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 also quite volatile and readily evaporates into the air. As a result, chopping or crushing garlic releases a much stronger garlic scent compared to leaving the clove intact.
After handling garlic, the odor can linger on your hands for quite some time. Even multiple washes with soap might not completely remove the smell. If you find yourself in this situation, try the following tips to get rid of the garlic smell from your hands.
Wash Your Hands with Table Salt
Mix some table salt with a few drops of water to form a paste. Rub this paste on your hands for about 1-2 minutes, paying special attention to the areas between your fingers. Then, rinse your hands with water. Salt not only helps neutralize the garlic odor but also acts as a gentle exfoliator, leaving your skin feeling clean and smooth. However, if you have sensitive skin or open wounds on your hands, it’s best to avoid this method.
Use Fresh Lemon or Vinegar
Both lemon and vinegar have acidic properties that can help neutralize and eliminate garlic odors. Simply rub a slice of lemon directly on your hands or pour a small amount of vinegar into 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 cuts or open wounds on your hands, it’s best to avoid this method.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb odors and can be used to eliminate garlic smell from your hands. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a few drops of water, and rub it all over your hands, especially in the areas between your fingers. Do this for about 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 responsible for the garlic odor, helping to neutralize the smell. Simply rub the spoon all over your hands for about 1-2 minutes, and then wash your hands with soap and water.
Use Toothpaste
Instead of regular soap or hand wash, try using toothpaste to get rid of the garlic smell. Take 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 cleaning agents and minty flavor in the toothpaste will help neutralize the garlic odor.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash contains cleaning agents and often includes fragrant essential oils, which can help eliminate the garlic smell. Pour a small amount of mouthwash into your palms and rub your hands together for 1-2 minutes. Then, wash your hands with soap and water. Opt for a minty mouthwash to enhance the odor-neutralizing effect.
To prevent garlic odor from sticking to your hands while cooking, consider wearing gloves. This is an effective way to avoid both the smell and the need for excessive handwashing, 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 persistent odor. These techniques will quickly and effectively eliminate unpleasant odors from your hands.
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