Cleaning garlic off

[Captainspirou]

I notice that every time I handle crushed garlic with my hands that the smell stays for quite a while. Even after I've washed my hands with soap several times, it will still linger around the next day or two. What is the best way to take care of garlic hands? Do I need a special soap or is there some food remedy like rubbing lemon juice on it?

[Michelly]

I rub my hands, and whatever utensils I used, with wet coffee grounds, then wash with soap. Apparently, the development of having espresso after dinner in Italy had the same effect, and I always have used coffee grounds in the machine.

[Boccone Dolce]

Seriously? I can't imagine doing this every day. That would mean the coffee grinds would sit around from breakfast until I'm making dinner? Hmmm... It could be a morning time saver for me, but I don't think I want them sitting around all day long. I am curious, though.

[torty]

I got one of those stainless "bars" shaped like a garlic head and it works really well and is attractive on the counter. I actually have Wusthof knives with stainless handles so I cold use them but I am clumsy so the bar is safer. The problem is under the nails. So I soap up the nails and use a nail brush quickly to get out any goobers, then rub with the stainless and I am garlic free. I personally love the smell, but you can't be shaking hands with most clients in that condition.....

[berbadeerface]

Smelling of garlic is bad?

[mcsheridan]

Another Excellent Point. :)

[Captainspirou]

Well i love it. But I have to be around other people.

[KaimukiMan]

no, but...

when i first worked in korea the morning ride in the elevator could be somewhat overwhelming until i got used to it...

[mcsheridan]

I just pick up the nearest stainless steel dinner knife or soup spoon and rub it. Works every time.

[Boccone Dolce]

I used to use my big stainless knife- until I discovered this product at a food show- foams up and you just rub it in until the foam is gone. It works fantastic on garlic, onions, and wet dog smells. I cook with tons of garlic and the smells always used to linger on my skin and it really bothered me.
I LOVE my special soap, eventually it will run out and I'll have to web-hunt down some more!

[kchurchill5]

I usually don't worry about it since those I serve know I cooked. Not a big deal, however, I have one of the stainless bars but mine is from a metal shop. A friend owns one and made me a small piece. No cost, and half the size and I just keep it under the sink and use it no and then. Seems to work. If cooking with lemon I rub that on first. Usually works too. But honestly no important company, I care less. Just close friends I just forget about it. My friends I trust and would say if it bothered them.

My faucet, definite chrome and not stainless.

[pikawicca]

Rinse your hands thoroughly in cold water, then wash with hand soap. this works every time.

[alwayscooking]

I learn so much here - mostly that somehow I'm inadvertently inconsiderate.

I've really never worried that my hands smell of garlic, my fingers are red from beets, or that I've just eaten curry or onions - and then I read posts here and begin to realize that somehow my funny fingers and smelly me are offensive [sigh].

So I must now apologize to all I work and play with - be forewarned (or perhaps that's why I can walk through a crowd like Moses in the sea).

[Sooeygun]

You just made me think of the day I was riding the subway home from work and I looked down to see a few fish scales stuck on my hands. Ooops. I swear I washed my hands, but those scales really stick.

[alwayscooking]

Judiciously applied, fish scales add a bit of sparkle.

(I like you avatar)

[rockandroller1]

Mustard also works. Dry or liquid.

[Gio]

<"is there some food remedy like rubbing lemon juice on it?">

Yes. Slice a lemon in half and rub the cut side on your hands.

[nkeane]

lets just hope you dont have any nick's or cuts on your hands, or this is going to be less than fun!

SS works great. I usually just rub my hands on the inside of the sink. Only problem is the smell of SS hands isnt much better than garlic!? Luckily the SS smell does wash off with soap and water.

[Gio]

Nkeane - I've never had a problem in more years than I want to count. But I understand what you're referring to. Never happened to me.....

[adamshoe]

What do SS hands smell like? Ohh... nevermind. I don't even want to know. I've got my stainless bar of soap and I'm sticking to it. (grinning...) adam

[KTinNYC]

Stainless steel will remove the odor. Just rub your hands on your faucet if it's made of ss.

[adamshoe]

KT, trouble is most faucets are "chromed" steel, not stainless. I'll have to admit to owning one of those stainless "bar of soap" things. I love it and use it all the time. Much safer than rubbing your hands on cutlery, too ;) adam

[KTinNYC]

I completely believe you so I guess it's all in been in my head because I always thought that rubbing my hands on the faucet worked. I must have been walking around with garlicky hands a lot. This explains lots, lol.

[Caroline1]

I have couple of sets of ss flatware and just use the back of a soup spoon. Never tried it with a knife or fork though.

[lisavf]

I second the stainless "bar of soap" - it really does work.

[Up With Olives]

Works on my faucet!

[KTinNYC]

Maybe we're both crazy ; )