How Can I Get the Chlorine Smell Off Me After I Swim Laps?

Although chlorine is used to kill harmful bacteria in swimming pools, the chlorine along with the odor can affect your health once you are finished swimming laps in the pool. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlorine exposure can cause burning sensations and irritation to the skin and watery eyes if left uncleaned. If the presence of chlorine smell lingers on your body and hair after you have rinsed yourself with water, mix shampoo and baking soda or water and vinegar to rid the odor.

Things You'll Need

  • Shampoo
  • Baking soda
  • Bowl or bottle
  • Lemon juice
  • Vinegar
  • Washcloth
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Instructions

  1. Remove Chlorine Smell From Skin

    • 1

      Mix thoroughly 1 cup of water with 1 cup of vinegar into a bottle or bowl. You can also substitute lemon juice extract in place of the vinegar.

    • 2

      Rinse or soak a washcloth with the mixture and wipe the washcloth over all exposed areas of your skin with the chlorine smell.

    • 3

      Allow the mixture to settle and remove the smell from the chlorine. After 30 to 60 seconds, remove the mixture from your skin by rinsing the skin with clean water.

    Remove Chlorine Smell From Hair

    • 4

      Squeeze 1 to 2 tbsp. of shampoo onto the palm of your hand. With the other hand, sprinkle 1 to 2 tbsp. of baking soda onto the shampoo and mix thoroughly with your free hand.

    • 5

      Apply the shampoo and baking soda mixture into your hair and massage your hair thoroughly. The baking soda acts as a natural deodorant and binds with the odor particles to remove the smell of chlorine from your hair.

    • 6

      Let the mixture sit in your hair for five to 10 minutes to allow the baking soda to take full effect. After the allotted time, rinse the hair with clean water to remove the shampoo and baking soda.