What Deodorant Do You Use With Wool Sweaters?

Keeping you and your wool clothes fresh without causing damage.

Caring for wool can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to choosing the right deodorant and keeping you and your garments fresh without causing damage.

Over the years, we’ve given this a lot of thought, as most of our sweaters are made from wool. We've also received numerous emails and comments from our community with the same questions.

This blog is a collection of our advice along with suggestions from experienced wool lovers.

I hope these tips and anecdotes help you start or expand your wool wardrobe with confidence. Let's dive into the best deodorants to use with wool and how to properly care for your wool garments.

Community Tips For Added Odor-Resistance While Wearing Wool

Maintaining the freshness of your wool garments while managing body odor can be challenging. Here are some practical tips from our community that might help depending on your unique body.

Alcohol Wipes for Odor Control: Using alcohol to wipe your armpits can be an effective way to control body odor. This works because alcohol is a great solvent for thioalcohols, the compounds responsible for the smell.

Thioalcohols contain sulfur, which is why body odor can have an "eggy" smell similar to that of sulfur in eggs. While washing with water removes most of these compounds, alcohol is more effective because it dissolves thioalcohols better than water.

When you apply alcohol, it interacts with the sulfur compounds, reducing them to non-aromatic esters, which are non-smelly chemicals. The quick evaporation of alcohol at room temperature means it does its job swiftly, leaving your skin fresh.

This method can be particularly useful for stubborn odors that water alone can't eliminate. Using alcohol wipes is a simple, chemistry-based solution to keep body odor at bay.

Pit Detox: A pit detox can improve the effectiveness of your deodorant and help keep your wool garments fresher. Mix bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar to create a paste, apply it to your underarms for 5-20 minutes, then rinse. This detox helps draw out impurities, reducing odor and buildup that can transfer to wool.

Regular detoxing can also ease the transition to natural deodorants by minimizing skin irritation and improving overall odor control.

Underlayers: Wearing a plant-based material t-shirt like SeaCell or Organic Cotton under your wool can absorb sweat and protect the wool. Plant-based materials are breathable and wick moisture away from your skin, keeping your wool garments fresher for longer, especially in warmer months.

We’ve found that this simple change reduces the frequency of washing wool garments, maintaining their quality and longevity.

Diet and Hormones: Diet and hormonal changes can significantly impact body odor. Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and red meat, can cause your sweat to smell stronger because they contain sulfur compounds that are released through your sweat.

Foods and drinks like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can also increase sweating, which can intensify body odor. Additionally, hormonal changes during puberty, menopause, and periods of high stress can affect sweat and odor. For instance, stress activates apocrine glands, leading to more sweat production and potentially stronger smells.

I've noticed that my diet and stress levels make a big difference in my body odor. Incorporating more green vegetables and taking magnesium supplements have helped reduce my body odor. Green foods are rich in chlorophyll, which acts as a natural deodorizer.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques can also help reduce sweat and odor. By paying attention to your diet and stress levels, you can better control body odor and keep your wool garments (and clothing in general) fresher for longer.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of wool without worrying about odors or frequent washing. These community-tested strategies help keep your garments fresh, comfortable, and in great condition.

How Long You Can Wear Wool Without Washing

Wools like yak wool and merino are incredible materials with unique properties that set them apart. Wool is naturally antimicrobial and odor-resistant, which means it can go longer between washes and still smell fresh.

These special qualities come from wool's natural lanolin and its unique structure, which includes crimped fibers that allow for excellent breathability and moisture management.

Untreated Vs. Treated Wool Odor Retention

Untreated, 100% wool retains its natural lanolin, a waxy substance that gives wool its antibacterial properties. This lanolin helps wick moisture away from the body and inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

The crimps in wool fibers create tiny air pockets, enhancing insulation and breathability, which also contribute to odor resistance.

What Is Super Washing And What Are It’s Downsides?

Super washing is a process where wool fibers are treated to make them more durable, easier to wash, and pill/felt-resistant. This typically involves coating the outer layer of scales of wool fibers in a polymer.

While this makes the wool less likely to shrink or felt in the wash, it also reduces the wool’s natural lanolin content and can diminish its antimicrobial properties. Super washing also coat the wool in plastic which is bad for the environment.

As a result, super washed wool might not resist odors as effectively as untreated wool. Oliver Charles wool is not super washed in polymers.

100% Wool Vs Synthetic Wool Blends

Many modern wool garments include a blend of wool and synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester. While these blends can enhance durability and make care easier, they can also reduce wool's natural odor resistance. Oliver Charles sweaters are 100% natural wool with no synthetic blends.

Why Are Synthetics Less Odor-Resistant?

Synthetics like nylon and polyester are made from petroleum-based polymers, which create a dense, non-porous structure. This lack of breathability means that sweat and bacteria get trapped within the fibers. Here are a few reasons why synthetics are less odor-resistant:

• Moisture Wicking: Unlike wool, which can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet, synthetic fibers repel water. This causes sweat to remain on the skin’s surface, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
• Bacteria Growth: Wool's natural lanolin and crimp structure inhibit the growth of bacteria, whereas synthetic fibers provide no such protection. The smooth surface of synthetic fibers can hold onto oils and bacteria, leading to a buildup of odors over time.
• Breathability: Wool’s crimped structure allows for excellent airflow, helping to regulate body temperature and keep the skin dry. Synthetic fibers lack this breathability, leading to a higher likelihood of sweat accumulation and bacterial growth.
• Chemical Retention: Synthetics are prone to retaining chemicals from sweat and deodorants, which can further contribute to unpleasant odors.

From my experience, untreated, 100% wool holds up much better against odors compared to processed or synthetic blends.

The natural properties of wool make it a superior choice for anyone looking to maintain freshness in their garments.

I hope these insights help you appreciate the magic of wool and guide you in selecting the best wool garments for your wardrobe.

How Do You Choose Deodorant With A Wool Wardrobe?

The deodorant you use plays a significant role in how your wool garments handle odor.

Many mainstream deodorants contain oils and other ingredients that can clog the fibers of your wool, trapping odors and reducing the fabric's breathability. Let’s explore some deodorant options that wool lovers swear by.

Why Some Deodorants Are Oily And What That Means

Many deodorants contain oils to help moisturize the skin and create a barrier to prevent sweat. However, these oils can also clog the fibers of wool garments, trapping odors and reducing breathability.

This can make your wool clothes smell bad and feel less comfortable over time. Additionally, these oily residues can be difficult to wash out completely, leading to buildup in your garments.

Deodorant Chemicals To Avoid For Wool Knit Sweater

When choosing a deodorant for use with wool, it's best to avoid certain chemicals found in many mainstream products. These include:

• Aluminum Compounds: Common in antiperspirants, which cause buildup and a chemical reaction with sweat that causes light/yellowish-tint staining.
• Parabens: Preservatives that can irritate the skin and affect the fabric.
• Phthalates: Often used to help fragrances last longer, they can be harsh on sensitive skin and fabrics.
• Synthetic Fragrances: These can cause irritation and may contain other chemicals that aren't fabric-friendly.

What Are Natural Deodorants And Are They Better For Wool Clothes?

Natural deodorants are often recommended for use with wool because they tend to be free from heavy oils and harsh chemicals. There are quite a lot of natural brands. I like Lume, which has been great for me and hasn’t left residue.

Switching to natural deodorants, especially oil-free options, can help keep your wool garments fresher for longer. Natural ingredients like baking soda work by absorbing sweat and neutralizing the bacteria that cause odor.

This approach not only keeps your clothes clean but is also gentler on your skin. For anyone looking to maintain the quality of their wool clothing while staying fresh, natural deodorants are a helpful and effective choice.

Are Enzyme-Based Deodorants Safe For Wool?

Enzyme-based deodorants work by breaking down the compounds that cause body odor at a molecular level.

These deodorants often contain enzymes that target and neutralize the bacteria responsible for sweat smells.

Enzymes are like tiny workers that speed up chemical reactions. For example, the enzymes in fruits like pineapples help break down proteins, which is why your mouth can get itchy after eating a lot of this delicious fruit.

This type of deodorant can be particularly effective in keeping odor away. But enzymes break down protein, and because wool is a protein-based fiber, enzyme-based deodorants can damage your wool clothing, especially in the case of enzyme-based detergents.

How Do Crystal Deodorants Perform With Wool?

Crystal deodorants are gaining popularity as a natural alternative to conventional deodorants.

These products are typically mineral-based, primarily composed of potassium alum or ammonium alum, which are types of natural salts.

Unlike traditional deodorants that often contain oils and synthetic fragrances, crystal deodorants offer a simpler composition.

This lack of oils can be particularly beneficial for individuals who wear wool, as it prevents the buildup that can sometimes occur with oil-based products.

The primary function of crystal deodorants is to create a protective barrier on the skin. This barrier inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria without the need for heavy scents found in many commercial deodorants.

The effectiveness of crystal deodorants comes from their ability to prevent bacterial proliferation rather than masking odors with fragrances.

However, it's important to note that scientific research on the efficacy of crystal deodorants is limited. Most positive claims about their benefits are anecdotal, with personal experiences varying widely. This variability is largely due to individual differences, such as skin microbiome, pH levels, and personal hygiene practices.

Crystal deodorants are essentially a type of salt. Potassium alum, for instance, has been used for centuries for its astringent and antibacterial properties. Some people experiment with dissolving salt in water and applying it to their skin to see if it provides similar benefits.

While this method has worked for some, it might not be effective for everyone. The personal nature of body chemistry means that what works for one person might not work for another.

Comparing Standard Natural, Enzyme-Based, and Crystal Deodorants

• Standard Natural Deodorants: These deodorants use ingredients, such as baking soda and coconut oil, to neutralize odor without harsh chemicals. They are generally gentle on wool and help keep garments fresh for longer periods.
  
  However, some natural deodorants can be too oily, which may lead to buildup and potentially affect the wool's natural odor-resistant properties. If you prefer an oil-free option, consider other types of natural deodorants.
• Enzyme-Based Deodorants: As a type of natural deodorant, enzyme-based deodorants use naturally occurring enzymes to break down odor-causing compounds at the molecular level, offering powerful odor control, but we don’t recommend this type of deodorant for wool as the enzymes can break down the protein-based fibers.
• Crystal Deodorants: Mineral-based and oil-free, crystal deodorants create a natural barrier against odor. They are easy to use, leave no residue, and are effective in keeping wool garments odor-free. Unlike mainstream products, crystal deodorants do not have heavy scents, making them a subtle and natural choice for those looking to avoid synthetic fragrances.

Mainstream Products Vs. Specialized Deodorants

Mainstream deodorants often contain oils and chemicals that can be harsh on wool, potentially trapping odors and reducing the fabric's breathability. Common ingredients in these products include aluminum compounds (like aluminum chlorohydrate), parabens, and synthetic fragrances.

Aluminum compounds are used to block sweat glands, but they can leave a residue that builds up on wool, leading to fabric stiffness and reduced breathability.

Parabens are preservatives that can cause skin irritation and may contribute to fabric degradation over time.

Synthetic fragrances, while effective at masking odors, can also leave behind residues that attract dirt and bacteria, further contributing to trapped odors.

In contrast, natural, enzyme-based, and crystal deodorants are designed to be gentle on fabrics while still providing effective odor control.

Natural deodorants use ingredients like baking soda and coconut oil to neutralize odors without leaving harmful residues.

Enzyme-based deodorants break down odor-causing compounds at a molecular level, preventing buildup on wool.

Crystal deodorants form a natural barrier against bacteria without leaving any residue, ensuring that wool garments remain fresh and breathable.

Choosing the right deodorant can help keep your wool garments fresh, comfortable, and in great condition.

Specialized deodorants not only protect your clothes but also tend to be better for your skin, avoiding the harsh chemicals found in many mainstream products.

By opting for natural or crystal deodorants, you can enjoy all the benefits of wool without worrying about odors or fabric damage.

Experiment to Discover Your Perfect Deodorant For Wool Clothing

Wool is a fantastic fabric that, with the right care, will stay fresh and odor-free for many wears. By choosing the right deodorant and following a gentle care routine, you can extend the life of your wool garments and enjoy their natural benefits.

Remember, everyone’s body chemistry is different, so it might take some experimentation to find what works best for you. Happy wool wearing!

If you believe that every good wardrobe starts with owning less and owning better, consider buying yourself an OLIVER CHARLES sweater.