If you’re plagued with grimy hands after working in the garden or on a site, you’ll be familiar with the problem of ingrained dirt on your skin.

The question is what you can do to get rid of the grime once it’s there! We’d suggest a few simple steps which will help get your hands properly clean.

PREPARE

Make sure your hands are kept in well-moisturised condition at all times! This will help them resist grime and make it easier to remove.
Wear gloves: keep your hands dry and clean with gloves if you possibly can.

SOAK

Soaking your hands can be really helpful to get them clean, but remember that prolonged contact with water can dehydrate skin and cause it more damage. Try these soaks:

• Oaty soak: add a handful of oats to your basin of warm - not hot! - water.
• Baking soda soak: pour baking soda or bicarbonate of soda onto your hands; rub in then soak in warm water.
• Apple cider vinegar soak: add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your basin of warm water.

SCRUB

Make a home-made scrub with oil (sunflower or almond or olive, or whatever you have), sugar and a little washing-up liquid , or if you have sensitive skin, cleansing wash.

MOISTURISE

Pat dry with a clean soft paper towel and then moisturise barely-damp skin with a rich oil-based ointment.

Recommended product for hard-working hands:

Balmonds Skin Salvation balm with hemp and beeswax (from £7.99 for 30ml)