Ever wondered why your <keyword id="22348681" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="polyester-workout-gear" source="keywords">polyester workout gear</keyword> smells like it’s gone ten rounds in the ring with a skunk, while your cotton tee just has a mild funk? Researchers have cracked the case, and their findings are as enlightening as they are stinky.<br /><h2>Smelling out the situation</h2>To get to the bottom of this smelly situation, researchers soaked different fibres in a simulated <keyword id="6374994" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sweat" source="Orion">sweat</keyword> solution, and then measured the release of various odour-causing compounds. This method provided a more realistic way to understand how our clothes get stinky, as traditional methods often overlook that <keyword id="22348682" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="body-odours" source="keywords">body odours</keyword> transfer to fabrics primarily through liquid sweat, not just airborne sweat vapours.<br /><br />The study found that polyester is an odour hoarder. Unlike cotton and viscose, which are plant-derived (cellulosic) fibres and tend to release less of the odour-causing compounds, polyester, nylon, and wool hold onto these compounds.<br />      <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111361532" title="A stitch in time: Bone eyed needles from 40,000 years ago may have been the birth of fashion clothing!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>“Polyester is notoriously smellier after a <keyword id="24256" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="workout" source="Orion">workout</keyword>,” explained Rachel McQueen, a clothing and textiles scientist. “But now we know why. It’s all about how these fibres interact with the sweat and odorants.”<br /><h2>What makes sweat stinky?</h2>Sweat is mostly water but also contains oily compounds that bacteria love to munch on, creating those familiar gym-bag odours. Cellulosic fibres like cotton and viscose absorb more water and less of the stinky, oily stuff. Polyester, on the other hand, repels water but greedily soaks up those oily compounds and odorants.<br /><br />This means that while your cotton shirt might get damp, it’s less likely to become a walking odour bomb compared to your polyester gear.<br /><h2>Beating the stank</h2>The study also found that nylon and wool initially absorb a lot of odorants but also make the stink disappear faster than polyester. After 24 hours, the smell in nylon and wool was almost as faint as in cotton and viscose. So, if you’ve got nylon or wool workout clothes, you might be able to skip a wash now and then — just hang them out to air and let nature do its thing.<br />      <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111073830" title="Scientists are trying to make cows sweatier to help protect the world against climate change" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>"Basically, if you're concerned about smelly clothes, then keep away from polyester. Even with some of the anti-odor claims on some clothing labels, you might want to be cautious,” McQueen explained. “If the anti-odor property is due to an antimicrobial, it may not be as effective as you think, because there's another mechanism in play, which is all about the fibre chemistry and the interaction with odorants."<br /><br />The findings of this research have been published in Textile<em> Research Journal</em> and can be accessed <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/00405175241249462">here</a>.<br />

Here is why some clothes are smellier than others after a workout — and what you can do about it

Why mosquitoes are attracted to some people more than others

<ul class="summary-list"><li>After moving to the UK, I changed how I cleaned when items such as white vinegar were hard to find.</li><li>Instead, I use lemons to clean my kitchen and swap baking soda for tea bags as an odor eliminator. </li></ul><p>Over 20 years ago, I made the big <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/woman-moved-from-new-york-london-reveals-things-shocked-her-2023-8">move from the US</a> to the UK, where I have lived off-and-on ever since. Armed with dreams of sipping tea with the Queen, little did I know that navigating the world of home cleaning would be my biggest adventure yet.</p><p>From the elusive tumble dryer to the wild-goose chase for distilled white vinegar and baking soda, here are some distinctly British home-cleaning tips and tricks I've picked up along the way.</p><h2>Replace vinegar with citrus to clean kitchens and bathrooms</h2><p>In the US, distilled white vinegar is a cleaning superhero sold by the gallon, tackling everything from windows and clogged drains to bathroom limescale. But in the UK, trying to find it will only end in a wild scavenger hunt through many grocery stores as you question your life choices. After going through this many times myself, I've learned that here, all you'll usually find at the end of such a hunt is the beloved malt vinegar for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/classic-british-foods-that-foreigners-find-gross-2016-9#similar-to-black-pudding-white-pudding-is-a-sausage-made-using-pork-fat-instead-of-blood-3">fish and chips</a>.</p><p>As a substitute, I now use lemons or grapefruit — both of which are widely available. I use them to clean everything in the kitchen — including the sink, cutting boards, microwave, and oven — and in the bathroom — including the shower doors, sink, and tub. Sometimes, I use half of the fruit to actually scrub whatever I'm cleaning, while other times I use diluted juice as a spray cleaner.</p><div type="image" title="Photo of half a grapefruit sprinkled with salt, sitting on a grey granite countertop." height="3024" width="4032" msid="106065226" hostid="261" sizebytes="333142"></div><p>I also use a quarter cup of the juice as a fabric softener and whitener in my laundry and add a few slices to the water I use to descale appliances such as my kettle. For hard-to-shift grime, I sprinkle half a lemon or grapefruit with salt to act as an abrasive agent or follow up a citrus spray with a little scrub of a cleaning pad, such as a Magic Eraser. Bonus: your house comes out smelling like a warm Mediterranean day.</p><h2>Clean your pots, pans, and silverware with aluminum foil</h2><p>My English partner's mother taught me this trick when I complained of pans caked in burned food or melted cheese. She repurposes aluminum foil — called "kitchen foil" in the UK — as a scouring pad in the kitchen to easily remove gunk on pots and pans.</p><div type="image" title="Photo from above of someone's hand using a wad of aluminum foil to scrub a dirty pot that is sitting in the sink. The person is wearing a grey long-sleeved shirt." height="3024" width="4032" msid="106065227" hostid="261" sizebytes="611698"></div><p>She also taught me to throw a wad in the top silverware drawer of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/review-viral-tiktok-aluminum-foil-dishwasher-cleaning-hack-2023-4">dishwasher</a> when my forks and knives start to look a bit dull. At the end of a normal wash cycle, they look all shiny and new.</p><h2>Remove tea and coffee stains with a cleaning pad or toothpaste</h2><p>Tea breaks are an essential part of daily life in the UK, which inevitably results in stained cups <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/dental/yellow-teeth">and teeth</a> over time. A little scrub with a cleaning pad or a fingertip of white toothpaste will have the cups looking brand new.</p><div type="image" title="Image of an older woman with short curly white hair holding a mug with a colorful polka dot design in one hand and a Magic Eraser in the other. She wears a turquoise t-shirt, a white ribbed cardigan, pearl earrings, and a pearl necklace. Behind her is a kitchen stove, with wooden cabinets on the white tiled wall." height="1512" width="2016" msid="106065229" hostid="261" sizebytes="265580"></div><h2>Swap baking soda for tea bags to eliminate smells</h2><p>If you have extra tea bags lying around, repurpose them as odor eliminators. In the US, we would simply throw boxes of baking soda in the fridge, freezer, or cupboard to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/expert-tips-how-to-remove-odors-from-home-2022-3">eliminate smells</a>, but those boxes are impossible to find here, and I've found you can do the same with a few tea bags. They work well in smelly shoes, too.</p><h2>Steam bad smells out of clothes</h2><p>For a country that is rainy, damp, and cold for a large portion of the year, I still find it hard to understand why almost no one <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/moving-to-uk-from-us-things-to-know-before-2022-7">owns a tumble dryer</a>. Not only do they dry clothing more quickly, but they can also keep your clothes smelling nice.</p><p>Recently, I ordered a winter coat that arrived smelling like cigarette smoke. In the US, I would simply throw it on the air-fluff setting in the dryer with a dryer sheet to remove the smell, but here, I had to get creative and use the iron as a steamer. Professional dry cleaners use steam to remove smells, so it works at home, too, but takes a bit longer.</p><div type="image" title="Photo of a person using an iron to steam a green wool double-breasted coat." height="3024" width="4032" msid="106065230" hostid="261" sizebytes="949088"></div><h2><strong>Ditch paper towels for microfiber cloths</strong></h2><p>The British swear by microfiber cloths for everything from dusting to stove and window cleaning. Since moving here, I've <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/gifts/eco-friendly-alternatives-for-everyday-products">ditched paper towels</a> and embraced these reusable wonders for dusting my entire house with ease and leaving a streak-free finish on glass and mirrors. Can't find a microfiber cloth? Newspaper or coffee filters serve the same lint-free purpose.</p><p class="MsoNormal">With a few tweaks to my strategy and some distinctly British cleaning hacks, I now navigate the world of sparkling-clean surfaces and tea-stain-free cups with finesse. Who knew cleaning could be so brilliant? Cheers to a spotless home with a touch of British flair. Time for a cuppa.</p>

I moved from the US to the UK and had to completely change the way I cleaned

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Jules Rogers took a new job at a newspaper in Houston and moved from Portland, Oregon, in 2018.</li><li>She was earning 20% more and living in a more spacious apartment, but other costs increased.</li></ul><p>In summer 2018, I was busy <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-trend-snail-girl-women-girl-bossing-slower-lifestyle-2023-10"><u>girlbossing</u></a> — hard. I was in my mid-20s and working as a full-time reporter for a local newspaper in Portland, Oregon.</p><p>But I was unsatisfied. I was still living paycheck to paycheck, and I was in debt. My rent went up every year, but my wages didn't keep pace.</p><p>I felt like I needed a boost, and moving to a city with a lower cost of living seemed to make sense.</p><p>I decided to apply for a higher-paying editor position at a local paper in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-in-texas-houston-to-small-town-buy-a-home-2023-10"><u>Houston</u></a>. My now-husband, Marshall, and I both had family in Texas, so it sounded like a great option.</p><p>I landed the job, and my husband got a new job in sales. We enjoyed lots of things about Texas once we got there, but we ended up missing Oregon and moving back to Portland less than two years later.</p><p>Here's why I regretted leaving Oregon and how my budget was different in the two states.</p><h2><strong>Houston pros and cons</strong></h2><div type="image" title="a couple stands in front of a bull at a rodeo" height="720" width="960" msid="105208658" hostid="261"></div><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-happy-job-hopping-quit-without-backup-oliver-wyman-2023-1"><u>Job-hopping</u></a> was common for 20-somethings at the time, and moving felt like a necessary evil because of rising rents in Portland. I accepted a 20% raise, and we moved to the northwest Houston suburb of Spring.</p><p>There were immediate differences: I stood out for wearing pants and Nikes to the office instead of flowery dresses like my coworkers. Other women had beautiful, pageant-worth waves, while I had an angled bob with an undercut.</p><p>I admired the style of the women around me, but I missed the casual and comfortable outdoorsy clothes you see on the West Coast.</p><p>My favorite things about Houston were the radio stations — the rap and country stations were both really good. I also adored the Tex-Mex and barbecue, especially the brisket breakfast tacos (oatmeal and acai bowls are common breakfast favorites in Portland).</p><h2><strong>Ultimately, my quality of life just wasn't the same</strong></h2><p>In Oregon, a drive to the coast can be a day trip. In Houston, going to Galveston, which is about 50 miles away, wasn't worth it unless we stayed for a weekend. I couldn't afford to ski the mountains in Oregon, but I could at least visit and snowshoe there. There aren't any mountains like that in Texas.</p><p>We visited Houston's arboretum and city gardens in our free time, but they were paved, crowded, and hot. Even in the heart of Portland, hikers can get lost alone in muddy forests.</p><p>My daily Houston commute, which could take me anywhere from one to three hours a day depending on my schedule, exhausted me. I thought I was choosing a central location when I chose our apartment, but the scale of Houston was greater than I expected.</p><h2><strong>Housing is more expensive in Portland</strong></h2><p>When I was planning the move, I kept my housing budget between $1,100 and $1,200 for a one-bedroom to abate <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-creep">lifestyle creep</a> and save more money.</p><p>In Portland, our rent was moving closer to $1,400 for smaller and smaller apartments, but I found a place in Houston on the cheaper end of my budget that offered more square footage, a saltwater pool, a gym, and gated parking. I'd only had street parking in Portland, and apartments with garages charged between $100 and $ 200 a month for one spot.</p><p>But when I got to Spring, I found that adjacent to my 300-unit apartment complex was a farmhouse property with several (smelly) horses. And there was a FedEx warehouse across the street, complete with 18-wheeler traffic.</p><p>I explored the Houston housing market and was tempted by gorgeous, enormous houses with luxuries that aren't common in Oregon, such as guest suites and large laundry rooms. But <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/29-millennial-never-buy-house-how-spend-save-money-2021-9"><u>when you buy a house</u></a>, you're also buying into the neighborhood, and I couldn't commit to that yet.</p><h2><strong>My transportation budget increased</strong></h2><p>My transportation budget went up in Houston. I think I saw one city bus the entire time I was there — and if you want to take a bike ride, you have to drive your bike somewhere first.</p><p>There are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.biztrib.com/news/five-things-to-know-about-tolling-in-oregon/article_53d11202-f6e1-5768-9f37-7a1b63505999.html"><u>no toll roads in Oregon</u></a>, and it's known for being friendly for alternative transportation like scooters, bikes, and walking. In Texas, tolls cost me between $80 and $120 a month. Gas was cheaper than in Oregon, but I needed to buy three tanks a month instead of one.</p><p>We also had to buy a second vehicle so we both could commute in Houston. In Portland, we shared one car and two bikes, which we often used to get to work.</p><p>In Houston, when we looked for something to do we could decide between buying tickets to things like rodeos or museums, eating out at franchise or five-star restaurants, and shopping. Oregon has fewer options for shopping but is much more suited for fun and affordable outdoor activities.</p><h2><strong>Although my income increased with the move, I spent more</strong></h2><div type="image" title="a couple poses at a winery" height="2268" width="3024" msid="105208662" hostid="261"></div><p>My higher salary was spent on a second car, gas, tolls, more expensive <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usnews.com/insurance/auto/cheap-car-insurance-texas"><u>car insurance</u></a>, work lunches, happy hours, and networking.</p><p>I tried to tell myself I just needed to give it a chance, settle in, and get used to Houston, but I missed the trees, the air, the mountains, the ocean, the vibes, and the culture of the Pacific Northwest.</p><p>Ultimately, I quit my Houston job less than two years after I got there. I ramped up my freelance writing business, and we moved back to Portland.</p><p>After renting a studio for a bit, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/i-planned-to-rent-forever-then-i-bought-a-house-2022-6"><u>my husband and I closed on a townhome, thanks to the low interest rates</u></a> available in early 2022. We're much happier now back at home.</p>

I moved to Houston and regretted it. I stuck out at work and it was impossible to save.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Your <keyword id="13681472" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="armpits" source="Orion">armpits</keyword> have an inherent odor that's totally normal due to apocrine and eccrine glands.</li><li>Everyone's armpits smell different thanks to genetics, hormones, diet, and other factors.</li></ul><p>Everyone's underarms have a <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17865-body-odor#:~:text=It's%20completely%20normal%20to%20have,susceptible%20to%20bad%20body%20odor." target="_blank" rel="noopener">certain smell</a> to them, and most of the time it's completely normal and not a cause for concern.</p><p>Body odor comes from a couple of things:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/apocrine-gland" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Apocrine skin glands</strong></a>. These scent-emitting glands become active during puberty and are highly sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. Apocrine glands in your underarms contribute to stinky pits, but you'll also find them around the groin. </li><li><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/eccrine-gland" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Eccrine glands</strong></a>. These glands, which are all over your body but concentrated in the underarms, produce liquid. When you sweat — which everyone does — the bacteria and other microorganisms that are a<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7617/#:~:text=Enterobacter,%20Klebsiella,%20Escherichia%20coli,,in%20the%20moist%20intertriginous%20areas." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> healthy part of your skin</a> become moist and give off a smell. </li></ul><p>"There is no typical smell because it can differ from person to person and can be influenced by genetics, foods, hormones, hygiene, and medications among other things," says <a href="https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/find-a-doctor/susan-massick-md-4575" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Susan Massick</a>, MD, a dermatologist at <a href="https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center</a>.</p><p>The only time your B.O. may be a medical problem is if it has an especially foul odor that could be a sign of an infection. Other than that, the only thing you risk from having smelly armpits is that people around you may get grossed out by your smell, says <a href="https://www.providence.org/doctors/profile/852367-brian-r-toy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brian Toy</a>, MD, a dermatologist at <a href="https://www.providence.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Providence Mission Hospital</a>. </p><p>Here are five common causes of suddenly smelly armpits, how to stop the stench in its tracks, and when it's time to see a doctor.</p><h2><strong>1.</strong> <strong>Diet</strong></h2><p>As your body breaks down food, chemical compounds reach your apocrine glands where they can then be secreted as body odor. Therefore, what foods you eat can influence how you smell. </p><p>In particular, foods with especially pungent flavors are linked to strong body odor and include:</p><ul><li><strong>Sulfurous foods</strong> like <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/08/14/540059875/men-listen-up-women-like-the-smell-of-guys-who-eat-a-certain-diet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">red meat</a>, onions, garlic, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower</li><li><strong>Spices</strong> including curry, cumin, fenugreek, garlic, and coriander</li><li><strong>Alcohol </strong>including beer, wine, and hard liquor</li></ul><p>By contrast, a small <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1090513816301933?via=ihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2017 study</a> found that females preferred the scent of males who ate lots of fruits and vegetables. </p><p>Yet Toy says not to adjust your diet in hopes of smelling better to the opposite sex. "Diet is only one contributing factor to body odor," he says.</p><h2>2. Excess sweating</h2><p>Conditions that cause excess sweating, known as <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007259.htm#:~:text=Hyperhidrosis%20is%20a%20medical%20condition,when%20they%20are%20at%20rest." target="_blank" rel="noopener">hyperhidrosis</a>, can increase body odor. Hyperhidrosis has many causes, including:</p><ul><li>Anxiety</li><li>Infection</li><li>Cancer and other diseases</li><li>Stroke</li><li>Thyroid condition</li><li>Menopause</li></ul><p>If you sweat a lot, the moisture caused by extra sweat promotes bacterial growth, Toy says. In addition, the apocrine glands are more active in people who have hyperhidrosis, he says. </p><p><strong>Note: </strong>Sweat-related B.O. isn't limited to people who have a medical condition. Anytime you're sweating — like when you're exercising — you'll likely notice a stronger scent. Yet, body odor caused by stress or nervous sweats can be <a href="https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/the-difference-between-regular-sweat-and-stress-sweat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">particularly strong</a>, because a stress reaction activates those stinky apocrine glands, says Toy.</p><h2>3. Puberty</h2><p>Children <a href="https://www.livescience.com/newborns-no-tears-or-sweat.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">don't have</a> active apocrine glands, which is why they don't have body odor, says Toy. But during puberty the apocrine glands <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6773238/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">become active</a>, which causes the uptick in scent that many people going through puberty experience. </p><p>Since body odor is new territory for many tweens and teens, they may not yet know how to control it through proper washing, wearing deodorant, and frequently changing clothes. That can make matters even stinkier. "Hygiene probably plays the biggest role," Toy says. </p><h2>4. Hormonal changes</h2><p>Hormonal changes can also impact your body scent, whether they're caused by the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. </p><p>During pregnancy, people are <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-540-88399-9_6?noAccess=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more likely to sweat</a>, but their apocrine glands are less active, which can change scent overall. Biological changes may also be at play: A small 2020 study found that males perceived female body odor as more pleasant during ovulation. </p><p>"In the animal kingdom, body odor changes during ovulation to attract a mate and increase the odds of conception," says Toy. There's little research about changes to scent during the menstrual cycle in humans, but lots of <a href="https://www.kaianaturals.com/why-do-you-smell-more-during-menstruation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anecdotal evidence</a>. </p><h2>5. Gender transition</h2><p>Testosterone is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4050411/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">linked</a> to sweating, especially from the apocrine glands, says Toy. </p><p>"Anyone taking testosterone supplementation will be more predisposed to body odor," he says. </p><p>That includes trans men, who often notice a stronger body odor and more sweating <a href="https://ftmtopsurgery.ca/blog/testosterone-therapy/happens-first-year-testosterone/#:~:text=3-6%20months,you%20may%20notice%20excessive%20sweating." target="_blank" rel="noopener">within three months</a> of beginning testosterone therapy.</p><p>Trans women may also notice changes to their body odor, but it's more likely to be a decrease as testosterone levels drop. </p><h2>Treatment and prevention</h2><p>The best way to treat foul-smelling armpits is to practice good hygiene, says Toy:</p><ul><li><strong>Shower daily.</strong> Wash your armpits with an antibacterial soap. This will help minimize bacteria on your skin that react with your sweat causing odor. </li><li><strong>Use antiperspirant.</strong> <a href="https://www.insider.com/deodorant-vs-antiperspirant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Antiperspirant stops sweating</a>, as opposed to <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/beauty/best-refillable-deodorants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">deodorant</a>, which just masks scent. Apply antiperspirant at night, to allow it to absorb while you sleep. </li><li><strong>Shave your armpits.</strong> Hair traps sweat and bacteria, and can increase scent.</li><li><strong>Wear wicking, breathable clothing.</strong> Clothes that keep you cool will reduce sweating, which should reduce odor.</li><li><strong>Adjust your diet. </strong>If you notice certain foods make you smell, consider cutting those out or cutting back, says Massick. </li></ul><p>If you try all of that and still have a bad odor, Toy recommends trying <a href="https://www.amazon.com/PanOxyl-Benzoyl-Peroxide-Control-Antimicrobial/dp/B081KLNHSG" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">an antimicrobial wash with 4% benzoyl peroxide</a> on your armpits. That can remove bacteria and fungus, and reduce scent. </p><h2>When to see a doctor</h2><p>If you have a sudden, unexplained change in body odor that doesn't respond to a solid hygiene routine, see a doctor, says Massick. </p><p>"If you feel it is out of proportion or unable to be controlled, then seek medical advice for tips to help combat it," she says.</p><p>Certain medical conditions can lead to foul-smelling armpits, including:</p><ul><li>A yeast infection or rash on the skin</li><li><a href="https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072342-overview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bromhidrosis</a>, a chronic foul body odor </li><li><a href="https://www.aocd.org/page/Erythrasma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Erythrasma</a>, a bacteria skin infection</li></ul><p>To treat these, you may need a prescription antibacterial cream or other medication, Toy says. </p><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2><p>Body odor happens when sweat interacts with bacteria on our skin, and when the apocrine glands in your armpits secrete scent. </p><p>Changes to body odor can happen due to diet, hygiene or hormonal fluctuations. If you or a loved one is offended by your odor, a solid hygiene routine and working with a dermatologist can help, says Massick. However, it's also important to remember that body odor is to be expected. </p><p>"Remember that body odor is perfectly natural and completely normal," says Massick.</p>

5 reasons your armpits suddenly smell so bad and what to do about it

<ul class="summary-list"><li>An infected belly button piercing causes swelling, pus, fever, chills, and even an upset stomach.</li><li>If the belly button piercing is infected keep it in and clean the area with antibacterial soap.</li><li>To avoid an infected piercing, clean it twice a day, avoid tight-fitting clothes, and soak the area daily.</li></ul><p>Belly button <keyword id="641478" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Piercings">piercings</keyword> are a popular way to modify your body and show off your personal style, but they come with the risk of infection. Infected belly button piercings can be painful, unsightly, and dangerous if left untreated. That's why it's best to take good care of your piercing to prevent infection in the first place. </p><p>Here's how to know if your belly button piercing is infected and how to treat it.</p><h2>Symptoms of an infected belly button piercing</h2><p>If your belly button is freshly pierced, it's normal to experience some redness and swelling around the piercing, says <a href="https://sobelskin.com/about/about-dr-sobel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Howard Sobel MD</a>, board-certified dermatologist at <a href="https://sobelskin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sobel Skin</a> and Clinical Attending Dermatologic Surgeon at <a href="https://lenoxhill.northwell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lenox Hill Hospital.</a></p><p>However, if the swelling becomes severe and is accompanied by pain that feels like soreness, this may be a sign of infection, Sobel says. Other symptoms that signal you may have an infection include:</p><ul><li>Smelly discharge/pus from the piercing </li><li>Fever</li><li>Chills </li><li>Upset stomach</li></ul><p><strong>Important: </strong>"An infection tends to be constant pain and swollen with drainage of pus. An allergic reaction will be more itchy and sometimes look like a hive. Always use metals that are safe for your skin, like surgical steel, platinum, or solid 14 or 18 karat gold," says Sobel. </p><h2>How to treat an infected belly button piercing</h2><p>To treat an infected belly button piercing, it's important to keep the piercing in. You may be tempted to remove it, but if that happens, you risk the wound closing up and trapping the infection inside your body, Sobel says. Keeping the piercing in also allows any pus to drain.</p><p>You also need to make sure the area stays clean. "Remember piercings are open wounds, so it's important to keep them clean while healing," says Sobel.</p><p>Sobel says you should also follow these three steps which will work together to care for the infection:</p><ul><li>Clean the area with gentle antibacterial soap, and dry it with a clean towel twice a day, morning and night. </li><li>Apply an antibiotic ointment two times a day after the area is cleaned. </li><li>Use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to keep the wound clean, once a day, at night after cleansing the affected area.</li></ul><p>If the infection persists even after following these care tips, or if you're experiencing the more severe symptoms such as fever, chills, and upset stomach, you should see a doctor. Sobel says that in this case, you might need oral antibiotics to help clear up the infection. </p><p>If you <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21503-infected-ear-piercing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leave infected piercings untreated</a>, it can lead to a more serious infection, an abscess, or the infection spreading. Therefore, it's crucial that you take action if your piercing is infected. </p><h2>How to care for your belly button piercing to avoid infection</h2><p>There are steps you can take to care for your belly button piercing, especially when it's first healing. To maintain the <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> of your piercing, Sobel says you should:</p><ul><li>Clean the piercing regularly with warm water and a small amount of soap twice a day.</li><li>Soak the area in a sterile saline solution for five to 10 minutes daily. You can do this by soaking a cotton ball with the solution and then applying it to the area.</li><li>Avoid tight fitting clothes that can irritate the area. Instead, opt for looser tops and pants.</li><li>Avoid hot tubs, pools, and lakes where chemicals or dirt may irritate your piercing.</li><li>Cover the piercing with a large bandage when you exercise so that you avoid irritation while you're working out. This will prevent it from moving around and to prevent any further irritation from sweating or clothing rubbing the infected area.</li></ul><p>Compared to other piercings, belly button piercings have a long healing time. It can take <a href="https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/1115/p2029.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">up to nine months</a> for this type of piercing to heal completely. However, you only need to avoid going in those bodies of water or tight clothing that may irritate the piercing for about three months, says Sobel. </p><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2><p>A belly button piercing can be a fun type of body modification, but you must be vigilant during the healing process to avoid infection. That's why it's important to follow your piercer's aftercare instructions and know the signs and symptoms of a possible infection.</p><p>If you think your belly button piercing is infected, be sure to take action ASAP, and see a doctor if things aren't improving after some at-home care or if your symptoms are severe. </p><a data-type="61017b6a286456218f2a8cd5">Thinking of getting a nose piercing? Here's how to avoid infection</a><a data-type="61005e32bd691201dc341eeb">If your nose piercing caused a bump, here's what it could mean and how to remove it</a><a data-type="60f6f2860cf12a5f271449c1">The signs of an infected cut and how to care for wounds at home</a><a data-type="60cb83b1f3f27361401ab0e8">Dermatologists explain how to take care of a new tattoo and avoid infection</a>

Is your belly button piercing red and swollen? How to tell if its an infection or normal irritation

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://Ulta.ztk5.net/c/196318/164999/3037?subId1=biip_081519_lavanila-deodorant-review&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fhealthy-deodorant-vanilla-earth-balance%3FproductId%3DxlsImpprod17151313" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d556972cd978466ac6cb614-1200/lavanilla deodorant.jpg" border="0" alt="Lavanilla deodorant" data-mce-source="Anthropologie" /></a><p class="source"><span>Anthropologie</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>As consumers have become more cognizant of the ingredients in their chemical-based body products and skin care, interest in natural deodorants is on the rise.</strong></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>But many of them are ineffective, don't smell good, or give the wearer a rash.</strong></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>I've found that <a href="http://Ulta.ztk5.net/c/196318/164999/3037?subId1=biip_081519_lavanila-deodorant-review&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fhealthy-deodorant-vanilla-earth-balance%3FproductId%3DxlsImpprod17151313" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lavanila's Elements Collection</a> ($14 per stick) works well and smells lovely.</strong></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the beginning of summer, I went on the hunt for a new deodorant. I definitely wanted to use a natural one for a couple reasons. One is that antiperspirants have sometimes turned my white shirts yellow because an </span><a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a23922/the-science-of-sweat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">ingredient in them can interact with the bacteria that lives in sweat.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Another is that didn't want to be ashamed of sweating: it's a normal and healthy process, after all. Sweating is how your body </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/sweating#how-it-works" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">regulates its temperature,</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and I just wanted to be able to sweat without the odor.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before we get into it, let's clear one thing up about antiperspirants versus deodorants: Antiperspirants use chemicals to block your body from sweating, whereas a deodorant just helps to mask or get rid of the smell of sweaty armpits. Science has not yet produced natural antiperspirants, but it has allowed researchers to produce natural deodorants. If you didn't know this already, sweat is actually odorless, but it's the bacteria that lives in sweat that gives it an odor. </span></p><p><a href="http://Ulta.ztk5.net/c/196318/164999/3037?subId1=biip_081519_lavanila-deodorant-review&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fhealthy-deodorant-vanilla-earth-balance%3FproductId%3DxlsImpprod17151313" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d5569eccd978466e50bc726-1200/lavanila deodorant.jpg" border="0" alt="Lavanila deodorant" data-mce-source="Anthropologie" /><p class="source"><span>Anthropologie</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></span></a></p><h2><strong>Researching natural deodorant and its ingredients</strong></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, I was looking for a natural deodorant, but many in the past hadn't worked for me. Either they did nothing to mask the smell, their scent wasn't something I was passionate about using on the daily, or they gave me a weird, red rash. I Googled "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-natural-deodorant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best natural deodorant</a>," saw Lavanila being sold in places I already shopped like Anthropologie, Sephora, and Ulta. I found their Elements Collection, and the "Air" scent contained vanilla and jasmine.  Those are scents I love, so I decided to research more.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But what ingredients could a natural deodorant contain that would set them apart from the ineffective or irritating ones I have tried? I learned that many natural ones like Lavanila's get their odor-destroying power from essential oils. Lavanila has lemon peel oil, and lemon is known </span><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/217/1/012023/pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">to be antibacterial</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">  </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">I felt more comfortable knowing that the ingredient going on my underarms was something I use in my kitchen, instead of harsh chemicals like parabens that could</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29596967" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">irritate my skin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. There's also aloe in the deodorant. If you've had a sunburn, you know that aloe calms redness and moisturizes your skin, so it's definitely a great ingredient to have in a deodorant. The icing on the ingredient cake is that this deodorant is vegan and cruelty free.</span></p><h2><strong>My experience with Lavanila deodorant</strong></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On first application I noticed how sturdy the stick was, how smooth the deodorant felt, and how calming it smelled. I was a little worried when I switched to natural deodorant that I'd have a "detox" where my body remembered to start sweating again and would send out a ton of smelly sweat, but thankfully that didn't happen.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On a typical day, I apply it once and my underarms experience no irritation. They don't look red, there's no build-up of deodorant on my underarms, I haven't gotten a rash, and my shirts have not gotten stained yellow. I honestly don't even remember it's there, unless I give my shirt a sniff and I find that vanilla and jasmine scent. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I haven't stopped sweating entirely, but this deodorant holds up well when I'm in air-conditioned offices or at home. Even if I do notice that I've been sweating, I don't see big sweat stains on my clothes, and my underarms don't feel uncomfortably sticky if I do sweat. If you're a very active person, I would not recommend this deodorant, since if you're out for more than a few hours sweating or in hot temperatures, some of your natural odor will come through. For my purposes, though, it works well as an everyday defense against odor.</span></p><h2><strong>Why I can justify the $14 price</strong></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The deodorant is $14, which can be hard to swallow when ones you've seen in the drugstore are around $5. But the deodorant is of a nice hefty size (two ounces, so it breaks down to $7 per ounce), and because it's a wider tube than most deodorants I've seen, I don't feel like I'm using much to cover my entire underarm area.  I've used it for months and the consistency hasn't changed, and I don't see myself getting anywhere near the bottom of the twist-up tube yet. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I'm definitely likely to repurchase it, and maybe try some of the other great sounding scents, like violet and rose, or red ginger and wild orange</span></p><h3>Buy Lavanila Elements Collection <a href="http://Ulta.ztk5.net/c/196318/164999/3037?subId1=biip_081519_lavanila-deodorant-review&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fhealthy-deodorant-vanilla-earth-balance%3FproductId%3DxlsImpprod17151313" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vanilla + Earth</a> and <a href="http://Ulta.ztk5.net/c/196318/164999/3037?subId1=biip_081519_lavanila-deodorant-review&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fhealthy-deodorant-vanilla-air-creativity%3FproductId%3DxlsImpprod17151309" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vanilla + Air</a> Deodorant for $14 at Ulta</h3><p class="tagline"><p><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p></p>

Lavanila's $14 natural deodorant works well, smells lovely, and has lasted me for months so far

<p>The bison is a majestic, if smelly, creature that has called North America home since prehistoric times.</p><p>But we nearly lost it to the dust of history.</p><p>In April 2016, the US House of Representatives and the Senate passed a bill that would honor the country's largest land mammal, the American bison, as our national mammal. The bipartisan legislation now awaits consideration by President Obama, who has the power to sign the bill into law - or veto it.</p><p>We recently published a <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/bison-us-national-mammal-law-2016-4">defense on why this formidable beast</a> deserves the recognition.</p><p>However, we just couldn't shake this one image of the bison that we found:</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table full"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56623119dd089529048b459f-1280-960/1280px-bison_skull_pile_edit.jpg" alt="American bison skull pile" data-mce-source="Wikimedia Commons" /><p class="source"><span>Wikimedia Commons</span></p><p class="caption">The photo above, taken in 1870, depicts a pile of bison skulls waiting to be ground up and made into fertilizer.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Centuries ago, US settlers massacred the species.</p><p>The bison used to roam the plains in numbers as high as <a href="http://www.nps.gov/wica/learn/nature/bison-buffalo-bison-bison.htm">60 million,</a> helping sustain indigenous people by providing food, clothing, shelter, and fuel. Many Native American tribes <a href="http://www.nps.gov/wica/learn/nature/bison-buffalo-bison-bison.htm">still consider the bison</a> a sacred and spiritual symbol of their history.</p><p>Sadly, westward expansion during the 19th century nearly wiped bison from the Great Plains. Settlers slaughtered some 50 million for food and sport. Then they almost disappeared completely, according to the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/wica/learn/nature/bison-buffalo-bison-bison.htm">US National Park Service</a> (our emphasis added):</p><blockquote><p>In 1800, it was estimated there were forty million bison, by 1883, there were few wild bison in the United States - most were in Yellowstone National Park. <strong>By 1900, there were less than a thousand left in North America.</strong></p></blockquote><p>This slaughter <a href="http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2011/05/09/genocide-other-means-us-army-slaughtered-buffalo-plains-indian-wars-30798">also decimated Native Americans' most important resource</a>. Their near-extinction all but ended the fight for native independence.</p><p>This dark story has at least one bright spot, though. Thanks to a concerted effort by ranchers, conservationists, tribes, and politicians, the bison has returned from the brink of extinction - and today these awesome beasts thrive.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table full"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/566f2b5ddd08952e058b467d-1500-1000/9656747593_603a297b2d_o.jpg" alt="american bison mammal" data-mce-source="Flickr/lsmith2010" data-link="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lsmith2010/9656747593/in/photolist-wbRBKv-fHkmCa-dcR2Ar-9z5a3t-p8XBDQ" /><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lsmith2010/9656747593/in/photolist-wbRBKv-fHkmCa-dcR2Ar-9z5a3t-p8XBDQ">Flickr/lsmith2010</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/game-of-thrones-dire-wolves-real-animals-2015-10">A paleontologist reveals the secret history of dire wolves - the dogs from 'Game of Thrones'</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="5ubjZwdzpnlrjgx-9fPWJ_Dzlwbxk300" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', '5ubjZwdzpnlrjgx-9fPWJ_Dzlwbxk300',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

This giant pile of skulls tells a tragic story of American history

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6408233" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="composting" source="Orion">Composting</keyword> is the process of turning food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer.</li><li>You can try a range of composting methods based on your needs and the amount of space you have.</li></ul><p>Whether you're looking to nourish your garden with nutrient-rich soil or want to help fight food waste, learning how to compost is a great way to give back to the planet — and you don't even need a green thumb to do it.  </p><p>The idea of home composting might sound intimidating, messy, and smelly, but when done right, it's actually much easier than you think. There are many composting methods available depending on how involved you'd like to be and how much space you can set aside. </p><p>It doesn't matter if you live in an apartment or in a detached home with a sizable backyard — you can find a way to compost with the space you have available.</p><p>Here's what you need to know about turning food scraps and green waste into compost, and all the different methods at your disposal.</p><h2><strong>What is compost?</strong></h2><p>Compost is decomposed organic matter that can be added to soil to help plants grow at their best, which is why you'll hear gardeners refer to compost as "black gold." </p><p>Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, like food scraps and yard waste, into an all-natural fertilizer.</p><p>In short, composting is nature's <keyword id="114175" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="recycling" source="Orion">recycling</keyword> program with many benefits: </p><ul><li><strong>Enriches soil: </strong>Packed with important nutrients like nitrogen and potassium, compost helps naturally boost soil health and doesn't come with the harmful additives of some commercial fertilizers. </li><li><strong>Reduces waste stream:</strong> Food waste and yard scraps <a href="https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">make up 30% what we throw away</a>. Composting at home helps divert waste and reduce methane emissions from landfills.</li><li><strong>Recycles kitchen and yard waste: </strong>Instead of tossing your scraps and <a href="https://www.insider.com/types-of-grass" target="_blank" rel="noopener">grass</a> clippings, composting turns them into something you can use again in your garden, yard, or even houseplants.</li><li><strong>Increases soil moisture:</strong> <a href="https://www.jswconline.org/content/49/2/189.short" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Research has found</a> that the addition of compost to soil helps it <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/experts/claire-oconnor/using-compost-improve-soil-health-and-crop-productivity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retain more water</a> and reduces the amount of watering needed.</li></ul><p>For Pashon Murray, founder of urban compost company <a href="https://www.detroitdirt.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Detroit Dirt</a>, composting is simply a way of reimagining trash. "We need to think about ways we can look at waste not as waste, but as another kind of resource. By feeding your pits, peels, and stems straight back into the earth, you can help keep Mother Nature cleaner and healthier."  </p><h2><strong>What can you compost? </strong></h2><p>Compostable materials will fall into one of two categories: greens or browns.</p><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="What to include in your compost" height="1733" width="1667" msid="82374162" hostid="261"></div><p>"Greens," or wet items, include food scraps, <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-use-a-french-press" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coffee</a> grounds and tea leaves, and grass clippings. These items are rich in nitrogen, which is important for the microbial growth necessary in the decomposition process.</p><p>"Browns," or dry items, come in the form of dried leaves, cardboard, newspaper, wood shavings, and hay. These carbon-rich additions act as the energy source to the organisms that break down the waste. Browns also allow oxygen and water to circulate through the pile. </p><p>The composting process is basically alternating between brown and green layers. </p><p>According to Murray, keeping a good balance of greens and browns in your compost mix will not only help reduce odors but also give you a better end result by fostering beneficial ratios of nitrogen to carbon.</p><p>You can tell your compost is too wet, for example, if it starts to smell. To balance this out, try adding more browns. Likewise, if your compost is feeling too dry, adjust by adding more greens or gently mist with water. </p><p>While a good rule of thumb is a ratio of three-parts brown to one-part green, every pile will be different. You'll need to check your compost regularly as ideal conditions will vary depending on your environment and how often you are adding to your compost.</p><h2><strong>What not to compost</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="What to avoid composting" height="647" width="1668" msid="82374164" hostid="261"></div><p>While dairy and meat products can technically be composted, avoid adding these to your home compost as they will take much longer to break down, release stronger odors, and attract pests. Similarly, avoid adding any food scraps that have a lot of added oil or grease.</p><p><strong>Quick tip:</strong> If you want to reduce your meat and dairy waste, look into the <a href="https://www.azdeq.gov/bokashi-compost-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bokashi method</a>, which uses a fermentation process to turn this type of waste into a nutritious soil addition.</p><p>Plastic marked "compostable" should also be avoided in a home compost system. For browns, avoid waxy cardboard, like milk or juice cartons, and glossy paper, like magazines. </p><p>Other no-nos include: </p><ul><li>Any plant remains that are diseased or have been treated with pesticides (These diseases and chemicals can transfer to your compost) </li><li>Non-organic fruit skins, such as banana or orange peels, that may contain pesticides</li><li>Pet waste</li><li>Anything soiled in human waste, blood, or fluids</li></ul><h2><strong>Types of composting methods </strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="compost" height="1875" width="2500" msid="82374166" hostid="261"></div><p>Most people may think home composting requires a lot of outdoor space. And while that's certainly one option,<a href="https://thecompostess.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Rebecca Louie</a>, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1611802202/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">"Compost City: Practical Composting Know-How for Small-Space Living</a>" shares a few composting methods that can work for any situation. </p><p>"There are a lot of different ways to get started depending on your <keyword id="15482" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="lifestyle" source="Orion">lifestyle</keyword>, how much outdoor space you have, and how involved you'd like to be," Louie says. </p><ul><li><strong>Heap composting: </strong>A common and popular method for people with outdoor space, green and brown material is layered one after the other in a pile and mixed periodically to aerate. You may choose to leave the pile freestanding as a heap or you can use an enclosure, like a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-compost-bin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compost bin</a>, to keep it tucked away.</li><li><strong>Trench composting: </strong>A method for if you already have a garden, this technique involves burying kitchen and garden waste into the soil. Trench composting requires little to no maintenance. Once your compost breaks down (over a month or so depending on the climate) the nutrients go directly into your soil. </li><li><strong>Compost tumblers: </strong>A tumbler is a round, enclosed system that, once filled with your compostable materials, is maintained by manual rotation. They are ideal for homes with smaller yards or apartments with balconies. Because they're not as breathable as open-air composting, Louie suggests adding more browns in your mix to help absorb excess moisture. With regular daily rotation and the right conditions, tumbler compost can be ready in as little as a few weeks. </li><li><strong>Worm composting (aka vermicomposting): </strong>An option for small and limited spaces, this system functions with the help of red wiggler worms who act as a catalyst in the decomposition process. If maintained regularly (ensuring texture isn't too wet or dry) and properly (avoid overwhelming your worms with more scraps than they can consume) your first batch of vermicompost could be ready in as soon as two to three months. </li><li><strong>Sheet mulch composting:</strong> If you're looking for a more hands-off, no-turn method, you could try <a href="https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/soil-compost/three-methods-no-turn-cold-composting#:~:text=Wet%20the%20paper%20or%20cardboard,paper%2C%20dryer%20lint%2C%20etc." target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">sheet mulch composting</a>. This is a great method if you're trying to prepare a new garden bed. Start by covering an area with newspaper, then build the bed up by alternating between layers of green and brown materials. After around six months, your new bed should be ready for planting, no tilling or turning required. </li><li><strong>DIY compost bin:</strong> If you're composting outdoors, you can create a <a href="https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6957" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wire-mesh bin</a> from chicken wire, or even make a <a href="https://dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/wa/wa182.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">simple wooden bin</a> with snow fencing or wood pallets. You can also repurpose an <a href="https://www.douglas.k-state.edu/docs/lawnandgarden/DIYCompostbinslogo.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">old trash can</a> for your compost. Just be sure to drill holes along the bottom and sides. For smaller spaces, you can repurpose a <a href="https://bernalilloextension.nmsu.edu/mastercomposter/plastic-container-bin.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plastic bucket</a> or plastic storage container.</li><li><strong style="color: #222222;">Compost tea</strong>: Once you have mature compost, you can steep it in a bucket of un-chlorinated water (rainwater works well) to create <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/blog/compost-tea-a-how-to-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compost tea</a>. This slurry of compost and water harbors beneficial microbes that you then add to your soil. In its simplest form, you can make compost tea by adding compost to a cheese cloth or fabric "tea bag" and letting it steep in a bucket of water for one to two days, stirring occasionally to aerate it.</li></ul><h2><strong>Save your food scraps for community composting </strong></h2><p>If you're not ready to commit to managing your own compost mix at home, you can also collect your food scraps and take them to a drop-off site. </p><p><strong>Quick tip: </strong>Store kitchen waste in a compost pail with a lid under your sink. If you don't care for looks or mind the occasional smell, any container (an old coffee can, for example) will do. You can also store kitchen scraps in a bag in the freezer until you're ready to transfer them to a drop-off site or your own compost pile.</p><p>Louie suggests looking into local initiatives like community or school gardens and other green spaces that already have compost programs. You can also research existing compost collection sites in your area like farmers' markets. </p><p>In fact, your city may even offer a curbside composting program. If none of those are available, Louis also recommends connecting with your neighbors to join or start a composting effort.</p><h2><strong>How to start composting</strong></h2><div type="image" title="How to compost" height="1875" width="2500" msid="82374168" hostid="261"></div><ol><li><strong>Choose a method.</strong> Pick a composting method that works best for the space and resources you have access to. Decide where in your garden or yard you intend to set up your composting system. </li><li><strong>Save your scraps. </strong>Be sure to collect a healthy mix of greens and browns. The right balance will prevent unwanted odors and ensure a healthy finished product. </li><li><strong>Make the compost mix. </strong>Start your pile with a brown layer, and then a green layer. To ensure proper aeration, do not pack the layers in. The number of layers will depend on your amount of scraps, but you should aim to keep layers to two inches.</li><li><strong>Keep the pile moist.</strong> Maintaining moisture levels is key to a successful compost. Louie recommends aiming for the dampness of a wrung-out sponge. If it's too dry, mist your pile with water or add more greens. If it's too wet, add browns to absorb moisture. </li><li><strong>Mix it up. </strong>Aeration is another important element in the composting process. Using a shovel, pitchfork, or the handle on a tumbler, you'll need to rotate or turn the pile to keep the process moving and avoid odor issues. How often you turn or toss your compost pile will depend on your method, but expect to turn it every week or so.</li><li><strong style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 20px;">Let nature do the work. </strong>Depending on the size of your compost pile and how well you've maintained it, your compost can take anywhere from four weeks to a full year to fully decompose.</li></ol><h2><strong>How to compost indoors</strong></h2><p>There are a number of products made for use indoors that keep your compost and the smells associated with it contained. They are usually compact enough to be stored on your countertop or in a cabinet.</p><p>You can also use a DIY compost container, such as one made from a plastic storage bin, indoors, but you may have more trouble keeping liquids contained. Plus, there's a risk of harboring a proliferation of <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-fruit-flies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fruit flies</a>. </p><p>One of the most efficient ways to compost indoors is by harnessing the power of worms. You can create a <a href="https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-create-and-maintain-indoor-worm-composting-bin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">worm bin</a> with a plastic storage container or buy a product made specifically for vermicomposting indoors.</p><h2>Best compost bins</h2><div type="image" title="Collage of best compost bins in 2022, from brands like: bamboozle, OXO and SCD Probiotics" height="2499" width="3333" msid="91081872" hostid="261"></div><p>Having a bin specifically designed for easier disposal can help ease the composting process. Check out some of our favorite options in our review of the <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/home/best-compost-bin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best compost bins</a>.<br /><br /></p><ul><li><strong>Best compost bin overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ANMBKQ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">SCD Probiotics All Season Indoor Composter, $68.95 at Amazon</a></li><li><strong>Best budget compost bin:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZDRHV3N" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin, $32.95 at Amazon</a></li><li><strong style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 20px;">Best discreet compost bin:</strong> <a style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 20px;" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffood52.com%2Fshop%2Fproducts%2F4628-bamboo-compost-bin" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Bamboozle Portable Compost Bin, from $50 at Food52</a></li></ul><h2><strong>How long does composting take?</strong></h2><p>Various factors like the size of your compost pile or bin, your compost method and the climate can all affect the rate at which your compost is created. </p><p>You'll know your compost is ready when it resembles dark, crumbly, rich soil. This can take anywhere from a month <a href="https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/how-long-does-it-take-compost-pile-break-down" target="_blank" rel="noopener">up to a year</a>. </p><h2><strong>Additional resources</strong></h2><p>While some of the more common composting methods were shared above, there are many ways to set up, customize, and optimize your composting system. Check out the following resources to learn more:<br /><br /></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><strong>EPA Composting at Home</strong></a><strong>: </strong>A basic overview to starting your compost pile, as well as more detailed how-tos on various composting methods, like vermicomposting. </li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580170234/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><strong>"Let It Rot! The Gardener's Guide to Composting"</strong></a><strong>: </strong>A comprehensive dive into all your composting questions including the science behind it, troubleshooting tips, and other ways to use your compost (like steeping compost tea for your plants).</li><li><strong style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 20px;"><a href="https://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101#howto" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Natural Resource Defense Council Composting 101</a>: </strong>A helpful breakdown of what to know before and while composting as well as more detailed information on the benefits of composting from an environmental perspective.</li></ul><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h2><p>Composting is not only a great way to help reduce food waste and keep the planet cleaner, but it's a way to better understand where your food comes from and where it goes, says Louie. "And, if anything, composting can also be a healing and restorative practice. You're engaging in a process that literally brings life to this world." </p><p>Getting started is as easy as creating a DIY bin, adding in green and brown waste, and turning it occasionally.</p>

How to compost: A DIY guide for reducing waste and nourishing your garden

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59fb7d474d05ac802d8b5770-1079/screen shot 2014-12-05 at 13516 pm.png" alt="ferris bueller shower shampoo hair" data-mce-source="YouTube" data-link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KFVLWX7eEY" /><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KFVLWX7eEY">YouTube</a></span></p><p class="caption">Dermatologists say those long, hot showers aren't doing your epidermis any favors.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul><li><strong>Daily showering can strip the skin's outer layers of moisture.</strong></li><li><strong>Experts say three minutes is all you need to get clean.</strong></li><li><strong>Soap up targeted areas, not every spot on the body.</strong></li></ul><hr /><p><br />When was the last time you showered? </p><p>If you're like most people, the answer is probably less than 24 hours ago.</p><p>There's no official protocol for how often to shower, but folks around the world - in countries like India, the US, Spain, and Mexico - all bathe about once a day (either with soap or without) , according to <a href="http://blog.euromonitor.com/2014/07/survey-shows-regional-differences-in-bathing-habits-around-the-world.html">Euromonitor International</a>. </p><p>On <a href="https://www.Reddit.com/r/AskAnAmerican/comments/6e2rce/how_often_and_when_do_you_shower/">reddit</a>'s 'AskAnAmerican' channel, top commenters in the US say they shower even more than that - up to twice a day, depending on how often they exercise. And in Brazil, where temperatures in some areas routinely exceed 100 degrees in the summer, some rinse more than 11 times every week, Euromonitor says. </p><p>But are <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-often-should-you-shower-science-2017-1">frequent suds</a> really necessary?</p><h2>No official guidance </h2><p><span>The American Academy of Dermatology gives parents advice about how often to bathe their tots, based on how dirty and smelly they get. I</span>f they're not too dirty from playing, the recommendation is a bath at least once or twice a week for kids between the ages of six and 11. Their little developing immune systems <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-the-hygiene-hypothesis-2015-8">need some dirt</a> (organisms like bacteria and small doses of viruses and infections) in order to grow up strong. </p><p>But once we hit age 12, the official bathing guidance stops. The <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/child-bathing">AAD seems to assume</a> that just about everyone is trying to wash away those awkward teenage smells, and that most people have a daily shower routine by the time they've reached puberty.</p><p>The truth is that we probably don't have to shower that much. </p><h2>Showers strip the skin's moisture</h2><p>Soap is built to pull dirt and oil off the skin and wash it away. The <keyword id="41551" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="science">science</keyword> of this sudsy magic is based on a two-part formula: a combination of either <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/surprising-everyday-products-made-from-cow-parts-2017-10">fat or oil</a> plus an alkaline substance that dissolves in water (like salt or baking soda). The two ends of the soap molecule work together to pull grease and oil off of skin (or clothes, or pots and pans) and into the water.</p><p>Shampoo also <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-often-you-should-wash-your-hair-2016-6">strips essential oil</a> (called sebum) out of the hair, which is why <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/men-should-not-wash-hair-so-often-2014-11">most hair experts agree</a> you should only clean your mane at most once every two to three days.</p><p>When the loss of natural oil is combined with harsh scrubbing and scalding water, a long, hot, soapy shower can become a recipe for dry skin. This is especially true in the winter, when <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/tips-for-avoiding-dry-skin-in-the-winter-2015-12">air is drier</a> both indoors and out.</p><p><span>And skin damage from the shower doesn't stop when you turn off the water, according to David Leffell, author of "<a href="http://medicine.yale.edu/lab/delacruz/news/article.aspx?id=3052">Total Skin: The Definitive Guide to Whole Skin Care For Life</a>" and chief of dermatologic surgery at Yale School of Medicine.</span></p><p><span>Leffell told Business Insider that as a bather steps out of the shower and dries off with a towel, additional moisture left on the surface of their skin gets lost in evaporation. </span></p><p><span>In other words, top layers of moisture are being "pulled from your skin" as you exit the shower, Leffell says. Unfortunately for those who love a piping-hot shower, the hotter the water is, the worse this moisture-sucking phenomenon gets, since warm water evaporates even faster than cool.</span></p><h2><span>How to keep skin healthy</span></h2><p><span>Leffell offered three pieces of advice for a skin-friendly shower:</span></p><ul><li><span>Don't make it too hot.</span></li><li><span>Don't hang out in there for 30 minutes.</span></li><li><span>Moisturize when you get out, since slathering on some lotion while the skin is still damp can lock escaping moisture in the skin.</span></li></ul><p><span>He said you can usually get rid of the most offensive body grime in under three minutes by focusing on the armpits and the groin, while not overdoing it with soap on the other (less fragrant) parts of the body. </span></p><p><span>"You don't want to do the Lady Macbeth thing where you're scrubbing and scrubbing," Leffell said. "The purpose of showering is to eliminate dirt." </span></p><p><span>And while some people swear by an invigorating 'cold blast' <a href="https://www.vogue.in/content/my-beautiful-life-sofia-vergara/#sofia-vergara-at-the-69th-annual-golden-globe-awards">at the end of a shower</a>, Leffell said you can skip that part, since it doesn't have any lasting impact on skin health.</span></p><p><span>The bottom line? No one's going to tell you what to do in the privacy of your own bathroom, or determine which regimen is best in your own shower. If a daily rinse is the best part of waking up for you, then just keep it short and follow up with a moisturizing routine. </span></p><p><span>But every other day is probably plenty, as long as it doesn't lead to poor sniff test reviews from those closest to you. </span>If you're just popping in to the water on the daily because it feels like the 'right' thing to do, then feel free to skip some of those showers and get on with your life. </p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/dermatologist-breaks-down-body-wash-versus-bar-soap-debate-shower-cleanliness-2017-9">A dermatologist explains why she uses body wash instead of bar soap</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/wZqn4XyF-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

How often you actually need to shower, according to science

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5474cc096da81163285b568a-837-628/jane-travel-3-do-not-use-1.jpg?maxX=600" border="0" alt="Jane Travel 3 (Do Not Use)" width="600"><p class="source"><span>Jane Stewart</span></p><p class="caption">Having a wonderful vacation with Katherine (right).</p></img></div><p></p></div>I've learned the hard way - much to my mother's delight - that not washing dirty laundry for three months is a terrible idea.</p>
<p>But perhaps more importantly, I've learned that while losing luggage is a HUGE pain, there is potential for a happy ending.</p>
<p>My sister Katherine and I went on a 15-day vacation to Malta this August. It was one of the most amazing trips of my life. But what matters for this tale is that we had no access to laundry machines during our trip, so we stuffed our dirty clothing into garbage bags inside our suitcases. To be economical (and have the chance to explore some other cities), we elected to take day-long layovers in Catania, Sicily and Munich, Germany. We didn't want to lug around our suitcases so we jumped at the chance when the attendant at the Malta airport told us it was possible for our bags to meet us at Newark Airport when we arrived home two days later.</p>
<p>We came to really regret this decision. We arrived home. Our bags did not. And thus <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">began my odyssey. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">At first, we assumed that it would be a short delay. And that, it turns out, is often the case.</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> <a href="http://www.sita.aero/surveys-reports/industry-surveys-reports/baggage-report-2014">According to one</a></span><a href="http://www.sita.aero/surveys-reports/industry-surveys-reports/baggage-report-2014"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> industry source</span></a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="http://www.sita.aero/surveys-reports/industry-surveys-reports/baggage-report-2014">, </a>airlines mishandle (delay, damage or lose) 7 bags per 1,000 passengers. Here are a few other statistics that might interest travelers over the holiday:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">81% of mishandled bags are delayed and are returned to owners undamaged within 36 hours</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">16% arrive at their destinations damaged</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">3% are declared lost or stolen</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Amazing things happen to unclaimed bags (see later in my story)</span></li>
<li><span>The average compensation per mishandled bag is reportedly $100.00</span></li>
</ul>
<p>As I learned, airlines don't make the compensation process easy. Does the name Dave Carroll ring a bell? He wrote a hugely popular (we're talking over 14 million YouTube views) song called "United Breaks Guitars" after his nearly year-long experience. The hilarious song significantly damaged the airline's reputation and eventually spurred United's customer relations department into action:</p>
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<p>And just a few weeks ago, World Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler had a similarly stressful luggage experience. United mistakenly sent his bag, which contained his WWE Heavyweight Champion Belt, to Canada. Dolph tweeted prolifically about the situation for 5 days. He jokingly described his relationship with United as being "complicated" and he even wrote some song lyrics about the debacle to accompany Taylor Swift's 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.'</p>
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<p>I understand Dave and Dolph's frustrations. In the month following Lufthansa's loss of our two bags, we phoned the Lufthansa Baggage Call Center daily to see if there were any updates. Each time we were told that there was no further information and that the bags remained "missing without a trace." When we inquired about compensation, we were informed that we could only file a claim after the bags had been lost for 30 days. At that point, the airline would declare the bags irretrievably lost.  </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5474df1e6da811a7085b5689-1200-600/rtr2s7zt-1.jpg" border="0" alt="RTR2S7ZT" width="500"><p class="source"><span>AP</span></p><p class="caption">I dreamed of my missing socks.</p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<p>In the meantime, we desperately scavenged for clothes in our significantly depleted wardrobes. The underwear situation was particularly desperate. We refused to purchase new items because we didn't want to pay out of pocket for replacements. We elected to wait for compensation, which we hoped wouldn't take too long.</p>
<p>As soon as the 30-day mark rolled around, we sent an email to Lufthansa Customer Relations to file our claim, as instructed. There was no operator to deal with this process so all correspondence was done via email. Moments after I sent our initial claim email, I received an automated message from Lufthansa: "We apologize that we are currently unable to get back to you as quickly as we would like to. We kindly ask you for your patience and thank you for your understanding."</p>
<p>Our patience and understanding were thoroughly tested in the following couple months when Lufthansa didn't get back to us. Although we sent several more emails (increasingly irate in tone) and called the Baggage Claim Center many more times (each time we were told that "the Baggage Claim Center has no involvement in customer compensation"), we received no further communications.</p>
<p>During this time, I created a family email thread entitled "Council of War" in which we exchanged messages proposing strategies for fighting our "battle against Lufthansa."</p>
<blockquote class="pullquote">During this time, I created a family email thread entitled "Council of War" in which we exchanged messages proposing strategies for fighting our "battle against Lufthansa."</blockquote>
<p>Tactics included threatening legal action, leaving never-ending messages on their voicemail machine, and writing a letter to the New York Times to publicize Lufthansa's infamy and inquire about potential next steps. Growing battle-weary, we never actually did any of these things.</p>
<p>As the seasons changed, our frustration stemmed less from the lack of clothing (the underwear supply remained desperate) and more from Lufthansa's silence. We felt like we were being punished for Lufthansa's error. We had made detailed lists of the contents in our bags in readiness for filing our claim and we estimated that we had each lost at least $1,500.00. With sufficient compensation, we knew almost everything could be replaced. There were a few items - a souvenir Maltese cross cookie cutter and my journal of 3 years in which I had recorded the major dramas of my young life - that were irreplaceable, and we particularly lamented the loss of these.</p>
<p>As we approached the 3-month anniversary of the incident, we had basically given up hope. We had accepted that our belongings were lost forever and we were starting to believe that Lufthansa would never give us the money we were owed.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">It was around this time of hopeless resignation, however, that Newark Airport randomly called us one evening. They said one of our bags had been discovered. <span>It arrived soon thereafter. </span></span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">To my delight, the rediscovered bag was mine! </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_left" style="width:400px"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54737cebecad04f54a9f17b6-1200-1000/img_8966-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Jane's luggage (do not use)" width="400"><p class="source"><span>Katherine Stewart</span></p><p class="caption">Returned luggage and smelly laundry.</p></img></div><p></p></div>Oddly enough, an hour later, the second suitcase arrived at our door. No explanation.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Where had the suitcases been hiding for 3 months? Why had they arrived on the same day but at different times? "They must've been on an extended vacation to Paris or Hawaii," my dad speculated, overcome by the absurdity of the situation.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Upon opening the aforementioned dirty-clothes bags for the first time in three months, we were overwhelmed by the emanating odors. While my mother lamented that these gross items were entering her house, we celebrated the safe return of all of our belongings (especially the cookie cutter and my diary). We also rediscovered 2 packages of Maltese nougat that we had purchased for our mother, a self proclaimed "nougat snob." We opened the nougat that very night and had to throw it away. Apparently even the finest nougat shouldn't be stored in suitcases with dirty clothes for several months.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">My mom wanted us to just throw everything away, but when we stubbornly (and sensibly) refused, she insisted that we put everything out on the deck. "There's no way that gross stuff is staying in this house!" It took us a couple weeks to finish the laundry because she required that we wash each load no fewer than 3 times.<br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"></span></br></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/547481c369bedd1b2ec45c8e-590-442/janes-pet-dont-use.jpg" border="0" alt="Jane's pet (don't use)" width="500"><p class="source"><span>Linda Stewart</span></p><p class="caption">He's named Crosseye for a reason.</p></img></div><p></p></div>Within that time, however, one of our cats had discovered my odorous suitcase. Understandably confusing it for his cat box (he is cross-eyed so the visual differences might have been unclear but it smelled powerfully of "toilet"), he proceeded to use it as his bathroom. The clothing was spared this soiling, but the already malodorous suitcase was, at last, relegated to the garbage.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The return of our summer wardrobes wasn't as useful as it might've been since it was the end of October at that point. However, the wide selection of underwear and socks to choose from each day was positively luxurious. Life couldn't be better!</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Except somehow the situation got even better (and more ridiculous). Lufthansa once again threw us for a loop. Just 2 days after the return of the bags, they finally responded to our email:</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span></p>
<blockquote class="blockquote"><span class="il">"Lufthansa</span> strives to provide worry-free travel and like you, we are disappointed when this goal is not achieved. Please accept our sincere apologies for this experience. Our employees immediately did everything they could in order to find your baggage and forward it to you as quickly as possible. We regret this did not happen. In order to prevent you from experiencing any further inconvenience relating to this matter, even though it shows the bags have since been located, we will settle your claim for compensation within the scope of our liability." </blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/547374826bb3f73251f5db4f-1200-924/check-11.jpg" border="0" alt="Jane's check (do not use)" width="500"><p class="source"><span>Jane Stewart</span></p><p class="caption">Christmas came early this year!</p></img></div><p></p></div>We were each promised a check for $1,741.00 in the next 21 days. This seemingly random sum, as we were informed in the email, is determined by Special Drawing Rights, <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sdr.asp">a form of money created by the International Monetary Fund that is used to settle international disputes</a>. Somehow, we were being awarded maximum compensation for Lufthansa's peculiar handling of our luggage. In fact, this seems just, given the months of frustration and ultimate demise of several items, including the luggage itself.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">I'm debating whether to use this money for a new winter wardrobe or a plane ticket to Greece this summer. (I'll be sure to carry on my luggage.)</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Or maybe we should use the money to take road trip to Alabama for a shopping spree at the <a href="http://www.unclaimedbaggage.com/">Unclaimed Baggage Center</a>. This, I discovered, is where bags end up when they go missing. The store occupies an entire block in Scottsboro, AL and is one of the state's top tourist attractions. It draws visitors from all 50 states and another 40 foreign countries. As one can imagine, there is a wide range of merchandise to choose from (<a href="http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/today-in-travel/land-of-the-lost-this-is-where-unclaimed-luggage-gets-sold.html?id=20635864">everything from fine jewels to someone else's ashes</a>). And there's no need to fret about bedbugs - all items are professionally cleaned! </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">I'm considering writing a song about my experience so I can become a YouTube sensation like Dave Carroll. I'm not very musically talented, but my song (unlike Carroll's) would feature an appealingly happy ending. 'Lufthansa Returns Soiled Laundry' does have a catchy ring to it.</span></p>

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