Why Your Shorts Smell! (And How to Stop It)

Smelly shorts? Is this what is bothering you nowadays, and you are curious to know the reason so you can root it out completely?

The answer to why your shorts smell depends on several factors but most of them are treatable. It can be because of poor hygiene or dead skin cell buildup. Sweating profusely around the same area can also attract fungus and germs, resulting in a foul odor in your shorts.

Although a momentary unpleasant odor just before showering is usual, a smell so strong that you can smell it through your jeans could signal further problems. Some people are vulnerable to infections and other diseases and that can create unique and strong-smelling scents.

8 Reasons Behind Smelly Shorts

The following are some reasons that can cause smelly shorts.

Poor Cleanliness

irregular showering can cause a buildup of dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells in your shorts, resulting in harsh odors.

Sweating

Sweating can entice many fungi and bacteria on the body, which can cause a foul odor. If you’ve been sweating in a hot place, such as the gym or outside on a scorching day, your shorts will begin to stink. Bacteria thrive in damp conditions, increasing and producing a stench known as body odor when you sweat.

Diet

Onions, garlics, peppers, vinegar, soaked seafood, and soured milk products are some of the examples of foods that can generate strong body odors. These meals might affect how your body smells for a short period. This includes your sweat or urine odor, which may leave a sour aftertaste. This is true for cooked food, which is why some people prefer to ‘air’ their meal before eating it. The air enhances the meal’s flavor and refreshes it after it has been prepared.

Shorts Fabric

Fabric material of shorts is the most typical reason for odors. If your shorts are brand new, formaldehyde may have been used during the production process to prevent mildew, germs, mold, and other odors. Moreover, bacteria can causes odors to become trapped in clothing fibers and make your clothes stink. Various kinds of fiber capture and retain odors in different ways.

Medication

Some drugs cause the body to sweat more, which might lead to bad odors. Some antidepressants fall under this category.

UTI

A urinary tract infection (UTI) ascends when an extreme quantity of microbes enters the urinary structure. Among the symptoms are that you might well be able to smell the pee through your shorts if you have painful urination and nausea.

Frequent Urination

If you have a urinary tract infection, you may notice that the smell stays for a longer period and is stronger. Urine leakage can occasionally cause urine to gather on your shorts or body. This can make you feel more prone to urination issues or create a smell in your shorts.

Yeast Infection

People with infections is susceptible to yeast infections. They can produce abnormal secretion, irritation, inflammation, and skin irritation in the groin area, as well as a bread-like odor.

When Should You See a Coctor?

If you are unable to get rid of the smell via cleanliness, consult a doctor about treatment options.

If you notice a strange odor coming out of your shorts and it remain consistent, you should seek medical attention. Foul-smelling urine or discharge, and urination issues are all symptoms of an illness. A doctor can discuss possible causes with you and suggest tests and treatments.

5 Tips to stop the Odor Out of your shorts

Here are some of methods you can try to stop the Odor Out of your shorts.

Showering Regularly

Showering frequently and washing with mild soap and warm water will help lessen the impacts of grime, sweat, and dead skin cell accumulation that cause unpleasant odors in your shorts.

Using Light Fabric Shorts

After a strenuous exercise, it is important to change into clean clothes that are dry and light, it will also assist in reducing the smell. Tight-fitting shorts will cause you to sweat more so opt for loose-fitting ones.

Treatment of UTI

Antibiotics, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relievers are all possible treatments for a UTI.

Proper Hygiene

Good hygiene practices, such as changing your shorts when it becomes moist or scrubbing your body area with soap, lukewarm, and a washcloth, will help.

Treatment of Yeast Infection

Topical antifungal ointments or oral antifungal medicines may be used as treatments. Consult a doctor about other choices if you have recurring infections.

Here is a guide on how to stop your shirts from smelling that may interest you.

How to Get Rid of the Odor in Your Shorts?

Here are ways you can get rid of the bad odor from your shorts.

Don’t Delay Washing.

Since bacteria multiply and the odor gets stronger over time, washing your shorts quickly after your run will make a tremendous impact. If you don’t have time to do a full load of Washing, try rinsing your garments in water to release the stains.

I wrote a guide on how often to do laundry that may interest you.

Use an Odor Eliminator

You may use odor-eliminating items in your washing machine alongside detergent. These items are compatible with any washing machine, even high-efficiency ones. You may also add vinegar to the laundry cycle if you don’t want to buy an extra athletics product. While pre-soaking in vinegar is preferred, adding vinegar to a washing process can also assist loosen and eliminate smells.

Remove odors by using charcoal.

Charcoal blocks are a must-have for minimizing the musty scent of your garments. It is an excellent aid in absorbing scents in the home. However, it would be best if you first placed the charcoal in stockings or a white fabric before use. Otherwise, black charcoal could discolor the garments.

Why Do My shorts Smell Even After Washing?

When you use too a lot more or too little detergent, the bacteria on your jeans are trapped inside soapy, thick bubbles that don’t accomplish anything to clean the fabric. A stinking washing machine might also be the source of the problem. Similarly, keeping damp pants in a confined, dark, or humid environment can cause a similar issue.

Next, you can learn how to remove the smell from your shoes and to remove the smell from wool sweaters.