I’ve noticed that some of my very favorite ideas that I’ve posted on this blog over the years have two qualities in common. One, it’s something practical that I would actually use, and two, it would make a great gift! And the idea that I’ll be sharing with you today has both qualities in spades. :-)
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We like to refer to this hand scrub as the “Gardener’s Hand Scrub,” because it’s so effective at cleaning and softening dirt-caked, post-yard-work hands. However, there are plenty of other people besides gardeners who could benefit from having a jar of this stuff on their countertops! This hand scrub would be great for chefs, mechanics, construction workers, plumbers, painters, artists, crafters, etc. Pretty much anyone who gets their hands dirty on a regular basis would benefit from owning a jar of this scrub. So when I make a jar for myself, I always make a few extras to give away as gifts!
I would personally recommend this hand scrub to just about anyone, for several reasons. First, it’s effective. Not only does it get your hands clean, but it makes them feel so soft, too! Second, it’s almost laughable how easy it is to make. You’ll only need two ingredients! And lastly, it’s quite affordable as well. The ingredients are inexpensive, and a little goes a long way! Here’s how to make it.
Gardener’s Hand Scrub
You’ll need:
- Dawn Hand Renewal dishwashing soap*
- White sugar
- A jar
*Note: This product used to be called Dawn Hand Renewal with Olay, but it’s now just called Dawn Hand Renewal. It comes in several scents now, too! You can find it in Pomegranate Splash (which was the original scent/color, I believe), as well as Lavender Silk, Cucumber & Melon, Tropical Shea Butter, and Peach & Almond. You can see the whole product line at Dawn’s website here.
Related: 28 Ways To Use Dawn Dish Soap That Will Make Your Life Easier
Directions:
Fill your jar about 2/3 of the way to the top with white sugar.
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Next, fill the rest of the jar with your soap. Stop when the soap is about 1/2″ from the top of the jar.
Finally, stir the sugar and soap together. (I find that a bamboo skewer works well here. I seem to make less of a mess that way!) Stir the soap into the sugar until the whole thing reaches a paste-like consistency. I love the pale pink color it turns. So pretty!
(If you’re planning on giving the scrub as a gift, you can skip the mixing step. The sugar will start dissolving once it’s combined with the soap, so you can lengthen the shelf-life a bit by not mixing until you’re ready to use it.)
Using Your Hand Scrub
To wash dirt, grease, or grime off your hands, scoop a small amount of the soap and sugar mixture into your hands and scrub. The sugar works like an abrasive to remove dirt and dead skin, and the Dawn soap helps to wash it all away. :-)
Dawn Hand Renewal doesn’t seem to be listed on the Dawn link in this article. Has it changed names again? Would love to try this but want to make sure I have the correct ingredients!
I see lots of hand made lotions, but do you have one specifically for dry skin? My legs have really dry skin.
I’ve made this for years but lately it seems to separate. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks
Most homemade remedies separate – I just give it a quick stir before using. :-) You could try mixing it with a KitchenAid!
Thank you for posting this blog. Interesting Post I like it.I can try this.Thank you for posting this blog. Interesting Post I like it.I can try this.
I live in South Africa and that brand of dishwashing soap is not available in my country. All our dishwashing liquid soap contain grease removers and are very harsh on hands. Also very difficult to get hold of liquid Castille soap ! so I don’t know what else to use for your scrub. Dana
To replace the soap, you can use equal parts of you favorite dishwashing soap mixed with equal parts of olive oil. The olive oil will add some healing/moisturizing properties :-)
This is a great recipe! Though I gave a jar to a friend as a hostess gift and when she had company they grabbed the jar and used it all over their body!!!! They thought it was the best product they had every used.
I wondered if it wouldn’t be too harsh for an overall product but there you have it!
Is this very drying. I live in the mountains of Az where we have 4 seasons
Hi Jillee, Can I get more specifics? I’m one of those people that need exact instructions (LOL). What size jar and how long is shelf life would give me enough (I think!). Thanks. Love your stuff.
The size of the jar doesn’t matter – I used three different sizes for this post. Whatever the size of the jar, just fill it 2/3 with sugar and top it off with soap! :-) It will last a few months, depending on how you store it.
Is this just regular white sugar?
Yes! :-)
Thanks Jillee, unfortunately in the UK this brand of dishsoap would cost me $39! Eeeeeek!
Maybe try the chamomile ecover
Jillee, thanks again for the great tip. I use it all the time now. I have it in my potting shed ready to go. I use it on my legs, feet, arms and wash off with the hose, then go in for a shower……e