4 Easy Methods for Getting Onion Smell Off Your Hands—Fast

Some unassuming household staples make quick work of onion odors.

Closeup on woman cutting onion on cutting board — Credit:
CentralITAlliance / Getty Images

When you chop an onion, you might expect some tears—but the lingering smell on your hands can be an unwelcome surprise that lasts long after dinner. The compounds that give onions their sharp aroma tend to cling to skin, especially if you have been handling them directly. Even after multiple rounds of washing, the scent can stubbornly stick.

Executive chef Jeanne Strout has spent years working in busy kitchens where she handles fresh onions every day. She explains that onion odors form when sulfur-containing compounds bond to the natural oils on your skin. Removing the smell is all about breaking that bond or neutralizing the sulfur, which sounds more complicated than it is! There are a few reliable methods to lift that strong aroma that use simple ingredients you already have at home.

Before you begin, rinse your hands with cool water to remove any visible residue. Then, try one of these trusted remedies.

Jeanne Strout, executive chef at The Nations Brewing Co. in Nashville, Tennessee

Stainless Steel

According to Strout, stainless steel—yes, the metal—is the most reliable and effortless way to remove onion odors from your hands. How? Stainless steel helps neutralize those sulfur-containing compounds by attracting and binding them to the metal’s surface. When you rub your hands over stainless steel under cool running water, the odor will transfer from skin to the metal and wash away.

“You can use the side of a stainless-steel sink, a spoon, or even a specialty stainless steel 'soap bar,' which is a smooth, handheld piece of metal designed for this exact purpose,” says Strout. These bars make it easy to reach every part of your hands. A few gentle passes under running water are often enough to eliminate the smell completely.

Lemon Juice or White Vinegar

Lemon juice works because its natural acidity helps neutralize sulfur compounds. Strout recommends squeezing a small amount into your hands, rubbing it in for 10 to 15 seconds, and then rinsing with cool water. The bright citrus scent is a bonus, but the real benefit is how efficiently the acid breaks down stubborn odors.

White vinegar is another acidic option. A splash in your palms followed by a quick rinse can make a noticeable difference.

Lemon juice and vinegar will quickly help you spot any small cuts or scratches on your hands. Rinse quickly and thoroughly if you feel any stinging.

DIY Exfoliating Scrub

Baking soda, granulated salt, or leftover coffee grounds make excellent natural scrubs that lift stubborn onion odors with ease. They add just enough texture to gently buff away the oils that allow onion compounds to cling to your skin.

When combined with a mild soap, the mixture works on two levels: the grit mechanically lifts residue, while the soap breaks down any remaining oils, allowing odors to wash away cleanly.

Toothpaste

Think about: toothpaste contains both mild abrasives and odor-neutralizing ingredients. This makes it surprisingly effective at removing onion odors from hands. Try using a small amount, rubbing gently, and rinsing well. The minty scent also provides a pleasant finishing touch.

These odor-removal methods can be drying, so be sure to follow with a moisturizing hand cream to avoid dry, itchy skin.