Whether you’ve had a great night out with friends or you’ve accidentally spilled alcohol on your clothes or furniture, the lingering smell can be quite unpleasant.
Alcohol odors can permeate a room or stick to your clothes and hair, making it an unwelcome reminder of the previous night’s events.
However, there’s no need to panic. With a few simple and effective methods, you can neutralize the smell of alcohol quickly and easily.
In this article, we will explore various techniques to help you get rid of the alcohol odors from your body & breath.
Why is getting rid of the smell so tough?
Imagine a full toilet that hasn’t been flushed. Using air freshener might help the bathroom smell nice for a bit, but the bad smell will stay until you flush it.
It’s the same with alcohol. The smell stays until your body processes and gets rid of it.
The smell comes from your lungs, not your mouth.
Here’s a quick explanation:
- When you drink alcohol, it goes into your bloodstream from your stomach and intestines.
- Your body starts breaking down the alcohol so it can get rid of it, mostly through your liver. But not all of it.
- About 10% of the alcohol that isn’t broken down leaves your body in your urine and, you guessed it, your breath.
That’s why a mint doesn’t get rid of the alcohol smell, and you can still fail a breathalyzer test even if your breath smells minty for a little while.
Can you really get rid of the Alcohol Odor?
Yes, but the solution might not be what you want to hear: it’s Time.
Your body needs time to break down and remove the alcohol to truly get rid of the smell on your breath.
Any other fix will just cover up the odor temporarily.
Breath and Body
Quick fixes to try
If you’re short on time and have an important meeting, you can try some temporary solutions.
Use alcohol-based mouthwash
Gargling with mouthwash can help cover up the smell of alcohol on your breath for a short while. Using a mouthwash with alcohol might give better results, as the mix of alcohol and mint makes it harder to detect the smell. Brushing your teeth can also boost the minty freshness.
Suck on cough drops
Cough drops can help disguise alcohol breath temporarily. Stick to non-fruity flavors for the best effect.
Drink coffee
Coffee breath is strong, and having a cup or two might briefly mask the alcohol smell with the aroma of coffee.
Eat peanut butter
Some people swear by peanut butter as a way to cover up alcohol breath. Its strong smell and thick consistency can leave a peanut-like coating in your mouth and throat for a short time.
Chew gum
Grab the strongest gum you can find and start chewing. While it won’t eliminate the smell, it can help mask it until the gum loses its flavor.
Lemon
Rich in citrus compounds, lemon helps reduce built-up toxins and the smell of alcohol. Its acidity aids in cleansing your mouth of bacteria and flushing out your system.
How to Get Rid of the Smell of Alcohol
Ideally, carrying a travel oral care kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss) is the best way to maintain clean and fresh breath.
However, it’s not always possible to practice good oral care when you’re on the go. In such cases, sugar-free mints and gums can be great alternatives for freshening up alcoholic breath.
Stay Hydrated with Plenty of Water
Did you know that simply drinking more water can help improve bad breath? It’s true.
This timeless advice is always relevant. We’re all aware of the importance of drinking sufficient water. Alcohol consumption causes dehydration, and a dry mouth fosters bacterial growth, resulting in stronger odors.
Alcohol has a diuretic effect. Sipping water while enjoying alcohol helps maintain hydration. A useful guideline is to have a glass of water for each alcoholic drink you consume.
After finishing your drinks, continue to drink water. This practice will lessen the severity of a hangover and bad breath.
Furthermore, water helps rinse away leftover particles. Increasing your water intake is beneficial for both your breath and overall health.
In a Nutshell
Keep in mind that masking the smell of alcohol doesn’t hide its effects on your brain and body. Fresh, minty breath won’t improve your driving skills or help you pass a sobriety test.
Only time can truly remove alcohol from your system. Always drink responsibly.
Take Care of yourself!
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