A method (M1) for reducing an odor or aiding in the reduction of an odor involves applying a preparation (P1) comprising a single alcohol (I) or a mixture comprising at least two different alcohols (I). A method for reducing an odor or aiding in the reduction of an odor involves applying a preparation comprising a single alcohol of formula R b-O-CH 2-C((CH 3) 2)-CH(-O-R a)-CH(CH 3) 2(I) or a mixture comprising at least two different alcohols (I). R aand R b : H, or 2-6C acyl. Provided that one of the two radicals of R aand R bis H and other is 2-6C acyl radical. An independent claim is included for a preparation (P2) comprising a single alcohol (I), or a mixture containing at least two different alcohols (I), and at least one odorous substances, where the odorous substances are not the compounds (I), with the provision that the preparation (P2) is not a preparation comprising 3-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethylpentylisobutyrate and 2,2,4-trimethylpent-3-en-1-yl-isobutyrate.
