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“Get Rid of That Stubborn Garlic Smell: A Simple Solution for Your Hands”

10 July, 2025

Garlic contains sulfur compounds such as allicin, the primary compound responsible for garlic’s distinctive odor. These compounds are released when we cut or crush garlic cloves. This sulfur compound is fairly volatile and evaporates quickly into the air. As a result, when you chop or crush garlic, you’ll notice a much stronger garlic scent compared to when it’s intact.

After handling garlic, the odor can linger on your hands for quite some time. Even after multiple washes with soap, the smell may persist. If you find yourself in this situation, try the following tips to remove the garlic smell from your hands.

Wash Your Hands with Table Salt

Mix table salt with a few drops of water to form a paste. Rub your hands, especially between the fingers, with this paste for 1-2 minutes. Then, rinse your hands with water. Salt not only helps neutralize the garlic odor but also exfoliates and cleanses your skin. If you have sensitive skin or open wounds on your hands, avoid using this method.

Use Fresh Lemon or Vinegar

Both lemon and vinegar contain acidic properties that can help neutralize and remove garlic odor from your hands. Simply rub a slice of lemon on your hands or pour a small amount of vinegar onto your palms and rub them together for about a minute. Then, wash your hands with soap and water. Within a few minutes, the garlic smell should be gone. However, if you have any open wounds or cuts on your hands, refrain from using this method.

Common kitchen ingredients like salt, lemon, and vinegar can effectively remove garlic odor from your hands.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is known for its deodorizing and cleansing properties. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a few drops of water, and rub it all over your hands, paying attention to the areas between your fingers. Do this for 1-2 minutes, and then rinse your hands with water.

Rub Your Hands on Stainless Steel

You can use a stainless steel spoon to rub your hands gently. In theory, stainless steel reacts with the sulfur compounds in garlic, neutralizing the odor. By rubbing your hands with stainless steel for about 1-2 minutes, you can eliminate the garlic smell. Follow this up by washing your hands with soap and water.

Use Toothpaste

Instead of regular soap or hand wash, try using toothpaste to get rid of the garlic odor. Apply a small amount of toothpaste, preferably one with a minty flavor, and rub it all over your hands for about a minute. Then, rinse your hands with water. The cleansing agents and minty flavors in the toothpaste will help neutralize the garlic smell.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash contains cleansing agents and often includes fragrant essential oils, which can help mask the garlic odor. Pour a small amount of mouthwash onto your palms and rub your hands together for 1-2 minutes. Then, wash your hands with soap and water. Opt for minty mouthwashes for better odor neutralization.

To prevent garlic odor from sticking to your hands while cooking, consider wearing gloves. This is an effective way to avoid both the odor and excessive hand washing, which can dry out your skin. If you’re peeling a large quantity of garlic, gloves are especially recommended.

You can also use these odor removal methods if your hands have a strong onion smell, as onions also contain sulfur compounds that can leave a lingering odor. These methods will quickly and effectively eliminate unpleasant odors from your hands.