The foolproof trick for garlic smell on your hands: rub them on stainless steel under cold water. The sulphur molecules behind the odour react with the steel and disappear. Better still: a good garlic press keeps your fingers off the garlic in the first place. Here’s the why and how to choose yours.
Why stainless steel removes garlic smell
When you crush garlic, it releases volatile sulphur compounds that cling to your skin. On contact with stainless steel under water, these molecules are neutralised: the smell goes almost instantly, no scented soap needed. That’s why a stainless press like the Stainless Steel Garlic Press does double duty: it minces the garlic and keeps your hands clean.
Why use a garlic press
- No smell on your fingers: you never touch the garlic.
- Faster: one squeeze, no knife work.
- More flavour: pressed garlic releases more aroma than roughly chopped.
- Often no peeling: many presses take the clove skin-on.
Which garlic press to choose?
The stainless classic: sturdy and odour-fighting, the Stainless Steel Garlic Press is the everyday safe bet.
The premium: to also crush herbs and spices, the Premium Stainless Garlic Press handles a clove in 5 seconds.
The compact: the Mini “Press & Grind” Garlic Chopper stores anywhere and works by twisting.
The electric: to mince garlic and vegetables effortlessly, the USB Rechargeable Electric Chopper 400 ml does it in one click.
FAQ — Garlic & odours
How do you remove garlic smell from your hands?
Rub your hands on a stainless-steel object (sink, spoon or garlic press) under cold water for about 30 seconds. The smell disappears without scented soap.
Do you need to peel garlic before pressing it?
With most quality presses, no: insert the clove skin-on, the skin stays in the chamber and the pulp comes out.
Manual or electric garlic press?
A manual press is enough for everyday use and cleans in one move. Electric is handy for large amounts or for also chopping vegetables.
Find our presses in Cutting & Prep.