Housewives or “home cooks” often find themselves cutting onions or garlic in the kitchen, leaving behind a pungent smell on their hands that even vigorous washing with soap cannot completely remove. However, there is a simple household item that can effectively eliminate this unpleasant odor.
According to a report by “Masterclass,” plants from the onion family such as onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds that produce strong odors. The smell from cutting or crushing onions can linger on the skin for varying lengths of time, ranging from one hour to two days.
The body needs to metabolize these compounds in order for the garlic or onion smell on the hands to dissipate. Fortunately, there are items commonly found at home that can help remove these odors from your hands early on.
One unexpected item recommended by the website is coffee beans or coffee grounds. Simply rub the coffee beans or grounds in your hands for 30 seconds, then rinse your hands with cold water from the tap.
Coffee beans or grounds contain nitrogen, acting as a natural deodorizer that absorbs and neutralizes various odors lingering on the skin, more effectively than using soap. Similarly, you can also use coffee grounds as a deodorizer in the fridge.
Experts from “Masterclass” also suggest that lemon juice is another highly effective natural cleanser. Squeeze some lemon juice on your hands, rub it until absorbed by the skin, then rinse your hands with water until the lemon juice is removed.
It is important to note that this method should only be used if there are no cuts or wounds on the hands, as lemon juice can cause a stinging sensation on open wounds.
Additionally, two common items usually found in the bathroom can also help in removing onion odors from the hands – toothpaste and mouthwash. Simply apply toothpaste and mouthwash to your hands under running water for about 30 seconds.
Moreover, using stainless steel utensils to scrub your hands can effectively remove onion smell, as they absorb sulfur molecules from the skin and eliminate them. By scrubbing your hands with a stainless steel spoon, rod, or other utensils under cold water, you can get rid of the onion smell.
Of course, there are preventive measures you can take to avoid onion smell lingering on your hands. When cutting onions, wear disposable gloves and discard them after use.
Speaking of cutting onions, apart from leaving a smell on your hands, it also causes tearing up. When onions are cut, the cells rupture and release enzymes that react with sulfur-containing amino acids to produce syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This gas can stimulate the body’s defense mechanism, leading to tearing and a runny nose upon contact with the eyes and nose.
There are several methods to prevent this teary situation, with one being refrigeration. Place the onion in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting, as the low temperature dulls the chemical reactions inside the onion, reducing the production of tear-inducing gas.
Another method is heating. Microwave the onion for 20 to 30 seconds to break down the enzymes inside the onion, reducing the likelihood of tearing up while cutting. However, microwaving the onion can make it soft, losing its fresh crunchiness. This method may not be suitable for making onion salad.
For more details, click on “Cutting onions make you cry? Just use 1 trick and you won’t be afraid of onion sting” in the original article.