We all know it: cooking with garlic can elevate any dish, but the smell it leaves on your hands can be quite persistent and can even (metaphorically) become part of our atmosphere. For this reason, although it is a fundamental ingredient in many recipes, nobody wants to leave the kitchen smelling of it for hours. However, there is no need to worry because the solutions are extremely easy.
Fortunately, there are quick and effective solutions to eliminate its aroma in a simple way and none of these solutions involve dispensing with its organoleptic advantages in the kitchen. Its aromas, and, above all, the flavor it leaves in any dish are essential for our cuisine.
A homemade technique consists of mixing a tablespoon of coarse salt or baking soda with a few drops of lemon juice or soap. This mixture acts as a natural exfoliant and provides instant deodorization.
Rub the mixture into your hands for about 30 seconds and then rinse with cold water. Both the coarse salt and the baking soda will exfoliate the garlic molecules that cause that persistent smell on our hands.
On the other hand, if you have white vinegar to hand, it can also be useful in this matter. Soak a cotton ball or small cloth and rub it on your palms and fingers. Although vinegar has a strong smell, it disappears after a short time and takes the garlic smell with it.
Shower of water
In any case, it is essential to wash your hands with cold water before applying any remedy. Hot water can open the pores and cause the smell to permeate the skin even more. In fact, if you put your hands directly under the tap after peeling and slicing the garlic, the smell will dissipate for the most part.
It is also useful to avoid direct contact with garlic as much as possible. Using oven gloves or a garlic press can minimize the smell from the start, although it is not always practical if precise handling is required. Another option is to cut it with a fork and a knife, so as to avoid touching it with your fingers altogether.
