Rub your fingers on a stainless steel object, like your sink or a spoon, under cold running water to remove the smell and residue of grated food.
Grated foods like garlic, onions, and ginger contain sulfur compounds that bind to the oils on your skin, causing lingering odors and sometimes even irritation. Stainless steel acts as a catalyst, binding to these sulfur molecules and lifting them away from your skin. Simply rub your fingers thoroughly on any stainless steel surface, such as your kitchen sink, a stainless steel spoon, or even a stainless steel knife (carefully!), while rinsing with cold water. The cold water helps to further dislodge the particles. Repeat the process if necessary until the smell and residue are gone. This method is effective because the molecules in stainless steel have a stronger affinity for the sulfur compounds than your skin does.
Keep a small stainless steel soap bar near your kitchen sink specifically for this purpose. It's easier to handle than larger objects and readily available whenever you need it.