a family member, hoping maybe they could tell her. They know that its a problem but don't want to tell her. I think she would take it really personally from me, but if a family member wont help, I guess I will just have to deal with it.

PM'd you. Check your inbox.  
 
Edited by AndreaD., 2019-07-31 19:06:21

much rather smell overpowering perfume/cologne than any faint BO... disgusting! Soap and water is cheap!

If they have talked about chemicals in deodrants before then i wouldnt say anything as they may have an allergy to something in the deodorants. I have an allergy to most deodorants so i have to becareful with what i buy. Nothing worse the red itchy and inflammed armpits plus the bad infections i have had before as well gross.

Here is a novel idea, rather than everyone on here bashing others. I actually have two helpful ideas...and FYI, the salt deodorant doesn't work for everyone. I had a teacher who used it. It didn't help him. Poor guy. If he had only known more.  
 
1. Make this person a deodorant with easy to identify ingredients.  
 
Tell them that you "heard" their concern & went looking for a simple, acceptable solution for them. Say that you found a great natural deodorant recipe & out of curiosity made some to try & that you wanted to share some it worked so well. Try it out for yourself first so that you can give a first hand report. Make sure you list the ingredients & give them the recipe should they like it.  
 
I read that just arrowroot powder or coconut oil can work. I think it depends on the person's body make up. Essential oils are optional, but if used, there are many to choose from. It works great without them.  
 
https://thecoconutmama.com/coconut-oil-deodorant/  
 
Sensitive skin deodorant: just leave out the baking soda, OR try https://thecoconutmama.com/homemade-deodorant-without-baking-soda/  
 
I for one, found that this works great even on teen stink. You can find arrowroot powder at Two Farm Kids). The deodorant is fantastic and smells sweetly delicate, but not so much that a man can't use it.  
 
I have never had it stain any clothes.  
 
Now, if it is all over body odor, this only takes care of armpits. Haha  
 
If the person eats lots of garlic (or any other smell inducing foods), there isn't a lot that can be done unless they give those up.  
 
2. Magnesium supplements can help. I have read that if someone is not deficient in magnesium, their armpits & breath don't smell. It takes care of natural, offensive body odors. Ancient Minerals (found at Hedleys or online) offers magnesium chloride flakes, that when mixed with water, make a magnesium oil that can be spread transdermally (on the skin), and washed off after 20 min. You can easily find more instructions online. It has no internal side effects.

not saying it is but it can be a medical problem they can't do anything about. all the soap and water in the world won't help this.  
 
all the no scents policies around they can't even use a scent to help cover up.  
 
I believe there is no good way to tell someone they have a problem. I think HR if it is available is a good idea.