Hand Cleaning and Hand Care Products for Builders

Most building and construction trades inevitably involve dirt and mess. Groundwork includes digging in mud, concreting, and drainage work. Painting and decorating entail using messy products like paint and wallpaper paste. Electrical work often requires navigating dusty, dirty lofts.

As tradespeople, our hands are crucial tools, so it’s essential to keep them clean and injury-free to maintain our peak performance. Find out all about teh best hand-care products currently around.

Why Do We Need to Clean Our Hands?

Building work is messy and hands take the brunt of the dirt. Clean hands are essential not only for hygiene but also for finishing tasks like caulking and sealing. Dirty hands can ruin these delicate finishes.

Many building materials are corrosive and toxic, posing risks to your skin and health.

While it’s crucial to keep hands clean and free of harmful substances, over-washing can strip natural oils and beneficial bacteria, leading to dry, cracked skin. These natural elements are vital for maintaining healthy, resilient skin and protecting against harmful bacteria.

What’s the Problem With Hand Cleaners and Washes?

Keeping your hands clean is crucial, but choosing the right products is equally important.

With countless soaps and hand washes available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, not all of these products are beneficial. Many contain harmful chemicals like Triclosan and SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate).

SLS, a common foaming agent, is found in many hand washes and can cause skin issues such as contact dermatitis, leading to red, itchy rashes.

Triclosan, an antibacterial chemical, poses another issue. While it helps kill bacteria, its widespread use can lower immunity by reducing exposure to everyday germs. Additionally, Triclosan washes into water systems, harming aquatic life, and it can also cause skin irritation such as contact dermatitis and photo contact dermatitis.

Over-washing your hands can strip them of natural oils, causing dryness and cracks, especially in cold weather. These open wounds increase the risk of infection, which is problematic given the dirt and grime often encountered in trades.

In summary, while keeping hands clean is essential, it’s important to choose products carefully to avoid potential health and environmental risks.

Best Hand Cleaners for Builders and Tradespeople

Now that we’ve covered the issues with many soaps and hand washes, let’s explore the best hand cleaning products for builders and tradespeople, based on years of on-site experience.

Swarfega Orange Hand Cleaner

Swarfega is a trusted name in hand cleaning with years of experience. Their Orange Hand Cleaner stands out for its solvent-free formula, using natural citrus oil to effectively remove grease, oil, and grime.

This cleaner also includes a moisturiser to protect your hands. However, it does contain polygrains, which are not totally environmentally friendly.

Swarfega Natural Hand Cleaner

For an eco-friendly option, Swarfega Natural Hand Cleaner is a top choice. This cleaner uses orange oil extract to quickly and effectively remove oil, grease, tar, and bitumen.

To keep hands moisturised, it includes vitamin E-rich wheat germ extract and jojoba oil. Instead of using polygrains, it features environmentally friendly cornmeal hand scrub.

Everbuild Wonder Wipes

Everbuild Wonder Wipes are a must-have for any tradesperson. These versatile wipes clean various surfaces and remove stains from paint, sealant, caulk, oil, grease, and bitumen.

They are perfect for on-site use, especially when there is no running water, making them ideal for cleaning tools and hands thanks to their anti-bacterial properties.

The downside is their environmental impact due to the waste they create in the form of the disused sheets. However, a spray form is available as a more eco-friendly alternative.

Standard Bar Soap

Good old bar soap has been used for thousands of years to clean. The most popular method today is the cold process, which mixes lye (an alkali) with fatty acids from various oils, such as olive oil or hemp, making it environmentally friendly depending on the oils used.

Bar soap lasts longer than liquid soap, breaks down faster, and uses less packaging.

In terms of cleaning ability, bar soap is as effective as liquid soap. Next time you’re buying soap, consider bar soap for its longevity and eco-friendliness.

The drawback is that bar soap requires water, making it impractical on sites without running water.

After Washing Hand Care

Cleaning your hands to remove dirt and debris from the site is essential, but over-washing, especially in cold and dry conditions, can cause dry, cracked, and chapped hands, making work uncomfortable and painful.

Here are our top recommendations for moisturisers and conditioners to keep your hands in top condition.

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands is a game-changer for dry, cracked hands. Even severely damaged hands feel noticeably better within hours of application.

This cream forms a barrier that locks in moisture, keeping your hands fully hydrated. Unlike many moisturisers, it is non-greasy and doesn’t make your hands slippery, ensuring safe tool handling.

For best results, apply after washing and before sleep. We highly recommend giving it a try!

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream is excellent for dry, chapped hands. Developed by dermatologists, it contains glycerin to quickly moisturise and heal skin without leaving a greasy feel.

A little of this cream goes a long way, making it highly effective with just a small amount. For best results, apply after washing and before bed to keep your hands soft and hydrated, even with heavy use.

As a tradesperson, keeping your hands clean and hydrated is crucial, especially during the Autumn and Winter months. Proper hand care helps you work comfortably and avoid pain.

There are countless hand washing and conditioning products available, but these are our top recommendations. If you have a favourite product that works for you, that’s great too — choose what best suits your needs!