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The Best (and the Absolute Worst) Hand Cleaner for DIY Car Mechanics

Are you using the correct hand cleaner product while working on your car? Here’s a review that tried them all and my tip on what works best. Plus, the two worst solutions too many people use.
Oil and Grease Cleaners to Use and Not Use on Your Hands

A Sure Way to Make the Wife (Justifiably) Angry

My habit is to set aside an older pair of jeans and t-shirts saved solely for working under the car and under the hood―two environments guaranteed to make a mess of your life in more ways than one.

For example―before I learned better―I had the habit of setting aside my car work clothes into a pile to be laundered separately from everything else so as not to risk staining everyday wear. Not a bad idea except for the fact that after several washings you will begin to notice a dark ring forming inside the washer tub. Presoaking oil-impregnated clothing in the prewash basin has the same problem.

If you want to irritate your significant other, there’s no surer way to go about it.

Related article: Avoid the Traps and Pitfalls of Reviving a Classic Car and Winding Up in Car Project Hell

Best Hand Cleaner Review

What brought this to mind as a topic was a recent Project Farm YouTube channel episode where the host tests the effectiveness versus the cost of a variety of garage hand cleaners.

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Most garage hand cleaners are formulated to effectively remove grease, oil, and other tough substances from hands, and as a result they often contain powerful solvents and abrasives. While these cleaners can be very effective for removing stubborn substances, they can also be harsh on the skin, causing dryness, irritation, and even chemical burns if used improperly or excessively.

To ensure safety when using garage hand cleaners on skin:

  1. Read the product label carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use.
  2. Wear gloves whenever possible to protect your skin from direct contact with the cleaner.
  3. Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with the cleaner, as this can increase the likelihood of skin irritation.
  4. Rinse hands thoroughly with water after using the cleaner to remove any residue.
  5. If you experience any skin irritation or discomfort after using a garage hand cleaner, stop using it immediately and rinse your hands with water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

To find out which brands work the best, here’s the video posted below. In case you want to skip ahead to the final result and a personal recommendation, go to the “Best and Worst Solutions” heading below the video.

Best Hand Cleaner? Let’s Find Out!

Best and Worst Solutions

When it comes to protecting your skin and clothing and preserving the peace in your home, I have to go along with the most sensible product tested and recommended as a good overall garage hand cleaner that I have used for years: GoJo Natural Orange.

At $19 for an included hand pump container of the cleanser it is the least expensive among the top 4 similarly rated comparable brands that include:

  • ZEP TKO at $21
  • Permatex Extreme at $30
  • ZOLEX Cherry at $35

What I like best about it is that it is non-greasy meaning I can quickly wipe my hands with a blue paper fiber shop towel and move onto the next tool/step without having to go inside the house to rinse off my hands. The only exception to skipping the water rinse step after wiping is when I am working on the engine internals because GoJo Natural Orange is very gritty and would contaminate moving parts.

Dawn dish detergent is an excellent water rinse step for cleaner, grit-free hands.

The worst solutions (although they cut through oil and grease the easiest) is using a splash of gasoline or a clothing detergent mixed in water. Gasoline possesses carcinogens that are easily absorbed through the skin and today’s laundry detergents contain some very harsh additives that almost immediately will damage your skin to the point of cracking after just one use.

Oil and Grease-Stained Clothing Tip: Add some GoJo Natural Orange to the stain and rub it in with an old toothbrush. Then, rinse with hot water before adding it to the laundry; but still keep your work clothes as a separate laundered pile.

Are Garage Hand Cleaners Safe?

With the worst solutions still in mind, are garage hand cleaners really safe? In general, while garage hand cleaners can be effective for removing tough substances from hands, it's important to use them cautiously and follow safety guidelines to minimize the risk of skin irritation or other adverse reactions. If you have sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions, you may want to consider using a gentler hand cleaner specifically formulated for sensitive skin.

In other words, if you have sensitive skin, read the label before buying and do an online search about this question on medical skin condition sites and forums to find the best recommended garage hand cleanser for you.

For more car-related CR-related test reviews, here are three useful ones for the DIY mechanic:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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