Bleach is one of the most recognized and used cleaners on the market. While it makes clothes cleaner, bleach also leaves a chlorine scent on clothes and hands. The smell must be removed as soon as possible because it can be too strong, not only to you but also to those around you.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Remove the Smell
Step 1. Neutralize bleach with household acids
Neutralize the basic chemicals in bleach with foods that are high in acid. Combining liquid acid with bleach is a great way to balance the overall pH and get rid of the bad smell. Use the following foods to neutralize bleach:
- Lemons, limes, oranges, or grapefruits (and other citrus types)
- Vinegar
- Tomatoes (sauce, puree, or tomato paste)
Step 2. Apply the acid (fruit juice or vinegar) to your hands and rub it in evenly
Preferably, do this process for at least 1 minute. This is to ensure that all parts of the hands are exposed to the acid. That way, the liquid can also be absorbed and neutralize the bleach.
Step 3. Rinse hands with cold water
Voila! The smell will disappear.
Step 4. If the smell still lingers, soak your hands in the solution
If hand washing doesn't work, or you don't want to apply the liquid directly to your hands, dissolve the acidic food in water in a 1:1 ratio. Then, soak your hands in the solution for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5. Make a scrub from products you have at home
Combining dry, highly acidic foods with bleach is a great way to balance the overall pH and remove odors. Use one of the following dry acids to neutralize the basic chemicals in bleach:
- Baking soda
- Coffee powder
Step 6. Choose the scrub to be used
Choose the scrub you want and rub it into your hands. Take the time and rub the scrub well, just like when using an exfoliant scrub. Do this for one minute. Throw the rest in the trash and rinse your hands with hot water to allow the scrub to go deep into the pores. If you don't like the smell of coffee, use baking soda.
Method 2 of 3: Moisturizing Skin While Removing Whitening Scent
Step 1. Use natural oils, lotions and soaps
Natural plant-based and food-based oils often have a pleasant aroma. These oils can also moisturize the skin. Since bleach makes your skin dry, using these ingredients can moisturize your skin while removing the smell of chlorine. Some of the options you can use are:
- Coconut oil
- Almond oil
- Olive oil
- Aloe vera lotion: make sure that the lotion has a high aloe vera content as it will make a big difference in its effectiveness
- Tea tree oil lotions: such as aloe vera, lotions containing high concentrations of tea tree oil will be more effective
- Orange based lotion
- Citrus based soaps: some soaps with natural ingredients can both cleanse and hydrate the body. Look for products that fit your needs and budget at the nearest health grocery store.
Step 2. Apply the oil little by little
When using oil, don't overdo it. If it is applied excessively, you will need to take the additional step of cleaning the excess oil.
Step 3. Apply a few drops of lotion
If you're using lotion, it should be enough to cover your entire hand and successfully remove the bleach scent or not.
Step 4. Clean hands with soap
If you are using an orange-based soap, wash your hands until they lather and then rinse with hot water. This can help the soap lift the whitening molecules.
Method 3 of 3: Using Flowers, Plants and Spices
Step 1. Choose an essential oil
From the various types available, you can choose the most preferred essential oil. However, never apply them directly to the skin because in general, essential oils are too strong for direct contact. Dissolve essential oils with a carrier oil (the base oil used to dissolve essential oils) and apply as needed. Examples of essential oils are:
- Lemon
- Eucalyptus
- lavender
- Peppermint
- Chamomile
- Marjoram
Step 2. Choose the carrier oil that you will use
Some examples are:
- Sweet almond oil
- Hempseed oil (fumayin seed)
- Fractionated coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Sunflower oil
Step 3. When diluting it with a carrier oil, follow the instructions on the essential oil bottle
The rule often used is to make it a 2 percent concentration solution. This means dissolving approximately one drop of essential oil for every 30 ml of carrier oil.
Step 4. Pick the petals from your garden
Look for the most fragrant flowers or herbs in your garden or buy them at the store. Then, rub the flower petals or leaves on your fingers and hands to release the fragrance oil inside. Choose plants such as:
- Rose
- Geranium
- lavender
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
Tips
- If you like it, you can slice a lemon and rub it on your hands.
- Rinse your hands in cold water before removing the bleach scent. Contrary to popular opinion, rinsing is best with cold water because hot water opens up the pores and traps the bleach molecules further inside. Using cold water will close the pores and make it easier for the bleach scent to leave your hands.
- Wear rubber gloves when using bleach. This will prevent the scent from sticking to your hands. Remember that prevention is better than cure.
- When using acid to neutralize the basic chemicals in bleach, the main rule to remember is: if you can't eat it, don't use it. The use of acids that can not be consumed can cause severe damage to the hands.
- Check for sores or nodules on the hands. It's best not to use the acidic food method if you have a cut on your hand because the high acid content will slightly sting the open wound.
- Using a paste made of baking soda and water on hand will have the same effect as using baking soda.
- Milk, known to deodorize fish and other foods, is sometimes recommended as well.
- Some people also suggest mint toothpaste as another alternative.
Warning
- It's a good idea to wear gloves when using bleach to protect your skin. If used continuously, bleach can damage the skin.
- Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin. If you do apply it, follow the instructions on the essential oil bottle to relieve or prevent a negative reaction.
- Rinsing hands with acidic substances that cannot be consumed can cause severe burns. If you accidentally use it, go to the hospital immediately for medical help.