Eli5: Why do some smells like fuel oil or garlic stay on hands for hours even after extensive scrubbing and washing?

Question

Eli5: Why do some smells like fuel oil or garlic stay on hands for hours even after extensive scrubbing and washing?

In: 1482

Answer 1

Here is an excellent video demonstration of why. It’s about the oil in poison ivy, but it applies to your question as well:

Summary: it’s invisible so you miss spots, different cleaners have different effectiveness, but a damp cloth *rubbing with friction* (not scrubbing with soap) is the most effective.