Garlic and Stainless Steel

Factual Questions
1

I was watching a cooking show the other day and the chef mentioned that you can remove the smell of garlic from your hands by rubbing them on stainless steel. I have a science background but must admit that I can’t imagine how this works. Isn’t stainless steel, by definition, very difficult to oxidize? What other reaction might be taking place? Does it act as a catalyst?

So how would this work?

Thanks
Reverend G

2

Cecil doesn’t know either…

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a990618b.html

3

Oops! Tried searching the message board and upset the hampsters. Didn’t think of checking the actual articles.

Thanks for the link.

Rev. G