How to Get Jalapeno Off Your Hands

Last Updated: November 29, 2023 Fact Checked

The same compound that gives jalapenos their irresistible spicy kick, known as capsaicin, also causes a burning sensation when it comes into contact with your skin. If your hands burn after handling chopped jalapenos, don't panic! The oil-like capsaicin compound can be removed safely and effectively using common household products! ^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Dissolving Capsaicin with Olive Oil

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1
Coat your hands with olive oil. Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into the palm of one hand, then gently rub your hands together. Make sure to coat your fingers, palms, and backs of your hands evenly with oil. ^{[2]
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- Capsaicin is dissolved in oil more easily than water. If you were to only rinse your hands with water, you could actually cause more harm than good, spreading the capsaicin oil rather than eliminating it!
- You can use vegetable oil as a substitute for olive oil.
2
Rub oil underneath your fingernails. Capsaicin can get stuck under your fingernails, lingering and continuing to cause irritation after even a vigorous hand washing. Try to rub oil underneath the tips of your fingernails as best as possible.
- Twist the corner of a paper towel into a point, then dip it in oil. Slide the oil-soaked tip of the paper towel gently along the underside of your fingernail. This will allow any hiding capsaicin to be dissolved by the oil.
- Also, consider trimming your fingernails to get rid of any remaining jalapeno juices.
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3
Wash the oil from your hands with soap and water. Repeat this process as many times as necessary to remove the oil completely from your hands. Make sure to rinse away any residual oil left underneath your fingernails. ^{[3]
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- Consider using dish soap rather than regular hand soap. It is designed to cut through thick grease on dirty dishes and will remove the oil from your hands more quickly. ^{[4]
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- Olive oil has the added bonus of moisturizing dry skin so you may notice that your hands feel softer afterward!

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Rinsing with Alcohol or a Diluted Bleach Solution

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1
Submerge your hands in a bowl of alcohol for quick relief. Pour a cup of rubbing alcohol into a bowl and submerge your hands. Rub your hands together vigorously, making sure that the alcohol coats all parts of your hands and wrists. ^{[5]
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- Alcohol dissolves the capsaicin present in the jalapeno oil in a similar manner as olive oil.
- You do not need to submerge your hands for a long period. Once they have been thoroughly coated with alcohol, simply remove your hands from the bowl.
- You can also use a high proof liquor like vodka if you don't have any rubbing alcohol handy! ^{[6]
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2
Dip your hands into a diluted bleach solution if you don't have alcohol. As an alternative to alcohol, you can mix 5 parts water and 1 part bleach in a bowl or large container. Immediately remove your hands from the diluted bleach solution after submerging them. Bleach can cause burns and serious skin irritation if it comes in contact with your skin for long enough, so be extremely careful. The bleach will chemically react with the capsaicin found in the jalapeno oil that is clinging to your skin. This reaction will neutralize its irritation-causing properties. ^{[7]
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- Bleach is a harsh chemical that will remove pigment from clothing, so practice extreme care when pouring it into the bowl. To protect against splashing, consider wearing an old shirt or apron to protect your clothing.
- It is best to prepare this solution in the kitchen or bathroom sink in order to minimize the chances of bleach coming into contact with rugs, towels, or carpet.
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Wash and moisturize your hands. After rinsing your hands with alcohol or bleach, use soap and water to gently wash away residual jalapeno oil from your hands and wrists. Both alcohol and bleach can quickly dry out your skin, so it is best to use a gentle hand cleanser as opposed to dish soap.
- It may take several washes to completely remove the smell of bleach from your hands!
- Apply a moisturizer after washing your hands in order to restore your skin's natural moisture, which may have been removed by the chemicals. ^{[8]
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