Re: [CH] Cutting peppers and washing hands

Blue Rider (blurdr@gte.net)
Sat, 14 Feb 1998 21:26:17 -1000

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> Nope, it doesn't work like that.  The 'hot stuff', as you call it, is
> oil based, so it will be absorbed into the skin of your hands before
> you wash them.  In my experience, hot soapy water works the best, but
> it will not completely remove the residues from your hands.  Wear
> rubber gloves.
>
> Harry


I find that the oil comes right on through the gloves, and I've tried
several kinds, including the thick Playtex-type kitchen gloves.  Gloves
help, but not that much.  I've had the best luck slathering my hands in
whatever cheap cooking oil I've got around, and *then* washing my hands
works pretty well.  Certainly better than just washing them, by any
method.  Apparently, the oil-soluble capsaicins will migrate into the
cooking oil and that washes away pretty easily.  BTW,  I don't have hot
water in the house, so cold works fine, too.  Also, I find using Dawn
dish detergent is the best oil-remover.  All my mechanic friends wash
car grease and oil off themselves with it.
Give it a try.

Aloha
Blue