The smell of alcohol is known to last a long time. A few hours after drinking alcohol, or in the morning after you've had a fun night out, your breath and skin will still smell like alcohol. Fortunately, you can mask the smell of alcohol by eating the right foods and drinks, and following personal hygiene care guidelines. Apart from that, there are also some steps you can take to prevent the smell of alcohol on your breath and body in the first place.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Consuming Foods and Drinks That Mask the Smell of Alcohol
Step 1. Eat foods that contain garlic and onions
The most effective way to mask the smell of alcohol is to eat foods that smell the same. Try enjoying foods that contain garlic and onions for breakfast. Some suggestions to try include:
- Omelet
- Scones or salty quick bread
- Salty crepes
Step 2. Drink coffee
Another smelly product that can effectively mask the smell of alcohol is coffee. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning and keep drinking coffee during the day. If you are sensitive to caffeine, choose decaffeinated coffee products.
Keep in mind that breath that smells of coffee is quite disturbing
Step 3. Enjoy peanut butter or jam for lunch
Peanut butter is also effective in masking the smell of alcohol on your breath. Pack a snack with peanut butter for lunch. Some menu options that can be tried, including:
- Ants on a log (celery snack with nut butter, cheese and raisins)
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
- Noodles with peanut sauce
Step 4. Maintain body fluids
As the best way to cleanse the system and remove (not just hide) the smell of alcohol from your breath and body, drink plenty of water. Try to drink water with the amount of 1/30 of body mass. For example, if you weigh 68 kilograms, you should drink 2.2 liters of water (68 x 1/30 = 2.2). Another good news is that water is also the best “cure” for hangovers.
Step 5. Chew gum throughout the day
When the body metabolizes alcohol, the smell can be caught on the breath. Get rid of the smell of alcohol by chewing gum regularly or eating breath mints throughout the day.
Method 2 of 3: Using Self-Care Techniques
Step 1. Brush your teeth and use mouthwash
Brushing your teeth alone isn't enough to get rid of the alcohol smell, but it's an important first step. Brush your teeth thoroughly using a mint flavored toothpaste, then continue with the use of mouthwash min.
You can bring dental hygiene kits and return to brushing (and gargling) during the day
Step 2. Exercise in the morning
20-30 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular exercise in the morning helps the body process the remaining alcohol and expel its odor through sweat. Some types of sports that are suitable to do, including:
- Run
- Jump rope
- Dance to the music
- Aerobics
Step 3. Take a shower
As with brushing your teeth, you've probably heard that showering alone isn't enough to get rid of the alcohol smell. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you don't need to shower at all! Take the time to shower properly. Wash your hair and use a fragrant soap.
If you want to exercise, take a shower afterward
Step 4. Cover the smell of alcohol in the sweat
When you are active throughout the day, you will sweat. The sweat released by the body contains the smell of alcohol. However, you can counteract this by using deodorant after bathing. If you want, sprinkle baby powder on the body to absorb sweat and keep the body fresh.
- You may need to reuse deodorant during the day.
- If you sweat a lot, change clothes during the day.
Step 5. Use perfume or cologne
A little perfume or cologne can mask the smell of alcohol in the long run. Use your favorite fragrance. However, make sure you don't overuse it. Instead, you can re-spray your perfume or cologne in the afternoon or evening when the fragrance starts to wear off.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing the Smell of Alcohol
Step 1. Drink alcohol in moderation
The best way to avoid the smell of alcohol on the body is to prevent it in the first place. Drink 1-2 servings per day, or 3 servings for special occasions. The following amounts are equivalent to “1 serving”:
- 350 ml beer
- 150 ml of wine
- 45 ml of distilled alcohol or liquor (with an alcohol content of 40%)
Step 2. Alternate consumption of water and alcoholic beverages
After finishing one serving of beer, wine, or cocktail, have a glass of water. By drinking water, you won't be drinking too much alcohol and can help your body process alcohol better. In addition, this method can prevent the smell of alcohol on the breath or body.
Step 3. Wash clothes, especially outerwear or jackets
Whenever you wear certain clothes to a party or bar, make sure you wash them afterward. This is especially important for outerwear (eg jackets, coats and hats) and formal wear (eg suits). By cleaning clothes, stubborn alcohol odors can be reduced or prevented.
- Any time you wear certain clothes to an event that allows you to consume alcoholic beverages, there is a chance that the drink may spill and hit your clothes.
- If the garment is not cleaned, you may not see or notice the spill stain until the garment is worn again.
