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I work in a homeless shelter, so I have had to talk to many individuals about body odor.  It is really hard, but sometimes it has to be done.
 
The first thing to recognize is that there are two possible conversations you can have with the person.  They are very different and you need to know which one you are intending to have. 

1. The “Odor Suggestion” is when you suggest that a person should bathe.  It is a helpful reminder to someone who may not be aware of the offense they are causing. 
2. The “Odor Eviction” is when you tell a person that s/he must leave now and may not return until after a shower.  It is a non-negotiable order.

​Here are a few tips, whether you are making either an Odor Suggestion or an Odor Eviction:

• Don’t act uncomfortable.  Your discomfort will only make the other person more uncomfortable (uncomfortable people are unpredictable people).  Just be very “matter of fact” about it, like you are telling someone when their books are due.
• Whenever possible, do not talk to someone about their odor in front of others.  Embarrassed people are unpredictable people.
• Be respectful.

Obviously, an Odor Eviction is much more difficult than and Odor Suggestion.  Here are some additional tips for doing it well:

• Be VERY clear about what you are asking the person to do.  Do not hint.  Do not be ambiguous.  Do not use metaphors.  Do not assume the person knows what you are asking him to do unless you clearly spell it out.  Do not tell a person to leave until he “doesn’t smell” (he probably doesn’t think he smells now).  I recommend that you specifically ask the person not to return until after he takes a shower and washes his clothes (never forget the clothes; they are often the real problem).  If the problem is halitosis, be specific about brushing teeth.
• Be pleasant, but be firm.  Someone who has really bad body odor most likely has a very strong aversion to bathing (probably because of mental illness).  If you agree to allowing the person to stay for today if he bathes tomorrow, you are likely to be having the same conversation again tomorrow.
• If you know which shelter the person stays at, call them and ask for help.  They may be able to coax the person into bathing (or make special accommodations).
• Be consistent about body odors of all types.  If a non-homeless woman has an overpowering amount of perfume, she should be treated the same.  If a businessman decides to use the library after hitting the gym, he should be treated the same.  Homeless individuals are very observant about which rules only apply to them.  Disparate treatment creates resentment and resentment creates problems (for you). 
• Avoid the “most sensitive nose” rule.  Do not allow an odor autocrat to set the standard.  Some people—patrons or staff—feel entitled to an odorless environment, which is just unrealistic.  There is a certain amount of odor that we can expect whenever we go out into public.  Other people use odor as an excuse to vent their prejudices.  Don’t let someone’s hypersensitivity or bias rule the day if the smell really isn’t that bad.
• A helpful tip is to say, “Your clothes have an odor.”  That is likely to cause offense than “You have an odor.”

Good luck!  Send me an email if you have any questions...