Skip advert
Advertisement

Hand sanitizer reviews - 2013 group test

We name the specialist hand sanitizers to trust after doing car DIY

Hand sanitizer reviews

Working on your own car can help cut motoring costs, but when your hands get dirty you’ll need a specialist product to clean them properly. Ground-in oil and grease will leave marks, and can lead to dermatitis – so you need to shift dirt as soon as possible. Specialist cleaners are far stronger than traditional hand soap. We tested 11 to find out which one is best.

How we tested them

We tried each formula on a pair of dirty hands, one by one. We dirtied our hands to the same extent each time, using grime from a tyre, plus grease and oil. Next, we assessed how much muck was removed and how our skin felt after use. Formulas with a good smell scored bonus points, as did ones with grains – these shift ground-in dirt. Containers with a pump-action dispensing cap also scored better than those with a conventional cap – this prevents grime getting in the tub when you grab a handful. We also noted which formulas require water. The final consideration we factored in was value for money, based on the price and pack size.

Verdict

There wasn’t much between our top five, but the Bilt-Hamber is our overall favourite, as it’s a great-value, powerful, beaded cleaner. In second is a familiar name, but Swarfega’s Orange is our pick over the Original green gel. Third place goes to Comma Manista Natural, which performed well enough to beat CarPlan’s The Really Good Stuff.

Advertisement - Article continues below

1. Bilt-Hamber Heavy Duty Citrus

2. Swarfega Orange

3. Comma Manista Natural

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,733 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025