Every mechanic has scrubbed their hands with something they shouldn't: petrol, thinners, washing powder or a harsh degreaser. They work, but they strip the skin's natural oils and can cause dermatitis over time. A proper workshop hand cleaner does the job without the damage.
Why solvents are a bad idea
- They dry out and crack the skin, which lets dirt and chemicals in more easily.
- Some can be absorbed through the skin.
- Petrol and thinners are flammable, and there's no good reason to have them on your hands near a cigarette or a grinder.
What a good hand cleaner does
A heavy-duty workshop hand cleaner like the Hand Cleaner in a 5kg Bucket is designed to lift grease, oil and grime from skin. Many use a mild scrubbing agent to shift ingrained dirt, and are made to be rinsed off with water.
How to use it properly
- Apply to dry hands. Water first dilutes the cleaner before it can work on the grease.
- Rub in thoroughly, including between the fingers, under the nails and around the cuticles.
- Add a little water and keep rubbing.
- Rinse well and dry with a disposable paper towel or roll.
Prevention beats scrubbing
- Wear nitrile gloves for oil changes, brake work and anything messy. Black nitrile gloves hide grease and look professional.
- Keep a roll of jumbo garage roll at every bay for wiping hands and tools.
- Apply a barrier or moisturising cream at the start and end of the day if your skin is prone to cracking.
Set up a hand-cleaning station
Put the hand cleaner, paper roll and a bin next to the basin, so cleaning up properly is the easy option. Workshops that do this find staff stop reaching for the thinners.
Stock up
Hand Cleaner 5kg, Black Nitrile Gloves and Jumbo Garage Roll are available from maxproducts.co.za.
Products mentioned in this guide
Available now from our sister company Max Products at maxproducts.co.za, in trade sizes and delivered in Cape Town.
Visit maxproducts.co.za →
Hand Cleaner 5kg Bucket
Black Nitrile Gloves
Jumbo Garage Roll (White)
