The Easiest Way To Get Rid Of Lingering Garlic And Onion Smells On Your Hands, No Lemon Required

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Garlic and onions are kitchen MVPs, but the lingering scent they leave on your hands? Not so much. Whether you've been mincing garlic extra-fine without a garlic press for pasta sauce or chopping onions for a quick vegetable stir-fry, the smell tends to cling onto fingers long after the meal's been made. While there are plenty of old-school tricks out there — like scrubbing with lemon juice or baking soda (two of the top ingredients that will also keep your kitchen smelling lovely) — not everyone wants to deal with citrus pulp and risk drying out their skin. Fortunately, there's an easier, no-mess solution that doesn't involve any extra ingredients or tools. All you need is some stainless steel.

You can make this stainless steel hack a quick part of your kitchen cleanup routine. Once you're done prepping your ingredients, rinse your hands with cold water and rub them along the inside of a mixing bowl, the edge of your kitchen faucet, or even the back of a stainless steel spoon. Some cooks even keep a stainless steel "soap" bar near the sink, like this Amco Rub Away Odor Absorber Bar, which is specifically designed for this purpose. It looks like a bar of soap but doesn't dissolve or wear down — it just does one job: remove odors.

This kitchen hack relies on some science. Garlic and onions release sulfur compounds when cut, which is what causes that strong, stubborn smell. Stainless steel can actually bind to those sulfur molecules and lift them from your skin. With just a quick rinse and rub, your hands should be noticeably fresher.

The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity — you don't need soap, scrubbing, or any special prep. Most people already have a stainless steel utensil or appliance within arm's reach, so there's no need to dig out specific tools or buy anything new. Stainless steel also doesn't leave any extra scent behind, like citrus or vinegar. Plus, it's gentle on your skin.

So, the next time you're making a garlicky marinade or sautéing onions for dinner, skip the lemon and reach for the nearest stainless steel tool. It's quick, effective, and one of the easiest kitchen habits to pick up.