Bleach is one of the best known and most used cleaning and disinfection products. Everything appears brighter after it has been cleaned with bleach; unfortunately, in addition to shining, it acquires a strong unpleasant odor. Every time you use bleach, the bad smell also permeates the skin of your hands and sometimes it is so intense that it can also annoy the nose of those around you as well as yours; so it's important to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Neutralizing the Smell of Bleach
Step 1. Neutralize the smell of bleach with an acidic element
Since bleach is a basic oxidant, you can neutralize its effect, and consequently the smell, by taking advantage of the natural acidity of some foods. Mixing an acidic food liquid with bleach is an effective way to correct its pH and eliminate bad odor. You can neutralize the bleach by using one of the ingredients on the list:
- Vinegar or lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit juice (any citrus fruit is fine)
- Tomato juice (concentrate or tomato puree are also good).
Step 2. Rub the juice or vinegar all over your hands
Rub it well all over the place for at least a minute to give it time to penetrate inside the pores and neutralize the bad odor.
Step 3. Rinse your hands with cold water
The bad smell should be gone.
Step 4. Soak your hands in the liquid if the odor persists
If rubbing them wasn't enough or you don't want to use the pure ingredient on your skin, dilute it with water in equal parts (1: 1). Soak your hands in this mixture for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5. Create an exfoliating scrub with the products you have at home
Using a substance or food that is both dry and highly acidic is a great way to correct the pH of the bleach and eliminate the unpleasant odor from your hands. Use one of these two elements to create the scrub and neutralize the bleach:
- Bicarbonate;
- Grinded coffee.
Step 6. Do the scrub
Take the selected ingredient and rub it on your hands. Take your time and massage it well all over, as you normally do with a scrub or moisturizer. Continue scrubbing for a minute, then throw the excess powder into the waste bin and then wash your hands with warm water. Rubbing will help the substance penetrate the pores. Of course, if you don't like the smell of coffee, it's best to opt for baking soda.
Part 2 of 3: Moisturize and Perfume Your Hands
Step 1. Use a soap, oil or cream
In most cases, foods and vegetable oils have an excellent scent; in addition, many have the added benefit of moisturizing the skin. Since bleach makes your hands dry, the benefit is twofold: your skin will be hydrated and scented. The options include:
- Coconut oil;
- Almond oil;
- Olive oil;
- Aloe vera hand cream (make sure that the percentage of aloe is high because it is a factor that greatly affects the effectiveness of the cream);
- Hand cream with tea tree oil (as with aloe vera cream, make sure the percentage of oil is high to get a good result);
- Citrus hand cream;
- Citrus hand soap. The soaps made from natural ingredients enriched with citrus oils combine the cleansing action of the soap with the moisturizing and emollient action of the oils. You can find them in herbalist's shops or in shops specializing in organic and natural foods and products.
Step 2. Apply only a little oil at a time
When using oils, be careful not to overdo the quantities, otherwise you may find yourself with greasy hands and need to add a step to remove the excess oil.
Step 3. Apply a minimal amount of cream
If you have chosen to use a cream, the dose should be enough to completely cover your hands and let you know if it is working and if you still need it.
Step 4. Soap your hands if you have chosen to use a citrus bar of soap
Wet your hands with warm water and then lather them thoroughly so that the soap traps and removes the bleach molecules on the skin.
Part 3 of 3: Using Flowers, Plants and Herbs
Step 1. Use essential oils
You have the choice of a wide range of oils to find the one you like best. Keep in mind that in most cases, essential oils cannot be applied directly to the skin, as they are too potent. They should be diluted with a carrier oil, i.e. a more delicate oil, and applied as needed. The list of scented essential oils includes those of:
- Lemon;
- Eucalyptus;
- Lavender;
- Peppermint;
- Chamomile;
- Marjoram.
Step 2. Now choose a carrier oil
The options include:
- Sweet almond oil;
- Hemp seed oil;
- Fractionated coconut oil;
- Olive oil;
- Sunflower oil.
Step 3. Follow the instructions on the bottle of essential oil to dilute it in the carrier oil
In most cases, a 2% solution is used, which results in about one drop of essential oil for every 30ml of carrier oil.
Step 4. Use the flower petals from your garden
Pick up some of the most fragrant herbs or flowers, or buy them at the grocery store or florist. Rub the petals or leaves on your hands and fingers so that they release their fragrant oils. The most fragrant garden plants include:
- Rose;
- Geraniums;
- Lavender;
- Rosemary;
- Peppermint;
- Spearmint (or Roman mint).
Advice
- Another option is to slice a lemon and rub it on your hands.
- Use gloves when cleaning the house with bleach. The best way to solve the problem is to prevent it. Remember the saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".
- Rinse your hands with cold water before scenting them. Contrary to popular opinion, it is best to rinse them with cold water because hot water opens the pores allowing the bleach molecules to penetrate deeper into the skin. In contact with cold water the pores shrink, so it is easier to get rid of the smell of bleach.
- When it comes to using an acid element to neutralize a basic one, it is good to stick to the rule that says "if you can't eat it, don't use it", as inedible acids can seriously damage the skin.
- Check that there are no small wounds or cuticles on the hands and around the nails. If the skin is injured or inflamed, do not use an acidic liquid to remove the bleach smell, otherwise you will feel a severe sting.
- You can mix the baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste that is easy to spread and rub on your hands.
- Many people use milk to remove the smell of fish and other foods from their skin; in some cases it can also work with bleach.
- According to some, peppermint toothpaste is also a good alternative.
Warnings
- You should protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves every time you use bleach.
- Essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin. Follow the instructions on the bottle to prevent possible unwanted reactions.
- Inedible acids can severely damage your skin, so don't try to use them to remove the smell of bleach. If you have realized that you have used an inedible acid, go to the emergency room immediately.
- Be cautious in choosing which substances to use to get rid of the bleach smell. Certain liquids, such as vinegar, can trigger a dangerous chemical reaction when they come in contact with bleach.
