OS Methods for Cleaning dirty hands?

annifranakapan

Hi, my OH's hands are very stained with ingrained dirt from the amount of time he spends in the garden and the allotment.

Ordinary soap and water with a mini scrub brush aren't working that well. I wondered if anyone had any OS remedies for getting his hands clean. He can't use anything with lemon juice as his hands are full of 'nicks', rough patches and callouses.

I don't mind the roughness but the ingrained dirt is now reaching unacceptable levels :eek:

Anni

EagerLearner

How about olive oil and sugar - maybe brown sugar? Then this will exfoliate and moisturise too... plus no chemicals to irritate cut skin

EmptyPurse

My father always used to use Swarfega and a nail brush after a day in the garden or the garage. I think Mum used to buy it from Dyas?

ubamother

i use the olive oil/sugar mixture - and if i've no cuts or abrasions on my hands and add a bit of lemon juice for a mild bleaching effect.

Gingernutmeg

Oats can be used as a scrub, they're fairly gentle and moisturising. Just put a spoonful in your hands, wet and rub

madelaine

Washing up liquid and sugar, is what we always use.

vixtress

a second vote here for cheap olive or vegetable oil and course sugar!

Chris25

if you have any old honey or golden syrup that has granulated - you could use that.

brightonman123

try some olive oil and oats, with something to make it smell nice- orange zest maybe?

swarfega is the daddy, though!

Singsalsing

Cif or Jif works well. It doesn't sting if you have any cuts but it does dry out the skin on your hands so you need to use a good moisturiser after.
I wouldn't recommend it as a regular thing but for occasional use it's fine.

bellaquidsin

Some good advice here. Once his hands are clean, he could try rubbing in a fair amount of soap BEFORE he goes into the garden, that should help prevent the dirt from getting in the cracks. I remember my Grandad doing this 50 years ago so think I can safely say it it Old Style.

Bella.