How To Clean Mechanic Hands (Using 6 Home Remedies)

Grease, oil, paints, and dirt are the substances mechanics wrestle with. If you are a mechanic, you aren’t an exception.

And that’s why you are here to learn how to clean your hands too. 

Beyond the use of water and soap, the following are easy tips on how to clean mechanic hands off grease, paints, and dirt. 

These will save you hours you’d have spent at the sink washing your hands!

Step by Step Guide On How To Clean Mechanics Hands

Step I: Get Ready For The Cleaning Process

This step is as important as every other step highlighted in this article. 

So, what is required of you for the preparation?

You need to get ready these best hand wash for mechanics: 

• Petroleum jelly 
• Salt or sugar scrub
• Wash soaps 
• Dish soap 
• Mineral oil 
• Bar soap
• Water 

After getting these ready, the next step is to begin the washing. 

Well, if you don’t have these items at your workshop, get them in a supermarket; they are cheap.

Likely, you will have salt, sugar, and dish soap available. So the rest is covered.

Step II: Washing the Hands

In this step, you will learn how to use these home remedies to clean mechanics’ hands. 

We will emphasize doing it the right way. So, carefully examine these points.  

1. Wash Hands Immediately After Contact with Stain or Grease 

You will need to wash your hand instantly after getting in contact with stain.

Even while it might not be a thorough wash, you’d still need to wash it lightly.

If you have dry skin, it’ll absorb the engine oil and the grease. Therefore, each time you wash your hands, moisturize them.

You can invest in creams that prevent hands from feeling greasy.

However, it will take you months to repair any cracked or damaged skin that has suffered years of neglect and care, even with the consistent use of the cream.

2. Removing Excess Oil or Grease

Bring closer bar soap and water.

Then, wash your hands thoroughly to get rid of oil and grease as much as possible.

Even after thoroughly washing your hands, some stains will still not go off.

So, if, after gently (not forcefully) washing your hands with soap and water you still have the stain in your hands, what’s next?

Pour into your hands some heavy-duty dish soap.

This will further break up the grease stains.

Note of warning: Do not leave stains on your hands for a long time.

If they become part of your skin, it will discolor your skin. It’s an outcome you’d not like at all!

3. How to Use Salt or Sugar Scrub

Yes, a spoonful of any of these is incredible!

Apart from the quick wash after getting in contact with stain, this is the scrub to use after the day.

The function is that it aids in removing the strong stains, grease, and oil.

To get this done, get these ready:

• 1 tablespoonful of sugar or salt
• Water
• Pumice stone
• Old toothbrush

How to do it:

• Pour a spoonful of sugar or salt in a half tablespoonful of water to make a paste
• Then scrub your hands with it gently until the stain is off
• Before you wash off the sugar solution, rub your palm with the pumice stone.
• Then, use a toothbrush to scrub your fingernails.
• Wash off the solution
• Finally, use more soap and water to get rid of the stain and paint off your hands.

Implementing this extra scrubbing with salt or sugar will take the stubborn stain off your hands.   

Undeniably, this is one of the best tips on how to clean mechanics’ hands.

It is quite advisable to use warm water and a washcloth when you are scrubbing your hands.

Additionally, you can decide to use creamy body wash if you have one.

Some mechanics have even found it helpful to soak their hands in a hair conditioner and lukewarm water from 5-10 minutes.

This aids in getting rid of any dead skin that might have trapped the engine oil or grease.

4. Using Oil to Clean Mechanics Hands

How does this sound: Remove grease and oil from your hand using oil? 

Well, that’s never a mistake!

But you’d not be using the same grease or engine oil.

You will be using a different type of oil like baby oil or olive oil.

These types of oil are recommended because they are often gentle on the skin and still tough on difficult stains. 

How to do it:

• Place a small-sized drop of olive oil or baby oil on your palm
• Rub the oil gently between hands, fingers, and even knuckles.
• Wait for at least 5-10 minutes
• After that, rinse with detergent and water
• Then, pat your hands with a small clean towel.

Surprisingly, even with the first drop of oil, your first attempt might not be successful.

Of course, this is dependent on the toughness of the stain.   

In a scenario like that, repeat the processes, add another drop of oil and wash off.

No doubt, after a second drop and washing, you should be able to wash it off.

Yes, this is also a great way to remove stain from a mechanic’s hand. 

It is no magic at all.

Did you also notice that it is a homemade remedy for getting rid of grease from a mechanic’s hand?

Yes, it is cheap and readily available.

5. WD-40: A Lubricant for Washing Mechanics Hands

First, if you’ve not heard of WD-40, a burning question you’d have is, “what is WD-40?”

WD-40 is a compound that is an oil-based lubricant.

They can be used for varying reasons. 

These uses are:

• Loosening of tight bolts and screws
• Unsticking zippers
• Calming the sound from noisy and screechy doors

Moreover, this product is an excellent tool for getting rid of stains from mechanics’ hands.

Most significantly, they are renowned for taking off engine oil and grease.

How to do it:

• Get a quality WD-40 from any supermarket
• Spray the solution generously on your hands
• Rub gently 
• Leave for a minimum of 5-10 minutes
• Use a paper towel to clean the WD-40 off your palms
• Wash with water and soap
• Then gently pat with a clean towel 

If the stain didn’t go off, repeat the process even after using this lubricant.

However, at any rate, a single scrub is sufficient to work just fine.

Possibly, you think it’s tasking to use the previously mentioned, but how about this method?

Find it pleasing? Apparently!

It relieves you from stress!

6. Work to Fix the Damage

You’ve spent a considerable number of times cleaning, trying to bluff off the stain making use of chemicals.

At this time, your hand would have been gnarly. 

To fix this up, get yourself a heated spa mitt.

Additionally, if you find it comfortable, wear a glove to sleep.

This might seem weird either to your friend or family member; 

But they will be happy to see you wake up with soft hands.

Also, you might want to try out an oil barrier cream or plastic gloves.

There is more, you can decide to put your hands inside on a warm bottle and let it relax for 2-5 minutes.

The function of the warm water is to get your skin pores open up.

But are these tips only valuable and applicable for mechanics? 

Apparently, no! 

If you own a car and are willing to get down the hood to do the repair yourself, it’s a good move. 

However, there is a cost: you’d have greasy hands and dirt each time you do. 

Yes, you don’t even have to do a lot before you get your hands filled with dirt. 

But the cost is worth it. It saves you time and money.  

Moreover, it saves you from having to deal with shoddy mechanics that can soil your car.

So, it’s gratifying to fix your car for yourself and prove that you are responsible. 

The stain, grease, and dirt, can be cleaned after repair.

And that’s why the points above on how to clean mechanic hands will be sufficient for you. 

But maybe you’d not want to use that; I’ve got you an alternative. 

It’s also a home remedy to clean mechanic hands. 

Check these cost-effective homemade products for cleaning mechanic hands. 

Home Remedies to Clean Mechanic Hands: Sugar and Cooking Oil

If you wouldn’t want to damage your dermic, these home remedies for cleaning mechanic hands are effective.

Step I:

• Make a paste from the mixing of cooking oil with 2-3 teaspoons of sugar.

(If you want to substitute granulated sugar with cube sugar, use an equivalent)

Step II:

• Rub the pasty mixture generously on your hands.

Pay attention to areas where the grease and dirt are. (it includes knuckles, cuticles, and palm lines)

Just be sure that the mixture extends to everywhere you need it.

Above all, massage properly.

Step III:

• After massaging, wash hands with clean water under running water.

The water should be lukewarm, not cold nor hot.

Avoid hot water. It will strip off natural oil from your skin, which can cause flakes and dryness.

Step IV:

• After thorough rinsing, you might notice grease and dirt under the nail.
• To take it off, use a thin pointed stick.

For instance, you can use a nail stick or even a toothpick.

Step V:

• The next approach is to pick a nail brush using one hand and then pour dish soap on the other.

Using one hand, use the brush to scrub your knuckles and palms together gently.

Do not also forget to check your nail beds and cuticles.

Then, do the same thing on the other hand.

 Step VI:

• When the following step has been completed, rinse your hands inside lukewarm water and pat to dry.
• After that, apply a little bit of lotion and then do thorough massaging.

When you do this, it will help to prevent your hands significantly from cracking.

Before you leave, the next subheading has a thought-provoking question. 

Why are Grease and Oil Stains on the Hand Dangerous?

While engine oil is needed for a car to function, it’s not a good material to handle. 

When they come in contact with the skin, it’s not safe. 

On the other hand, it’s not even safe for the environment too. 

When you leave grease or oil stains on your hands, they put you at significant risk. 

For example, used motor oil will be laden with chemicals that are toxic to the skin. 

These toxic chemicals coming from the car engine include: 

• Antifreeze 
• Metals
• Benzene 

Therefore, when this oil gets in contact with the skin for a long time, it can result in terrible skin problems.

These especially include: 

• Dermatitis
• Rashes

In chronic cases, when a mechanic often leave these oil stain on his hands;

It results in skin cancer or even blood anemia. 

As a result, both mechanics and car owners must be careful when handling oil, most notably those used. 

Currently, there is no substitute for engine oil, so it can’t be avoided. 

Thus, you have to be careful about how your body is exposed to it regularly. 

Apart from general handling of engine oil, do these: 

• Use protective gears 

However, this does not mean you are free from the touch of oil because you will still have to work on other parts of the car with engine oil. 

When you use a few times in a day, you can limit the number of times you come in contact with oil.  

Many are inclined to purchase heavy-duty cleaners to wash mechanic hands. 

But is it worth it? 

Should you invest into these? 

You have the answer in the next subheading.

Should You Use Heavy-Duty Cleaners for Cleaning Mechanic Hands?

Today, people frequently search for the best hand wash for mechanics

When they do, they are searching for heavy-duty cleaners.

But why is it that even the best hand cleaner for mechanics isn’t safe?

Well, the efficacy of these heavy-duty cleaners is undisputed.

However, the aftereffect is bad for skins.

There are some soap and liquids that are for sale that is tough on your dermis.

And eventually, they get rid of natural oil from your body.

This leads to your skin’s bleaching and cracking. It makes your hand looks slightly different from other parts of your body.

Ideally, these best hand wash for mechanics are for occasional use.

But as a mechanic who needs to wash hands daily, using them regularly might lead to problem.

Therefore, an alternative for this is to go for something mild and beneficial.

And they have been thoroughly discussed above. 

General Hand Care of Your Hands as a Mechanic

If you have cleaned your hands with these home remedies to make your hands clean and fresh, what’s next?

Invest in an after-care solution!

This is the final stage for a mechanic to get a clean hand. It is an excellent skincare routine.

This means you’d have to recondition your hands and moisturize your skin.

Sadly, this is a step that most mechanics often overlook.

But you shouldn’t.

To rehydrate your skin off any damage done by these substances used earlier, use a hand care lotion regularly.

This will be needed for the recovery of your skin naturally. 

Then, it aids the skin to become subtle and smoother.

Will you be painting a car or cleaning the car garage soon?

When washing hands off oil and grease, do not scrub your hand so hard. 

When you wash, do it gently.

How Mechanics Can Avoid Dirty Hands

There is a great deal of work involved in cleaning mechanic hands, especially if you didn’t use the WD-40.

But that’s not a big deal still. Why?

As long as a mechanic can get rid of stains and grease on his hands, he’s never concerned about the steps involved.

Well, this is often true if you are just starting as a mechanic.

But there is the likelihood that with time, you might find it stressful or daunting.

We don’t want that feeling for you at all.

As a result, you need preventive measures. This doesn’t mean you would be without stains; 

However, it means that you’d not have to clean your hands every time.

So, these are what should be done:

Use Hand Protection

Instead of working with bare hands every time, why not use protective gear to protect your hands? 

What type of protection is needed?

For your hands you need gloves.

But it is quite different from the type that medical personnel wears.

You must buy thick and recommended ones for mechanics.

This can be worn when you aren’t doing a tough job. 

And if you like, you can keep it on all through the day.

Well, it has its cons, though.

The mechanic gloves will keep hand from having a full grip on the mechanical part.

So, the advice here is to wear it when you think it will not impact your efficiency.

But the general rule is never to do without it all day. 

Because the more you keep getting exposed to excessive glue and dirt, the less likely you’d get a complete clean in the future.

What You Should Know About Wearing Mechanic Gloves

• Gloves can make your hand slippery when working on a mechanical part
• It can protect your hands from permanent stain
• It can save you expenses on cleaning agents or recipe
• It can be used when handling menial tasks

Conclusively, after years of learning how to use gloves as a mechanic, you might eventually get used to it.

This should push you to master the use and avoid using some cleaners.

How Mechanics Can Avoiding Dings and Cuts 

In conjunction with cleaning a mechanic’s hands, mechanics also have to deal with dings and cuts on arms and hands.

The U.S. Bureaus of Labor and Statistics have warned those who work with mechanical parts to be careful about sensitive mechanical parts and edges. 

The majority of engines made today wouldn’t give you sufficient room in their compartment.

Thus, it will make your job challenging for you.

Additionally, when working on a tough bolt, you might be willing to use a wrench.

This wrench, at times, often slips, and that will lead to abrasions and minor cuts.

So, what can be done to avert this? 

Work calmly and safely to prevent these accidents.

Nevertheless, bear in mind that you can’t entirely avoid these cuts. 

But you can prevent significant and consistent cuts if you are careful.

Tips

• Wear gloves when handling any small tasks.
• Be calm and gently carry out the task
• Have methylated spirits and iodine in your safety box
• Wash your hands well before cleaning the injured part.

Final Thoughts 

With all these points highlighted, you are now fully informed on how to clean mechanic hands.

You don’t have to worry any longer about cleaning your hands that are filled with grease, oil, or dirt.

With these home remedies to clean mechanic hands, you can always have a clean hand. 

Judiciously follow these guides; you will be glad to have a hand that constantly appears soft and smooth.

You’d notice that these tips are more comfortable to follow. Yes, it’s for a more straightforward application. 

Enjoy cleaning your hands off grease and stains!