I originally shared my homemade DIY Sugar Hand Scrub tutorial a year 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. You can access the printable labels here. (UPDATE: I’ve also listed all the available labels below under “Supplies “!)
DIY Sugar Hand Scrub
You’ve probably seen many different hand scrubs on Pinterest, but I’m telling you this is one hand scrub you’ve just got to try! In fact, I’m making this DIY Sugar Hand Scrub this year as a Christmas gift to some very special men in our family. My guys 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.
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.
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:
- Dawn Hand Renewal Dishwashing Liquid
- Sugar
- Canning Jars or Decorative Jars
- Spoon (or something to stir with)
- Labels (optional)
- Twine or decorative ribbon (optional)
Directions:
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.
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.
Now you are ready to add labels to your jars. Since my Hand Scrub is going to be Christmas presents, I created some labels with Photoshop and printed them out on card stock paper. I then cut out the circles and laid them on top of the lid before screwing on the band. This way, I didn’t have to mess with sticky labels that won’t stick or tags that would fall off.
I created two sets of labels actually. One that was for the “Peach Almond” and one for the “Pomegranate” Sugar Hand Scrub.
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.
Til next time…
No way! NEVER in a million years would I have thought to use dish soap in a sugar scrub! Amazing. I agree that scrubs are an awesome gift – thanks for sharing!
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!
I just LOVE sugar hand scrub. It feels so good to have silky smooth skin 🙂 I’ve never tried a pomegranate one so that’s definitely next on my list to make!
Thanks for visiting, Erica! I’m sure you will love the pomegranate!
What a great idea! And it looks so cute and festive in the jars 🙂
Meg, Thanks!!
WOW! Didn’t see Dawn dishwasher soap coming! Interesting! Love those labels and thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Sara! The Dawn with Olay is the key. Amazing stuff!!
My hands are softer just reading your post – great idea for a gift!
That’s cute! Thanks, Jenny!
I agree with Jenny! My hands feel softer just reading this too! What a great gift idea!
You ladies are just too “charming”! Thanks, Rebekah and Jenny!!
I love this, Pam! It sounds so luxurious and the scent is perfect for Christmas. It sure makes a wonderful DIY Christmas gift, I bet.
Thanks, Carrie! The scents are amazing!
I may have missed it, but what and how much did you add to create the different scents/flavors. The Dawn has some of its own scent, but not pomegranate.
Where I live, they actually have a pomegranate scented Dawn with Olay.
I love using sugar scrub. This looks really easy to make and so pretty with the labels and twine.
Thanks, Amy! It was really easy to make.
Do you have a way for us to be able to print the labels? They area so pretty.
Yes! You can visit my subsequent blog post where I made the labels available here: http://www.thebirchcottage.com/2015/12/sugar-hand-scrub-printables/
Please let me know if you have any problems. I’d also be glad to email them to you. Just let me know! Thanks so much!
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.
I use this scrub in the shower, but you’re right about it makes the shower slippery. Just use caution.
Can you buy Dawn in Australia ?
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!
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?
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!
Hi, this sounds amazing, do you know how long it will keep? Wondering how early I can make it. Thank you.
Deb, it has a shelf life of at least one year.
What a wonderful idea!! I look forward to making a bunch of these for family and friends for Christmas gifts!!
Karen, your family and friends will love it!
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.
Christa, I don’t yet have other ideas posted but I have a couple of projects I’ll be sharing soon and they’re quick and easy!
Will try.
Thanks, Vivian! This is an easy project and I’m guessing you’re gonna love it!
How long does this last? Does it go “bad” at some point?
You can read all my FAQs here:
http://Www.thebirchcottage.com/2016/06/DIY-hand-Renewal-sugar-hand-scrub/
It has a shelf life of about one year.
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…
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!
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.
Barbara, you are so welcome!
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! 🙂
Thanks, Janine. Here’s the link to the printable labels: http://www.thebirchcottage.com/2015/12/sugar-hand-scrub-printables/
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
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!
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?
Ginn, some separation is normal. Sounds like you probably need to add a little more sugar. You might want to just add a tablespoon or two, stir and see how that does.
Thank you, I’ll try that.
can you use any other soap like a unscented one please let me no thanks
I would imagine you could use any dish soap you wanted to use. Let me know if you do and how this works for you!
These are such nice elegant little gifts. A nice way to pamper friends. Doesn’t the sugar dissolve after a while?
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.
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.
I have never tried that how did it turn out? What property does the wheat germ add?
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.
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.