3 Ways To Get Jalapeno Off Your Hands - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Get Jalapeno Off Your Hands PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Dissolving Capsaicin with Olive Oil 2 Rinsing with Alcohol or a Diluted Bleach Solution 3 Using Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Marrow Private Chefs

Last Updated: May 29, 2025 References

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This article was co-authored by Marrow Private Chefs. Marrow Private Chefs are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a chefs’ collective comprised of an ever-growing number of chefs and culinary professionals. Though regionally influenced primarily by coastal, traditional southern, cajun, and creole styles and flavors, the chefs at Marrow have a solid background in all types of cuisine with over 75 years of combined cooking experience. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 266,629 times.

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]

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Dissolving Capsaicin with Olive Oil

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  1. Step 1 Coat your hands with olive oil. 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]
    • 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. Watermark wikiHow to Get Jalapeno Off Your Hands 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. Watermark wikiHow to Get Jalapeno Off Your Hands 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.[3] Make sure to rinse away any residual oil left underneath your fingernails.[4]
    • 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.[5]
    • Olive oil has the added bonus of moisturizing dry skin so you may notice that your hands feel softer afterward!
    4. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Rinsing with Alcohol or a Diluted Bleach Solution

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Get Jalapeno Off Your Hands 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.[6]
    • 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![7]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Get Jalapeno Off Your Hands 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.[8]
    • 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.
  3. Step 3 Wash and moisturize your hands. 3 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.[9]
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Using Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Get Jalapeno Off Your Hands 1 Create a paste by combining water, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Combine ⅛ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of water, and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide together in a bowl. Use a fork to gently whisk together the solution, breaking apart any clumps of baking soda.[10]
    • Hydrogen peroxide affects the structure of the capsaicin molecules, neutralizing their irritation-causing properties.
    • The baking soda helps absorb the capsaicin oil while also activating the hydrogen peroxide.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Get Jalapeno Off Your Hands 2 Submerge your hands in the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste. Allow your hands to soak in the mixture, making sure that the paste covers your hands entirely. Rub your hands together in order to evenly coat the spaces in between your fingers.[11]
    • Keep your hands submerged in the liquid for about 1 minute, then remove them from the bowl.
    • Hydrogen peroxide can stain your clothing, so keep the solution away from any fabric. Consider wearing an apron to protect your clothing while applying the paste.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Get Jalapeno Off Your Hands 3 Wash the paste from your hands with soap and water. Allow the paste to dry, then rub your hands together with soap to create a lather. Place your hands under running water to rinse away the paste.[12]
    • Scrub the area around and underneath your fingernails as you wash. The grit from the paste will help remove any lingering jalapeno oil from underneath your nails.
    • Any remaining jalapeno oil should be dissolved and removed with the soap and water.
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Warnings

  • Avoid touching your eyes after handling jalapenos since they could sting or cause irritation.[13] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6682244/
  2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/hot-pepper-hands-an-easy-way-t-153769
  3. ↑ Marrow Private Chefs. Private Chefs. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-remedies-for-hot-pepper-hands-tips-from-the-kitchn-208527
  5. ↑ https://thewell.northwell.edu/healthy-living-fitness/pepper-burn
  6. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-milk-help-with-spicy-food/
  7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-remedies-for-hot-pepper-hands-tips-from-the-kitchn-208527
  8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-remedies-for-hot-pepper-hands-tips-from-the-kitchn-208527
  9. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-can-i-heal-my-dry-hands
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://www.americastestkitchen.com/cooksillustrated/how_tos/6651-lessening-a-chile-peppers-burn-on-skin-or-in-mouth
  2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-remedies-for-hot-pepper-hands-tips-from-the-kitchn-208527
  3. ↑ https://thewell.northwell.edu/healthy-living-fitness/pepper-burn
  4. ↑ Marrow Private Chefs. Private Chefs. Expert Interview

About This Article

Marrow Private Chefs Co-authored by: Marrow Private Chefs Culinary Experts This article was co-authored by Marrow Private Chefs. Marrow Private Chefs are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a chefs’ collective comprised of an ever-growing number of chefs and culinary professionals. Though regionally influenced primarily by coastal, traditional southern, cajun, and creole styles and flavors, the chefs at Marrow have a solid background in all types of cuisine with over 75 years of combined cooking experience. This article has been viewed 266,629 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 6 Updated: May 29, 2025 Views: 266,629 Categories: Hand Hygiene Article SummaryX

Don’t panic if your hands start to hurt after handling jalapenos, since you can get it off with simple household ingredients. One easy way is to rub olive oil onto your hands. Use a twisted corner of a paper towel to get under your nails. You can also use rubbing alcohol or a mixture of 5 parts of water and 1 part of bleach if you don’t have olive oil. After rubbing your hands with olive oil or alcohol, wash your hands with soap and water to rinse off the cleaner. If you used rubbing alcohol or bleach, moisturize your hands afterwards, since they can dry out your skin. For more tips, including how to get jalapeno off your hands with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Marrow Private Chefs Co-authored by: Marrow Private Chefs Culinary Experts Click a star to vote Co-authors: 6 Updated: May 29, 2025 Views: 266,629

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