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by: Pamela Baker

DIY Sugar Hand Scrub

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For super soft hands all winter long, make this DIY sugar hand scrub with Dawn Hand Renewal Dish Soap and sugar.

I originally shared my homemade DIY Sugar Hand Scrub tutorial 5 years ago and it’s been extremely popular. I get asked lots of questions about it all over social media and here on The Birch Cottage blog. In fact, I get asked so many questions, that I’ve created a second post that lists some of my most frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) about my DIY Sugar Hand Scrub.  You can read my FAQ’s here.

jar of sugar hand scrub

DIY Sugar Hand Scrub

You’ve probably seen many different hand scrubs on Pinterest, around the web and on social media, but I’m telling you this is one hand scrub you’ve just got to try!

DIY Sugar Hand Scrub by The Birch Cottage

In fact, I make this DIY Sugar Hand Scrub every year as a Christmas gift to my family and friends. Even the men in my family love to wash their hands with Dawn Dish Soap – no matter how greasy or grimy their hands, Dawn always does the job!

The winter weather here in Ohio can be pretty harsh on hands. The little bit of moisturizer that the Dawn Hand Renewal Dishwashing Liquid provides, is just perfect.

DIY Sugar Hand Scrub by The Birch Cottage

Of course this DIY Sugar Hand Scrub is perfect for all the ladies as well. It is amazing! And will truly leave your hands smooth, silky and soft. Just be sure to rinse your hands well to avoid any sticky residue.

DIY Sugar Hand Scrub by The Birch Cottage

NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and purchase an item, I may make a small commission, all with NO additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting The Birch Cottage! 

Supplies:

Tips for Making Sugar Hand Scrub

Tip #1: Make Small Batches

You can make the sugar scrub one jar at a time or in batches. Large batches tend to be problematic because of all the stirring. When you have to stir a lot, it creates air bubbles.

So, save yourself some headaches and just make this sugar scrub in the individual jars or make small batches and spoon/pour into your gift jars.

Tip #2: Some Settling is to Be Expected

Because of humidity, weather, sugar/soap ratio, how much mixing, etc., your results can be different. You may also notice some separation. If this happens, simply stir to combine.

It may also be necessary to add more sugar to your scrub to obtain the correct consistency.

Tip #3: Read the FAQs

I get asked a LOT of questions since sharing this sugar hand scrub tutorial some five years ago. I put together a list of my frequently asked questions. You can read all of them here.

Tip #4: Add More Sugar

You may need to add more sugar or Dawn to fill your jar. I prefer the hand scrub to be a little on the thick side, so I tend to add maybe 3 tablespoons more sugar and blend that well into the mixture.

Steps:

  • Fill your jar 3/4 full with sugar.
  • Add Dawn Hand Renewal Dishwashing Liquid to the bottom ring of the jar.
  • Stir the sugar and dishwashing liquid until blended well.

Sugar Hand Scrub

Sugar Hand Scrub

Yield: 1 8oz Jar
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

For super soft hands all winter long, make this DIY sugar hand scrub with Dawn Hand Renewal Dish Soap and sugar.

Materials

  • 3 tablespoons Dawn Hand Renewal Dishwashing Liquid
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 jars
  • labels
  • twine or ribbon

Tools

  • measuring cup
  • spoon

Instructions

    1. Fill your jar 3/4 full with sugar.
    2. Add Dawn Hand Renewal Dishwashing Liquid a tablespoon at a time; stirring well after each addition until well blended.
    3. Wipe off the rim of the jar and affix lid.
    4. You can now apply a decorative label and some twine or ribbon to finish off your jar of sugar hand scrub.

Notes

Some separation is normal. Simply stir to combine.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

© Pam Baker, The Birch Cottage

Sugar Hand Scrub Printable Labels

You can simply write on the lids of your jars or print out a set of free printable labels and affix to the lids.

Subscribe for Access to Download

I’ve created a number of labels through the years that are specifically designed for use with the Sugar Hand Scrub. These labels are available exclusively to subscribers of The Birch Cottage blog. You can subscribe below:

Once you subscribe, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Once you click on the link to confirm, you’ll have access to the Subscribers Resource Library – which is FULL of printable labels, gift tags, cut files and more.

How to Download

Because there are so many different labels, they will not be emailed directly to your Inbox. Instead, you’ll receive a link to the Subscribers Resource Library. The Library is really a Google Drive shared folder.

From the Library, simply search for “sugar scrub” or browse to: Labels > Jar Labels – Sugar Scrub. Then you can download and print your labels.

DIY Sugar Hand Scrub by The Birch Cottage

I then tied some twine around the jar ring to finish off my DIY Sugar Hand Scrub. There you have it! A useful, inexpensive DIY Christmas gift. Actually, it’d make a great gift for just about any occasion. I hope you’ve enjoyed this little tutorial and I look forward to seeing you again here on The Birch Cottage.

jar of sugar hand scrub

More Craft Ideas

If you enjoy making handmade gifts like this DIY Sugar Hand Scrub, you might also like these ideas from The Birch Cottage:

Til next time…

Pam Baker from The Birch Cottage

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Comments

    • Pamela Bennett says

      If you’re a fan of the cleaning power of Dawn, you’ll love this scrub. It’s actually touted around the web as “gardeners hand scrub.” I’m a big fan of scrubs, but this is my favorite!

  10. Donna Sherman says

    Do you think these would be safe to use on feet on the shower?? I would be worried about slipping because of the soap. Otherwise I love this idea. I plan to make a TON of these for everyone in my office for Christmas. Thanks for sharing.

    • Pamela Baker says

      Christine, I’m afraid I don’t know the answer to your question. What I was able to find online is that it might be available at Costco. If I were you, I’d do a quick search online or call your local retailer and ask them. Sorry I didn’t have a better answer for you! Good luck!

  12. Alana says

    Love this!!! I think I will be making some up for myself and for the ladies from church.
    What size jars did you use though?

    • Pamela Baker says

      You can use any size jars. In fact, if you’re making several jars, you might find it easier to mix the sugar and Dawn in a large bowl and pour or spoon into your jars. I have done exactly that with great results. I also had a reader who made a large batch to include in the goody bags for a women’s retreat at her church. Good luck!

  13. Deb Kragenbrink says

    Hi, this sounds amazing, do you know how long it will keep? Wondering how early I can make it. Thank you.

  14. Karen says

    What a wonderful idea!! I look forward to making a bunch of these for family and friends for Christmas gifts!!

  15. Christa says

    I am getting ready for Xmas and love your ideas about the sugar scrub and vanilla extract. Do you have any other little project i can do and fill in jars or bottles? Thank you for any help.

  18. Teresa says

    Wow…I am so going to try this…..Thank you so very much for sharing…At my age I need all the help I can get….May your day be Blessed…

    • Pamela Baker says

      Teresa, you are so very welcome. I truly only share projects and recipes that my family loves. If it’s a dud, it’s not worth my time sharing. I do believe you’re gonna love this sugar scrub. When I first tried it, I was amazed that it could really be that easy and work that well. Good luck!

  19. Barbara says

    I just saw this on Saturday (10/22) and I already know I’m making this for my daughter’s teacher gifts this Christmas! Perfect: easy, inexpensive, and will be used! There’s even a version for her male teachers! LOVE IT! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

  20. Janine Langemo says

    Hi Pam….I’m in love with your great idea! Is there a way for me to print those cute labels for the scrubs? I’m on a super tight budget this year and these will make awesome and affordable gifts! Thank you! 🙂

  21. Ann says

    Hi I was wondering if u could break it down in detail for me just how much sugar to use and how much dawn to use. I have had a head injury and have problems with this. Thanks so much

    • Pamela Baker says

      Hi, Ann the recipe really depends on if you’re trying to make one jar or a large batch. If you’re making a jar, then simply fill the jar at least 3/4 full and add the Dawn, leaving enough room to stir. It’s supposed to be a 3:1 ratio. So, 1 cup of Dawn for every 3 cups of sugar. However, it’s been my experience that it takes more sugar. When you stir the mixture, stir gently – more like you’re folding the soap into the sugar. If you’re making an 8 oz jar, I would try 3/4 cup sugar to 1/4 cup Dawn. Hope this helps!

  22. Ginn Winner says

    I made this but the sugar and dawn separated, so that you can see where the sugar ends and the dawn starts. What am I doing wrong?

  24. Trish says

    These are such nice elegant little gifts. A nice way to pamper friends. Doesn’t the sugar dissolve after a while?

    • Pamela Baker says

      Thanks, Trish! Actually, I have found that the consistency stays pretty much the same. If anything, the scrub may thicken a little after a lot of use, exposure to air, etc.

  25. Bea says

    Great tutorial! I made a batch as favors for the gals at work, and added a few drops of Argan / Wheat Germ oil to the mix.

  26. Cheryl says

    I had my grandkids make these this year for their teachers and Moms. The disposal separated from the sugar in the jar 🙁 We mixed well in the bowl then scooped into the jars.

    • Pamela Baker says

      Cheryl, I’m sorry you didn’t have a good experience. Honestly, I’ve had some batches separate more than others. The separation is normal.
      One thing I have found that helps minimize the amount of separation is if I let the scrub sit overnight and then stir in a little more sugar the next day.
      The scrub still works great. Once the recipient starts using it, they shouldn’t have anymore separation. At least that has been my experience.

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