How to Remove the Smell of Fish from Hands with Stainless Steel

Preparing fish and seafood can make for delicious meals, but the smell left on your hands is often difficult to shift. Even after washing with soap and water, the odour may linger for hours. Fortunately, there is a straightforward trick involving something found in almost every kitchen: stainless steel.

Why does the smell of fish linger on hands for so long?

Fish’s distinctive odour comes from natural compounds that cling to the skin while it is being prepared. They can remain after several washes, particularly following extended contact or when cleaning and cutting the food.

As a result, many people look for household ways to neutralise the smell without using specialist products. Stainless steel has become one of the most popular options.

How to use stainless steel to remove the smell of fish

The method could not be simpler. Once you have washed your hands as usual with soap and water, rub them against a stainless-steel surface under running water for around 30 seconds to 1 minute.

You can use a spoon, ladle, stainless-steel tap, or even a stainless-steel bar sold specifically for this purpose. Many people report that the odour is noticeably reduced afterwards.

• Stainless-steel spoon
• Stainless-steel ladle
• Stainless-steel kitchen tap
• Stainless-steel skimmer
• Stainless-steel kitchen bar
• Stainless-steel sink bowl

Why does the stainless-steel trick work?

Although there are various explanations for this effect, stainless steel is thought to help reduce the compounds responsible for odours that remain on the skin after handling fish, garlic and onion.

Whatever the precise chemical explanation, cooks have used this technique for many years, and it remains one of the best-known household solutions for getting rid of persistent smells from hands.

• Wash your hands with soap and water first
• Keep them under running water throughout the process
• Rub your palms, fingers and nails
• Continue for at least 30 seconds
• Repeat if the smell is still noticeable

Are there other simple ingredients that help neutralise odours?

Alongside stainless steel, some people use lemon, bicarbonate of soda or vinegar to help lessen smells on their hands. However, these ingredients may dry out the skin or irritate people with more sensitive skin.

Stainless steel has the benefit of leaving no residue and does not require acidic or abrasive substances to be applied directly to the skin, making it a practical option for everyday use in the kitchen.