I was given one of those stainless steel blocks that helps remove onion and garlic odors from one's hands. Who can explain to me why stainless steel has this effect?

zbeckabee

Cool tool! According to this guy: "Metals that compose the alloy, stainless steel, catalytically enhance the oxidation of the odorous compounds. The products of the oxidation are no longer quite so persistent. Many are relatively water soluble and thus can be rinsed away. Not all kinds of stainless steel alloys will work." http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen01/gen01295.htm Sep 22 07, 4:16 PM

lanfranco

Oxidation, hmm? Well, that makes a certain amount of sense. I have to say that the block doesn't work perfectly, but it certainly does help. You get a stainless steel mace. Sep 22 07, 4:24 PM

MonkeyOnALeash

Use Lemon juice. Sep 22 07, 5:56 PM

lanfranco

I've tried lemon juice, vinegar, and coffee grounds. The grounds worked best, but they were messy. Besides, they're not always available. Sep 23 07, 5:19 PM

queproblema

We use surgical gloves, bought in bulk from a membership warehouse, but I digress, ignoring the why of stainless steel. Just gotta chatter.... Sep 23 07, 5:40 PM

zbeckabee

Toothpaste and mouthwash work well! Use paste and not gel. ALSO -- Baking soda will resolve some of the odor. http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/kitchen/remove-garlic-odor-aug04?redir=http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/heloise/heloise/qas/0,,284578_644462,00.html Sep 23 07, 8:29 PM

MonkeyOnALeash

Shaving Cream will remove the odor of Cigarettes from hands and fingernails. And yes, toothPASTE is a wonderful odor remover. Sep 24 07, 9:21 AM