Stainless Steel for Hand Washing

[Schutzengel]

I have a piece of stainless steel, oval shape, with a satin finish, which sits in a little black plastic oval dish beside the kitchen sink. It is said to remove odours from hands, after peeling onions, preparing garlic etc. You use this as if it was a bar of soap with just plain warm water. It is fascinating me as to how this works. Because much to my amazement it really does work. But what is the explanation, please. Schutz.

[barry1010]

Nobody knows how or why it works, but any stainless steel will do, such as a spoon.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-stainless-stee l-soap.htm

[Schutzengel]

Thanks Barry, I was just curious, as I prepared red onions at tea-time today, and my hands smelled really strong of the onion smell. Just as I trial, I washed my hands with soap first, and the smell was no better. Used the steel soap, and the smell was gone. Mysterious isn't it. Thanks very much for the link. Schutz.

[ACtheTROLL]

you can also use the blade of the knife you cut them with - just rub your fingers over the blade .... keeps all 5 .... opps 4 fingers smelling sweet

[Schutzengel]

Hi AC. Ha! Ha! Great. Loved your answer, but I don't think I had better try that, as I can usually manage to cut my fingers, without trying too hard. Thanks. Schutz.

[momac]

I bought one of those garlic soaps as well,but guess what!just rub your hands over your draining board if it is stainless steel of course,it works just the same and no fiddling about with knives spoons etc.