No published scientific studies are known to have been conducted on the efficacy of these soaps, for which serious doubts have been raised. [2] [3] Proposed mechanism [ edit ] The following are important features to consider when deciding on the best travel soap case for your next trip away. Material a b Kitchen Daily (2012-03-13). "Why Does Stainless Steel Erase Garlic's Smell?". HuffPost . Retrieved 2019-06-20. Many of us have experienced the baffling feeling of finding a feature in our homes that we’re unfamiliar with. If you live in an older home, the chances of you finding home features that you don’t know how to use are even higher. This is because many antique houses have features that aren’t useful anymore. Encountering one of these leaves a modern-day homeowner scratching their head in confusion. However, some of these are still practical decades later—like the stainless steel soap bar. Select below from our great range of Pro-Max Metal Polishing Compounds ideal for use on aluminium, alloy, brass, copper, steel, stainless steel and chrome.

Companies that produce stainless steel soaps claim that the odors these foods cause result from sulfur, which turns into sulfuric acid upon washing the hands. The aim of the stainless steel soap is to then bind to the sulfur molecules, thus removing them and the associated smell from the hands. [1] See also [ edit ] Note that the mechanical action of rubbing your hands against the steel soap plays an important role. Just as good handwashing practices dictate vigorous and thorough scrubbing of hands for at least 20 seconds, apply the same rule here when using your stainless steel soap to remove as much of the sulfur compounds as possible. What makes garlic so smelly? Garlic contains an enzyme called alliin. Once alliin is broken down from crushing, dicing, or chopping, it forms a more pungent aroma called allicin. Allicin, also called alliinase, breaks down further into four main organic sulfuric compounds: diallyl disulfide, allyl methyl sulfide, allyl mercaptan, and allyl methyl disulfide.² The consensus seems to be that the chromium in stainless steel works to bind with the organosulfur compounds on your hands after working with pungent foods. These sulfur compounds are found in foods including garlic and onions, and other members of the allium family. Many manufacturers also claim their steel soap bars get rid of the smell of fish and other strong spices. Hard Plastic: This material is durable, and plastic is still pretty lightweight. It is also another affordable option if you are on a budget.Kourounakis, PN; Rekka, EA (November 1991). "Effect on active oxygen species of alliin and Allium sativum (garlic) powder". Research Communications in Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology. 74 (2): 249–52. PMID 1667340. Obviously, other steel objects will also work, butaspoon is safest to use and is easier to handle than other metal utensils. Have you ever noticed that a whole garlic clove isn’t really that smelly? It’s when you crush, dice, or chop that garlic clove that the distinct aroma is unleashed in all its glory. The chromium [7] in stainless steel forms a passive oxide film on the surface of the metal, resulting in corrosion resistance. [8] It is suggested that allicin and the other sulfur compounds (including sulfuric acid) react with the chromium oxide layer, some possibly being adsorbed onto it. Washing the stainless steel soap in water would remove this layer and with it the smelly sulfur compounds. The oxide film would then reform and the stainless steel soap can be reused. [9] A silicone band is often used as a secure seal to shut the soap container tightly. No one wants to worry about their travel soap container opening up in their bag while traveling to their next destination. Soap Mats and Drain Trays

To me, the more important consideration is not whether stainless steel actually works to remove odors, but does stainless steel soap work BETTER than a stainless steel utensil? Stainless Steel: Many prefer a container made of stainless steel. It does not rust or corrode easily, and the stainless steel is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. In an article about working with garlic in the kitchen, North Dakota State University says, “Some sources suggest removing garlic aroma by wetting your hands and rubbing them on stainless steel (sink, spoon or knife blade with care).”³

Soft Plastic: This material is durable and flexible. This is also more affordable and lightweight, making it ideal when traveling light.