Does dry cleaning remove body odour?

How does Dry Cleaning remove body Odour from Clothes?

Discover how expert dry cleaners effectively eliminate stubborn odours and restore freshness to your garments.

At London Dry Cleaning Company, a common question we hear is:
“Does dry cleaning remove body odour from clothes?”
The short answer is yes, but there’s more to it. Let’s explore whether dry cleaning removes body odour, when it works best, and how to deal with lingering smells.

✅ What Is Dry Cleaning?

Dry cleaning is a professional process that uses solvents instead of water to clean clothes. It’s ideal for delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and cashmere, which may shrink or become damaged in a washing machine.

These solvents dissolve oils, sweat, and bacteria that cause odours, without damaging the fabric. The most common solvent is perchloroethylene (perc), but we also use eco-friendly alternatives, such as silicone-based and organic solvents.

👃 Does Dry Cleaning Remove Body Odour?

In most cases, yes.
Dry cleaning is highly effective at removing sweat and body odour from clothes. The solvents break down the oils and bacteria that cause unpleasant smells, leaving your garments clean and fresh.

However, there are exceptions:

If odours have built up over time, they can be harder to remove completely.
Some synthetic fabrics trap odour more than natural fibres.
If a garment was only spot-cleaned or lightly treated, the odour might not be entirely gone.

For best results, always mention body odour concerns when dropping off your items so we can treat them properly.

🧥 Why Clothes Might Still Smell After Dry Cleaning

Sometimes, garments still carry a faint odour after cleaning. This can happen if:

The odour has penetrated deep into the fabric layers.
The item wasn’t thoroughly cleaned (for example, only pressed or freshened).
Sweat and bacteria have accumulated over multiple wearings without cleaning.

To help prevent this, always air your clothes out after wearing and storing them.

If you’ve ever wondered whether dry cleaning effectively removes body odour, especially from delicate or expensive fabrics, our advanced techniques are the solution.

🧴 Can You Remove Body Odour at Home?

If you need a quick refresh between cleanings, try these tips:

1. Vodka Spray

Lightly mist the inside of the garment with plain vodka (yes, really!) and let it air dry. It kills odour-causing bacteria.

2. Vinegar + Water

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray lightly, and hang the item to dry. Avoid this method on delicate fabrics.

3. Freezer Method

Place the item in a bag and leave it in the freezer overnight. It won’t remove the odour permanently, but it can help reduce bacteria.

These methods are helpful for light smells, but professional cleaning is your best option for deeper, long-lasting freshness.

🧼 Let the Experts Handle It

At London Dry Cleaning Company, we utilise advanced cleaning systems—including liquid CO₂ technology—to eliminate odours at their source. Whether it’s everyday wear or a special item, our team is trained to handle delicate fabrics and safely and effectively deep-clean odours.