Best tips for how to cut onions without crying
11/10/25 7:45pm
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This post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff, based on our article: How to Chop Onions Without Tears.
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Unfortunately, I have yet to find anything that will stop me from crying while cutting onions. Some things I have tried include cutting after soaking them in water, chewing gum, nose guards, goggles/safety glasses, and even setting up a cutting station in the walk-in freezer of a restaurant. I personally believe it has to do with the person themselves. Some people are more likely to be affected by onions than others. On the plus side, it lets you have a good cry if needed!
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To cut an onion without crying, you have several scientifically-approved options. First, you can set the onion in the freezer and leave it there for 30 minutes or so before cutting. Your hands will get cold while you cut, but the low temperatures dramatically decrease the chemical reaction that causes crying.
Alternatively, you can bite a piece of bread and keep it in between your teeth while you cut. The bread will help absorb some of the alliinase gas created by the cutting, which is the stuff that will cause you to cry. If you wear glasses, a lot of people report wearing contact lenses as a way to minimize crying. Some people have success setting a damp cloth next to the onion as well.
Regardless of the option you choose, it’s essential you use a really sharp knife. A dull knife will rupture a greater surface area of the onion and release more of the alliinase gas into the air, so you’re more likely to cry if the blade isn’t extremely sharp.
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Alternatively, you can bite a piece of bread and keep it in between your teeth while you cut. The bread will help absorb some of the alliinase gas created by the cutting, which is the stuff that will cause you to cry. If you wear glasses, a lot of people report wearing contact lenses as a way to minimize crying. Some people have success setting a damp cloth next to the onion as well.
Regardless of the option you choose, it’s essential you use a really sharp knife. A dull knife will rupture a greater surface area of the onion and release more of the alliinase gas into the air, so you’re more likely to cry if the blade isn’t extremely sharp.
I’ve tried a bunch of tricks to stop crying while cutting onions, and a few really work for me. Chilling the onion for a few minutes helps the most, and using a sharp knife makes a big difference. I also cut the root end last because that’s where the strong fumes come from. Sometimes I keep a fan or a candle nearby, and it actually reduces the tears. These simple hacks have really helped me chop onions without the crying drama!
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put a damp paper towel on your cutting board. I know it sounds weird but it does work.
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