How to deal with stinky roommate?

Question

My new roommate doesn't wear deodorant. I think it's some sort of hardcore environmentalist/vegan statement on her part. We don't have air-conditioning in the place so the stench of B.O. just hangs in the air. I practically had to hose down the living room with Glade last night. I don't know how long I will be able to stand this. Please help!

Answer 1

I recommend getting an air conditioner and then telling her. B.O. is not a political statement, no matter what she thinks. I have encountered it before with Vegan, hippie, crunchy people in college. They think that stinking is some kind of political statement and anti-establishment. What it is, is just stinky and gross. I would move out or evict her if she won't change.

Nasty!

Answer 2

If hints don't work, you're just going to have to have a civilized conversation with her. She's probably desensitized to her own smell and may not realize how strong and offensive it is. I would tell her that such an invasive odor is unacceptable because it encroaches upon your personal space. Tell her that you are perfectly content living with her, but the B.O has got to go. Otherwise, you'll have to find a new roommate.

I second what someone said about the Crystal Deodorant Stick. It's environmentally friendly, not tested on animals, and is cost effecient because one stick lasts over a year. I purchased mine at a local CVS drugstore. This is the best deodorant I've ever used! No matter how sweaty I get out in the sun, my underarms never smell. I can't say that about any other deodorant. I would recommend purchasing one as a gift for your friend because you know how environmentally conscious she is. Maybe that way, she won't be offended, and she shouldn't have any objections to a natural product. I'll post the link below. Good luck!

http://www.herbalremedies.com/natural-deodorant.html

The one I purchased at CVS looks like this:
http://www.drugstore.com/qxp41032_333181_sespider/crystal/body_deodorant_stick.htm

Answer 3

There is this Long Lasting instant Cream Body-Deodorant. Does not block pores, allowing normal & healthy perspiration.
Cream you can buy that you put on after a shower, once every 7 days. It I would give it to her with a NICE letter or talk to her in person. Some people would get angry with a letter like that. I think the deoderant cream would help the both of you.
I love this stuff. I also would use a little Anti-Perspirant to just control the wetness.

Answer 4

Tell her that either she loses the stench or she's going to have to get out. One of my oldest friends has been a vegan for 30 years and she uses deo. If Stinky doesn't like sprays, then she can use a stick.

I'd have booted her the first day. I cannot stand it when people smell.

Answer 5

I moved in to this college apartment and this Ukrainian kid who had ******* created the most disgusting horrible mess to the point where everything was layered with gross bacteria, dirt, mold and nothing in the place had been cleaned for 3 years. Holly cow. After I get there the maintenance fixes up the apartment but the kid living there is the ******* defect left in the apt. The guy literally smells like the worst, he smells so bad people at school ******* mention it randomly when he passes by them. I need help. I ******* hate immigrants.

Answer 6

Be nice and invite her to do some shopping with you someday. Pick up a deodorant which is environmental friendly (there are plenty of choices in the market) and suggest that she buys it. Do a bit of research your own to check out available products which may suit her the most. I am sure she will appreciate it.

If it fails, just lit an aromatherapy candle every night until she gets the message! :-)

Good luck!

Answer 7

Be honest. Let her know that you have a problem with her odour. Give her a nice smelling soap with a note if you cant be direct to her face.
Use Glen20 to kill the germs that can cause the odour and maybe invest in some aromatherapy candles.
If its an environmental issue with antiperspirants there are crystal deodorant sticks she can get that are made with only natural ingredients,

Answer 8

Leave her "subtle hints" like a bar of deodorant on top of her dresser in her room. If she asks you about it, just say, "they had a 2-for-1 sale at the store, and I thought we were both running a little low."

She should get the message, and the "I thought we were both running a little low" line gives the impression that you were just being thoughtful; not that you've been obsessing over how to introduce her to your baking soda-laced friend!

Answer 9

Tell her she's a nice person, her aroma has become offensive, and that shes a very good friend and you love your apartment living with her in it. The strategy here is to sandwich the offensive aroma in between two positive remarks. Don't say, hey, you stink. It's OFFENSIVE AROMA. Much less personally taken for some reason, also works well in the workplace.

Answer 10

You don't seem to be dealing with a bully here. You also seem to care about yourself and rightfully so. After all, she has been on the planet long enough to know that you are right when you get around to talking to her. People do what is important to them. Trust me on this one, you will get around to very soon, given that we are in the summer months now. In this case sooner is always better than later. Other people in her life may also be thinking of helping you out indirectly because they are thinking the same thing about confronting her...you may never know the answer to this one unless things all of a sudden improve on their own by her cleaning up her own act with your not having to even mentioning it. If you do say something to her, (I think most of us would if we were in your situation) and she doesn't correct her behavior ...well I can't read minds but I can predict you to be the victum of "Rude" behavior...which, in effect is "Bully" behavior. Beware, you may have a bully on your hands or something akin to it. If not, then you both win. I wish you the best...