A Big Hand

DIY on your car is filthy work – so let’s hear it for the products that shift oil and grime from your palms. We pick the best from 12.

Auto Express Car Reviews

March 2009

You don’t do many jobs on your car without getting dirty – so it pays to keep a decent hand cleaner nearby.

Choices include gels and liquids, which offer the best cleaning power. But for convenience, wipes can’t be beaten. They don’t normally require water, and can be stored in the boot or glovebox. We tried 12 of the best products to see which cleaned up.

The Test

By allowing oil and grease to dry on our hands and arms, we replicated the grime DIY mechanics get from their car. We then used small amounts of each liquid and gel cleaner to see which removed the grime and which just shifted it about on our skin. We repeated the test with the wipes, looking for the product that required the least effort to clean our hands. Easy dispensing from the pack earned points, as did value.

Contacts
Bilt-Hamber - 01277 658899 - www.bilthamber.com
Swarfega - 01773 596700 - www.deb.co.uk
Comma - 01474 564311 - www.commaoil.com
Loctite - 01442 278100 - www.loctite.co.uk
Big Wipes - 0845 6800884 - www.bigwipes.com
Muc-Off - 01202 307790 - www.muc-off.com
Clarke - 01992 656333 - www.clarkeinternational.com
Simoniz - 0161 4917391 - www.holtsauto.com

Verdict

Cleaners with aggressive beads in the formula were always going to do well – and that helped Bilt-Hamber’s top-value Heavy Duty Citrus take the victory. Close behind were Clarke’s Orange Beaded Hand Gel and Comma’s Manista Natural. If you want the convenience of wipes, Swarfega’s Heavy Duty were the best of the bunch, ahead of the Big Wipes Red and Muc-Off.

Liquids/gels
1. Bilt-Hamber Heavy Duty Citrus
2. Clarke Orange Beaded Hand Gel
3. Comma Manista Natural