Many people notice a distinct scent when they visit an elderly loved one’s home, ride in their car, or handle their clothing. Often referred to as “old person smell” or even “old lady smell,” this odor is natural. However, it can cause seniors to feel insecure and even isolate themselves. Luckily, it can be minimized or eliminated with proper hygiene and home care practices.
Learn why this smell occurs in older adults. Plus, get practical tips on reducing and removing it from clothing, furniture, and living spaces.
Why Do Older Adults Have a Certain Smell?
Getting older comes with a distinct scent. Nonenal, an odor-causing compound, is the primary contributor. As people age, their skin produces more lipid peroxides, which break down into nonenal and create a slightly musty, greasy scent.
This process is natural in aging adults and not necessarily tied to hygiene. However, a lack of hygiene and other factors can contribute to this scent, including:
- Reduced bathing frequency due to mobility issues or cognitive decline
- Skin changes that lead to increased oil and dead skin cell buildup
- Medications that may affect body odor
- Clothing and fabrics that trap smells over time
- Diet and hydration levels impacting natural body scent
RELATED CONTENT: Helping the Elderly Maintain Good Hygiene
How to Get Rid of Aging-Related Odors
While aging-related odor is normal, there are ways to reduce, control, and even eliminate it. Explore our tips below.
1. Use the Right Soaps & Skin Care Products
Proper hygiene plays a significant role in controlling aging-related odor. Seniors should bathe regularly using soaps and body washes designed to neutralize nonenal and remove excess skin oils.
- Japanese persimmon soap: Known for breaking down nonenal and neutralizing odor
- Antibacterial body washes: Help remove bacteria that contribute to odor
- pH-balanced soaps: Gentle on aging skin while still providing a deep cleanse
- Exfoliating washcloths or loofahs: Help remove dead skin cells that trap odors
While bath time can be challenging, encourage seniors to bathe at least every other day to minimize odor buildup. Use warm, not hot, water to prevent drying out the skin. Apply moisturizer after bathing to keep skin healthy
2. Keeping Clothes Fresh & Odor-Free
Clothing can trap body odors over time, especially if items aren’t washed frequently enough or if they are stored improperly. Here’s how you can help aging loved ones keep clothes smelling fresh:
- Wash frequently: Seniors should wear clean clothing daily, particularly undergarments and shirts
- Use odor-eliminating detergents: Look for products containing enzymes or baking soda to break down lingering smells
- Try vinegar in the wash: Adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle neutralizes trapped odors
- Dry clothes in sunlight: Natural UV rays help kill odor-causing bacteria
- Avoid synthetic fabrics: Cotton and breathable fabrics trap fewer odors compared to polyester or nylon
3. Removing Smells from Furniture & Upholstery
Since seniors often spend extended periods sitting or reclining, their furniture can absorb body oils, sweat, and dead skin cells over time. To combat this, try the following tips:
- Vacuum regularly: Vacuum upholstered furniture weekly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter
- Use baking soda: Sprinkle on furniture, let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum
- Steam clean periodically: Professional steam cleaning removes deep-set odors
- Use fabric sprays: Look for enzyme-based sprays that break down odors rather than just mask them
- Wash blankets: Wash throw blankets and cushion covers regularly
4. Eliminating Odors from Bedding & Mattresses
Since people spend a third of their lives in bed, mattresses and bedding often absorb and retain body odor. Older people may spend even more time in bed. Keep linens fresh by:
- Washing sheets and pillowcases weekly using odor-fighting detergents
- Adding vinegar or baking soda to the wash cycle to neutralize smells
- Using mattress protectors to prevent sweat absorption
- Sprinkling baking soda on the mattress monthly before vacuuming
- Air drying pillows and blankets in the sun to naturally kill bacteria
5. Keeping the Car Smelling Fresh
Cars can also retain odors due to extended use, limited ventilation, and fabric interiors. So, if seniors are in the car going back and forth to doctor appointments, odors may linger. Reduce smells by:
- Vacuuming seats and floors weekly
- Using charcoal air purifiers to absorb odor
- Cleaning seat upholstery with a mixture of white vinegar and water
- Rolling down windows to air out the car regularly
- Placing dryer sheets under the seats for a fresh scent
6. Improving Air Quality in the Home
Since odors can linger in the air, improving indoor air quality can help reduce unwanted smells. Some strategies to manage indoor smells include:
- Opening windows for fresh air circulation
- Using air purifiers with activated carbon filters
- Placing bowls of baking soda or coffee grounds in smelly areas
- Running a dehumidifier to reduce moisture buildup, which can contribute to musty smells
7. Encourage Deodorant
While aging-related body odor isn’t always linked to sweating, wearing deodorant can still be beneficial for personal freshness. Antiperspirants help reduce sweat, while deodorants mask or neutralize odors, making them useful even for seniors who perspire less.
- Aluminum-free deodorants: Gentle on sensitive skin and effective for odor control
- Baking soda-based deodorants: Natural and effective at neutralizing odors
- Fragrance-free options: Ideal for seniors with allergies or skin sensitivities
- Roll-ons or creams: Easier for seniors with arthritis to apply than traditional sticks
Encouraging seniors to wear deodorant is a personal choice, but using a mild, skin-friendly option can help them feel fresh and confident throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Aging-related odor is completely natural, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. By focusing on personal care and odor-reducing strategies, seniors can stay fresh, comfortable, and confident in their daily lives. Whether it’s choosing the right soap, washing clothes properly, or improving air circulation, small adjustments can make a big difference.
If you’re caring for a loved one, consider incorporating these tips into their routine to ensure they feel their best every day! Reach out to your local Caring team to learn how we can support your loved one with personal care needs.
