Many cooks have finished a spicy recipe only to find the tell-tale symptom of cutting peppers without proper protection. Food grade plastic gloves are essential to preventing the hot oils of peppers like jalapenos and habaneros from seeping onto skin, although occasionally this step is missed or disregarded as most people think they can wash the heat away. Water is only marginally helpful in removing capsaicin, which is the chemical responsible for heat in hot peppers, from the skin. Thankfully there are simple remedies that can help to cut through the hot oils on the skin,clothing, work spaces, and utensils.
Instructions
Hot Pepper Oil on Hands
1. Stop cutting peppers immediately when burning sensation occurs. Do not touch mucous membranes or clothing.
2. Splash full-strength vinegar on hands to break down the hot pepper oil. Rinse hands under cold running water.
3. Scrub wet hands with salt under and around fingernails and in the creases of fingers and palms. Use a fingernail brush to wash the cuticles and nail tissue.
4. Finally, wash hands thoroughly with dish soap and water.
5. Dry hands completely. Repeat steps as necessary to remove all oils.
6. If burning persists after oils have been removed, soak hands in a bowl of milk and rinse with dish soap and warm water.
7. Moisturize hands well to prevent drying from the use of salt and vinegar.
Remove Oil from Clothes and Towels
8. Remove the apron or clothing immediately and soak in warm water.
9. Add dishwashing detergent to the soak water, and if possible, directly to the oil stain on clothing.
10. Allow clothing to soak for 5 to10 minutes before washing in hot water with laundry detergent.
Remove Oil From Cutting Boards and Counters
11. Spray the counter or cutting board liberally with a solution of ¼ cup of vinegar to 1 quart of water.
12. Wipe down the counter or cutting board with a wet towel.
13. Go over the counter top or cutting board with hot, soapy water. Dry the area completely. Place cutting board in dishwasher, if possible.
Remove Oil From Cooking Utensils and Knives
14. Immediately place the item in the sink, preventing it from touching any other utensils, clothes, or counter tops.
15. Rinse the utensil with vinegar, followed quickly by a rinse with hot water and dishwashing liquid.
16. Metal utensils can be washed in a dishwasher using the setting for pots and pans. Plastic utensils should be washed on a normal wash cycle with dishwasher detergent.
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