How do i get fiberglass from shingles off my hands?

Question

I was fixing my roof and not wearing gloves (I know better now) and I have little pieces of something painful in my hands now. How do I get it out?

Answer 1

I know, this sucks.  I used to insulate houses for a living and have dealt with this many times.  You won't be able to get it all out....just so you know this ahead of time.  What I would do to get some of it out is run my hands under hot water....as hot as you can stand for several minutes.  Then, use a mild hand soap and GENTLY work some into a lather.  Then run them under the hot water again to rinse.  This will get some of the fiberglass out, but again, not all.  You're hands will feel funky for a few days for sure.  Most of the remaining fiber glass will work it's way out by itself in time.  

ADD:  In regards to the hot water...you WANT to open the pores in your hands to allow the fiberglass to come out.  If you use cold water, the pores close and restrict around the fiberglass making it more difficult to be released from the skin.  Another person posted otherwise, disregard that post.  I used to deal with this every day after work and it's the only thing I found that works.

Answer 2

I agree with the panty hose advice but also try some scotch tape or masking tape. Tape across your hand and then pull the tape off quickly like pulling off a bandaid.

Answer 3

I'd try rubbing them in clean sand and a soapy water mix. The sand will act as an abrasive.  

Answer 4

First off don't wash with warm water. This will only open the pores and allow the fibers to go deeper. Run cold water over your hands for several minutes then very gently rub the surface with a sponge under the running water. This will cause the pores to close up which will force the fibers up enough for a lot of them to come out. Beyond that only time is going to make the pain subside.

Answer 5

Gonna sound wierd but pantyhose or panties work best, they snag the fibers. (old ones out of the rag bag)