COOKING tools FOOD + DRINK

Odorless hands on Valentine’s Day

stainless steel odor less soap bar and garlic crusher

I have to admit that I am not a fan of dining out on Valentine’s Day. The restaurants are too busy. I prefer a romantic, more intimate dinner at home sitting on the cushions near the fire place.

Since typically a home cooked meal requires minced garlic or onions, what do you do with the smell on your hands? Stainless steel bar soap is the solution.

Rub-A-Way Bar

I have to admit that I was skeptical. But I tried the Rub-A-Way Bar at my brother’s house last Christmas. It really works! Do not be afraid to make your own sushi or cook fish that night; just rub your hands on a stainless steel bar.

I have been told that Canadian shoppers can find from time to time the Rub-A-Way Bar at Winner or Home Sense (I am not sure which) for about $5.

How does it work?

These gadgets use oxido-reduction, a natural property of steel, to effectively remove strong odors. You can get rid of onion, garlic, fish, even nicotine scent in minutes.

Orka DEOS soap

Being displayed at New York’s Museum of Modern Art is a sign that Orka DEOS is out of the ordinary. DEOS provides the added benefits of a nail cleaner located at the tip of the teardrop-shaped steel soap. As I wrote this, Amazon.com is temporarily out of stock of DEOS. 

Royal VKB Garlic Crusher

If you are short on time, go for the stainless steel Garlic Crusher by Royal VKB. The crushing action enhances the garlic flavor. Rinse immediately the garlic crusher and rub your hand on it. You clean up the kitchen tool and your hands in the same operation. Voilà!

The Garlic Crusher was designed by Ineke Hans in 2005 and won the prestigious Red dot design award that year.

Last words of advice

My brother’s girlfriend told me that rubbing your hands on a stainless steel sink works too. Since I do not own a bar yet, I gave it a try the other night. It might not be as stylish and practical than those bars but my hands were odorless after a few cycles. Now you have no excuses for lingering scent on your hands.

Sourcing :
Buy online: Amco 8402 Rub Away Bar at Amazon.com – price: $6.95
Buy online: Orka Deos Stainless Steel Soap at Amazon.com – price: $9.95
Buy online: Garlic Crusher by Royal VKB at A+R – price: $24

  • Kelly
    January 28, 2008 at 09:39

    I’ve been curious about the Rub-a-Way bars for awhile now. In face, just last week I was cooking with garlic and really thinking I should own one. Good to hear that they’re actually worth the purchase.