Auto-mechanic works. Industrial jobs. Not only are they physically tiring, but also abusive to the hands. Quite naturally, you can see from a person’s hands how much work, pain, and labour he/she has endured. Imagine life without the hands. Every day, everywhere– we constantly use our hands. Life won’t ever be the same without them.
Take a close look at your mechanic hands? Have you taken care of them lately? No need to be concerned, my busy friend, for we have ranked the best hand cleaners for mechanics in 2024!
Grab them all right here with your hands…
Quick Summary:
- The Grip Clean is the best overall because it ticks all the boxes on your list. It can remove any kind of grease and mechanical stains, it’s very gentle on the hands, at the same time it can also kill viruses.
- If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly choice, the Eagle Grit is made from natural walnut shell scrubbers. Aside from grease and grime, it can also remove permanent ink markers.
- The Stoko Kresto 87045 is another biodegradable choice. It has amazing prowess.
- The Wonder Scrub is a versatile option. Aside from mechanical dirt and grease, this cleaner can also remove polymer clay. Thus, it’s also used by more crafters.
- Zolex water activated is best for stubborn oils and grease.
Brand | Formulation | Scent | Application | Button |
Grip Clean | Liquid soapWaterless With grit pumice | Lemon scent | Gunk, paint. all types of grease and dirt. *has anti virus properties | Check Price on Amazon |
Eagle Grit | Orange based with detergent based silica formula | Orange scent | grease, grime, oil, diesel, paint, ink, resins, glue, rubber cement, stains, epoxy | Check Price on Amazon |
Stoko Kresto 87045 | All natural walnut shell scrubbers | Citrus scent | grease, oil, ink and carbon black, and tough soils | Check Price on Amazon |
WONDER SCRUB | Natural walnuts shells | Citrus scent | Polymer clay, industrial soils, including: grease, grime, oil, tar, asphalt, adhesives, ink, carbon, resins, paints water based, tree sap, | Check Price on Amazon |
Zolex Water Activated | Pumice grit | Faint chemical smell | grease, grime, dirt, ink, odors, sap, paint, tar, adhesives, and varnish | Check Price on Amazon |
Zep Heavy-Duty TKO | Scrubbing pumice plus lanolin | Lemon lime scent | ground-in dirt, adhesives, paint, tar, and grease | Check Price on Amazon |
Stockhausen 30384 | Natural wall nut shell scrubbers | Lime scent | Common industrial dirt | Check Price on Amazon |
Dymon Scrubs in A Bucket | Towels in dispenser bucket | Citrus scent | Dirt, Oils, Adhesive, Lubricants, Tar, Urethane, Epoxy, Ink and Dye, Paint, Grease, Sealants, and Caulk | Check Price on Amazon |
The Original Tough Nut | Waterless with walnuts shell scrubbers | Fruity scent | grease, tar, oil, dirt, soil, orange, resins, auto paint supplies, glues, and rubber cement on hands and tools | Check Price on Amazon |
Zep Cherry Bomb | Pumice grit and emollients | Cherry scent | industrial soils such as grease, tar, carbon, asphalt, inks, resins, paints, in ground dirt, grease, and adhesives | Check Price on Amazon |
Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Hand Cleaners For Mechanics (A Product Review)
When you’re a mechanic, grease and oil are all too common. But you can easily clean them off your hands with these brands of hand cleaners.
1. Grip Clean – Best Overall
Who would have thought that a hand cleaner for auto grease can smell this natural?
The Grip Clean is our overall choice because it ticks all the boxes of what you’re looking for in a hand cleaner. One, it can literally take out all the grease from your hands.
Whether you’re repairing bikes or motorcycles, or doing a title tuning up with your cars, it’s a badass when it comes to removing grease. But the best part is, that it doesn’t feel like your regular hand cleaner for grease.
So if you have tried several Orange Go soaps to remove grease and find that your skin feels dry to touch, this is a skin saver. It almost feels like baby soap. It’s sufficiently moisturized to your skin and yet it can remove all traces of grime and dirt. Compared to regular hand cleaners, this will not leave your hands raw and dry.
Moreover, it can kill viruses. So this is also suitable for this pandemic situation. It can destroy the virus’s outer shell and kill it. You may even use it to wash your hands after your errands outside.
Pros
- Doesn’t need water
- Can kill viruses
- Has a nice natural lemon scent
- Can remove dirt effectively
- Gentle on the skin
Cons
- Some had issues with the hand pump
2. Eagle Grit – Best Heavy Duty Industrial Hand Cleaner for Auto Grease
This eco-friendly orange-based cleaner is perfect for those with nut allergies.
It uses eco-friendly silica instead of walnut shells. So if you have nut allergies, this is perhaps the best alternative. It’s gentle on your hands and will not leave it dry. The silica also helps moisturize the skin.
Unlike other orange hand cleaners, the Eagle Grit will not cause drying or cracking of the skin. Many regular orange-based hand cleaners present this problem. And they are rough on the skin too. This is what sets this Eagle Grit apart from the competition.
Also, compared to other orange-based hand cleaners, the smell is not too strong and overwhelming. Rather, it has a very nice subtle smile that’s very natural. It will not irritate your nose.
Also, a little goes a long way. You will need only a small amount to clean all sorts of dirt on your hands. It can also remove metal dust, permanent ink markers, and carbon residue.
Pros
- Subtle orange smell
- Moisturizing on the hand
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Some find the formula too viscous
3. Stoko Kresto 87045 – Best Biodegradable
The Stoko Kresto is made from biodegradable walnut shell scrub. It’s earth-friendly and has impressive cleaning prowess at the same time.
It can even remove in-ground dirt. It can effectively scrub the dirt off your hands but it will not dry them out. And since it’s made from biodegradable materials, you will not be guilty if you will wash your hands numerous times a day.
Moreover, it has no petroleum or any off-putting odors that can linger on your hands for hours.
As much as this hand cleaner works very well, it’s not for those with nut allergies. If you have nut allergies, you can use an orange-based cleaner instead such as the Eagle Grip heavy-duty hand cleaner.
And some people have also encountered problems with the cleaner clogging the drains. If your house an old plumbing system, you might be better off with the Grip Clean hand cleaner.
Pros
- Made from biodegradable materials
- Will not dry skin
- Impressive cleaning prowess
- Low solvent
- Does not have any off-putting lingering smell
Cons
- Not for those with nut allergies
4. WONDER SCRUB– Best Multipurpose
Wonder Scrub is tough on grime and grease, but it can also remove all sorts of residue like polymer clay and liquid asphalt.
So aside from mechanics, crafters are also loving how this hand cleanser can remove leftover polymer clay on their hands. And you don’t need to do any excessive scrubbing. Thus, it will not leave your hands dry.
And we also love the light citrus scent. It does not smell like chemicals. But it sure did remove oil and grease very well.
However, it might not be that effective in removing ground dirt or those that get stuck under your nails like other orange-based hand cleaners such as GoJo.
Pros
- Versatile
- Not drying on the hands
- Has a nice light citrus scent
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Not for removing in-ground dirt
5. Zolex Water Activated – Best for Oil and Grease
This bad boy is very tough on oil and grease.
It has amazing grime and grease cleaning prowess. But what we like most about it is that you can also use it to clean your drain and pipes. And if you’re worried about clogging the drain, this is the best alternative for you.
It does not clog the drain, rather it even cleans it. In addition, it’s also environmentally friendly as it does not contain any toxic ingredients.
This hand cleaner works well, there’s no doubt about it. But does have a bit of grit to it. So if you have sensitive skin, it might scrape your skin. Also, though it doesn’t have any petroleum in its formulation, the smell comes off a bit strong for most.
So, if you are sensitive to smell, you might want to try the other citrus-based hand cleaners with a subtle citrus scent such as Eagle Grit or the GripClean.
Pros
- Cleans off grease and oil well
- A little goes a long way
- Petroleum-free
Cons
- Not for those with sensitive skin
6. Zep Heavy-Duty TKO Hand Cleaner– Best Pumice Based
If you need a hand cleaner that can scrub gently yet on the hands, the Zep heavy-duty cleaner will not disappoint.
It’s made from pumice, so there is still grit there. But it can scrub the dirt and grime off your hands without being too aggressive. And it is enriched with lanolin that takes care of your skin afterward.
So this hand cleaner is best for those who are looking for grit in their soap. If you have stubborn grime and dirt that cannot be washed by other orange-based hand cleaners, this is the best alternative.
It’s a gritty soap but it can sud up pretty well. It can also remove paint stains pretty well.
Pros
- Gritty but not too abrasive
- Impressive cleaning prowess
- Light citrus scent
Cons
- Not for those with dry skin
7. Stockhausen 30384 Hand Cleaner– Best Moisturising
Is it possible for a grease cleaner to be this moisturizing? Yes, it and this brand is the one you’re looking for.
More often than not, hand cleaners can suck out the moisture off your skin. And if you have sensitive skin, it can leave it raw and dry, it can even crack.
This hand cleaner has high skin compatibility. That’s why you can use it even for sensitive skin.
It’s made of natural walnut scrubbers, biodegradable, and earth-friendly. And a little does a long way too. Unlike other citrus-based cleaners that require 3 pumps to get both hands clean, you will only need a pump of this lime-scented hand cleaner.
You can also use it to clean the dirt under the fingernail. Just lightly brush it with a nail brush. So you don’t have to show off on your date with dirty nails and just make random excuses.
Pros
- Gentle and moisturizing on the hands
- Great skin compatibility
- Economical
- Nice lime scent
Cons
- Not for those with nut allergies
8. Dymon Scrubs in A Bucket – Best Hand Cleaner Towels
No water in sight? These towels in a gallon can easily clean your grimy hands.
So these hand towels are a handy and clever innovation. You can use it anytime. It is very convenient if your car suddenly broke down in the middle of nowhere. Have this handy in your trunk and you do not have to worry about greasy hands on your steering wheel.
The towel has two sides. One side is scrubby, this is what you’ll use to scrape off the dirt and grime. And the other side is soft and smooth, so this is for after cleaning so that your hands will not dry.
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Versatile
- Impressive cleaning prowess
Cons
- Poor quality container
9. The Original Tough Nut– Best for Sensitive Skin
This hand cleaner is made of natural walnut scrubbers. So it can clean hands nicely without abrasion.
And if you have sensitive skin or suffering from psoriasis, this is your best choice.
If your hands dry and get irritated with orange and citrus-based cleaners, this is the best choice. Moreover, it can clean all sorts of grease and grime without drying or irritating sensitive skin. Your hand will not get scratched because it’s non abrasive, rather it will leave it clean and smooth to touch.
It can also remove paint from hands easily.
Pros
- Made from biodegradable materials
- Nice subtle scent
- Does not dry skin
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not for those with nut allergies
10. Zep Cherry Bomb – Best Hydrating
Emollients in a hand cleaner? Yes, you heard it right!
That’s why this Zep Cherry Bomb is ultra-moisturizing and hydrating on your skin. It also has a light lovely cherry scent that smells divine. It does not have that strong petroleum smell that standard cleaners often have.
It cleans well. And what we love most about it is that it can also clean in-ground dirt on your hands. And yet it will feel nice and soft afterward.
It can also remove grease, oil, and paint effectively from your skin. It can cut through any type of grease rather well.
Pros
- Does not contain petroleum
- Nice cherry scent
- Cleans dirty, grease, and oil well
- Soft and smooth on hands
Cons
- Not for those with nut allergies
How to Choose the Best Hand Cleaners for Mechanics
Choosing the best hand cleaners to play a vital role in maintaining a sound industrial routine. The hand, among all parts of the body, endures unspoken labour. Labor, in this case, also entails pain, dryness, callousness, etc.
The bruised hands warrant not only the best but the most compatible hand cleaners. Oftentimes, problems lie beyond the product quality, leaning toward compatibility. Matching the right-hand cleaner to your hand/skin type is not always an easy feat.
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Several hand cleaner qualities also end up a failure. Factors and standards like pumice presence, scrub strength, organic concentrations, etc. highly determine the overall quality of the hand quality.
To immerse you further into the hand cleaners’ universe, explore our buying guide for securing the best hand cleaners for mechanics!
Versatility
How do you determine versatility? Well, you’ve got the multipurpose capacity, long-lasting effect and a heavy-duty action to manifest such trait.
Type of Formula
Always make it a habit to check the type of formula that makes up the product. The more the formula leans closer to the main soap, the more it’s enzyme-laden, and therefore, drying to the skin.
Organic formulas like microgel action, natural pumice presence, organic essential layers, herbal concentration, and the like should rank as the best hand-cleaning formulas for mechanic hands.
Ingredients
What’s the difference between a formula and an ingredient. Simply said, an ingredient makes up a formula. Now, if you look closely below the product’s application instructions, you’ll see the ingredient’s list.
The top ingredients you should avoid (to keep away from dried and cracked skin) start with petroleum, solvents, glycerin acid, artificial orange/lime extracts, and end with fatty oil.
Scent
The scent does not entirely harm the skin, but it can be off-putting. Harsh scents can cause buildups in your lungs. So, avoid harsh-scented products by all means.
Best Easy Tips on How to Clean Mechanic Hands
It takes a hard day’s work at the industrial site to realize that one’s hands thirst for a quick-action cleansing and pampering.
Besides cleansing, hands require moisturization and hydration, which regular soaps cannot provide. Thus, comes in the best hand cleaners for mechanics. Beyond all these concerns loom in the dire consequences like bacterial infestation– diarrhea, eye infections, diseases, colds, etc.
However, even the best hand cleaners for car mechanics could not suffice without a proper hand cleaning procedure. And I assure you– it’s never just a simple rub rub rub here and there.
So, before everything else, learn the best easy tips on how to clean mechanic hands:
Without hand cleaners:
- Prepare a tablespoon full of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix both to form a past.
- Apply thoroughly on both hands.
- Rub both hands on a circular motion.
- Cause friction between both palms.
- Keep doing it for 2 minutes straight.
- Use a toothbrush if grease is too stubborn.
- Use oil against oil if necessary.
- Rinse with water.
- Wash hands again like you usually do. This time, use soap for fragrance.
- Apply hand moisturizer/lotion after as a final-touch.
With hand cleaners:
- Wet hands with lukewarm water.
- Pour in the solution.
- Allow the solution to absorb into the skin for 2 minutes.
- Do the circular rubbing motion.
- Do not rub forcefully to avoid extensive friction.
- Rub the areas between the fingers.
- Clean the tip of the nails using the opposite nails.
- Let the solution cool.
- Rinse with water.
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FAQs
How do mechanics remove grease from hands?
Mechanics remove grease from hands using either a home-based sugar paste/oil coating or a hand cleaner.
Is it bad to wet my hands with motor oil?
Depending on the hands/skin’s resistance, motor oil may cause a damaging effect at contact. Firstly, it easily gets hot on the skin surface, burning the skin. Secondly, it proves so difficult to remove once it sticks on the skin.
Can motor oil give me cancer?
Constant contact with motor oil eventually burns your skin. It also causes dermatitis and other skin problems that lead to cancer.
What is a waterless hand cleaner?
A waterless hand cleaner almost identifies with a sanitizer. It washes and cleans mechanic hands without involving lather or water presence. Using specialized scrubs, it grips off grease layers when wiped with a dry towel.
Conclusion
Greasy hands are a reality when you’re working with cars and bikes. But you don’t always have to endure the stains on your hands for several days. What if you have a gala night to attend to and you can’t get rid of the ink from your hands?
Our top picks will ensure that you come to your party with clean hands. Our top picks are notorious on any type of mechanical grease, but they are not too drying on the skin.
OUR #1 RECOMMENDATIONS
Grip Clean
The Grip Clean was able to snag the Best Overall tag. We have an array of hand cleaners that have amazing cleaning prowess on your list, but the Grip Clean excelled the most. It’s like an all in one hand cleanser for all types of mechanical stains andreas, even ink.
Also, it’s one of the few hand cleaners in the market that has the ability to kill viruses. Thus, it’s the most suitable hand cleaner to use nowadays.