The use of alcohols of formula (I) wherein X is selected from hydroxyl and C1- C6 hydroxyalkyl III) n is an integer from 6 to 10, and R is selected from hydrogen and methyl or IV) n is 0 or 1, and R is selected from branched C3- C6 alkyl and C5- C6 cycloalkyi with the proviso that the compound of formula (I) contains 11 to15 carbon atoms. for the reduction of the sensory perception of malodour.