Garlic is known for its powerful health benefits, but many people hesitate to consume it because of the strong odor it leaves behind—especially on the breath and sometimes even on the body. There’s also a common belief that eating too much garlic can cause body odor, especially under the arms. So, how much of this is true? In fact, eating garlic can alter your body odor quite noticeably and also cause strong bad breath. If you love garlic but worry about the “smell,” then this article is for you.
Why Does Garlic Cause Bad Odor?
Garlic contains sulfuric compounds that give it a strong smell and enhance the flavor of food. However, scientists have found that these compounds are similar to the bacteria that cause bad breath. When garlic or its compounds get stuck in your teeth, they leave behind an unpleasant smell.
Moreover, a compound in garlic called allyl methyl sulfide is not digested in the stomach but instead enters the bloodstream and is released through sweat glands—causing a garlic-like body odor if consumed in large amounts.
The sulfur compounds in garlic are the root cause of the odor. Normally, these compounds disappear after a few hours. However, in people who consume large amounts of garlic or have slower metabolism, the smell may linger throughout the day.
How to Remove Garlic Odor from Cooking Utensils
Garlic odor doesn’t only affect your body—it can cling to your kitchenware, too, such as plates, cups, and bowls. Luckily, it’s easy to remove:
Method 1: Hot Water + Dish Soap + Sunlight
Just soak the utensils in hot water, wash them thoroughly with dish soap, then dry them in the sun. These simple steps can effectively eliminate garlic smell.
Method 2: Toothpaste
Toothpaste contains fluoride, which is very effective in deodorizing. Just apply a thin layer of toothpaste to a sponge, scrub the utensils, then rinse them off. This method leaves your utensils smelling fresh and clean.
Method 3: Coffee Grounds
If garlic smell clings to your hands after chopping or cooking, rub used coffee grounds on your skin to eliminate the odor. You can also put coffee grounds in a cloth bag and use it while bathing to help deodorize the body.
6 Effective Ways to Remove Garlic Breath
Brush Your Teeth or Chew Gum
This is the simplest and most popular way. Brushing your teeth removes garlic residue stuck in your teeth, while the minty smell of toothpaste masks the odor.
If you’re out and about or at a restaurant, chew sugar-free gum right after eating garlic. While this won’t completely remove the smell, it helps reduce bad breath and boost your confidence when talking to others.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water helps wash away food particles and garlic residue in your mouth. It also keeps your mouth moist—reducing bacterial growth that can worsen bad breath. Additionally, it dilutes allyl methyl sulfide in the blood and helps flush it out of your system faster.
Use Lemon or Grapefruit
Lemon and grapefruit contain polyphenols, compounds that fight the enzyme alliinase, which breaks down sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. The natural acids in citrus fruits also help neutralize odors in your mouth.
Eat Apples or Mint Leaves
A study by Ohio State University found that apples and mint contain phenolic compounds — natural plant fragrances. These compounds interact with the odor-causing compounds in garlic, effectively reducing the smell.
Drink Green Tea
Green tea has antibacterial properties and can eliminate bad breath. According to traditional remedies, drinking green tea after meals not only freshens your breath but also removes food residue and harmful bacteria from your mouth.
Scrape Your Tongue + Use Baking Soda
The tongue harbors a lot of odor-causing bacteria, but it’s often neglected during oral hygiene. Use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue, then brush your teeth using baking soda.
Baking soda neutralizes odors and thoroughly cleans your mouth—making this one of the most effective ways to eliminate garlic breath.

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