Thursday, March 5, 2009

All-Natural Moisturizing Kitchen Hand Scrub

This is a different sort of post. It doesn't involve a recipe for something you'd eat, but it is made from all natural kitchen products and it's a great gift for anyone who likes pretty things or pampering, but especially someone who is an avid cook and suffers from chronic dry skin due to all the hand washing in the kitchen. Keep this gift in mind as an inexpensive option for those end of the school year teacher gifts as well. Something handmade, pretty, and useful always makes a nice gift for those teachers who work so hard with our children. Did I mention that it is inexpensive and easy to make ? It is also a great way to reuse empty jam jars or canning jars you have at home.

Olive oil moisturizes, lemon freshens and is especially good for removing onion and garlic odors from the skin, the sugar/salt combo exfoliates dry skin and renews the appearance of your hands. Salt can be drying, so you wouldn't want to make the scrub entirely of salt, but I added a bit for some coarser pieces. If you'd rather, simply replace the amount designated for the salt with additional sugar.

p.s. Tricia - I have a jar for you!

Moisturizing Kitchen Hand Scrub

  • 1 1/2 c sugar
  • 1/3 c kosher salt
  • zest of 1 extra large lemon
  • 1 c olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp pure lemon extract, optional
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. If you would like a slightly stronger fragrance, add the extract. Spoon into a pretty jar, tighten the lid. Wipe any spills or drips from the outside of the jar. Alternatively, you can use orange or lime zest for a different fresh citrus smell. For an extra touch, tie a pretty bow around the jar if you plan to gift this scrub. This makes enough for a 1 pint canning jar.


Also new today: Win a $25 MixMyGranola Giftcard!

29 comments:

  1. Great post! I want to make some of this!!

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  2. I think I may make some of this today. Wonder if I could do with Lime instead?

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  3. I printed this recipe and I am going to make some as gifts for some fellow teachers and for my family.

    Thanks for the "recipe" Katie!

    Blessings, moo

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  4. Kristen - I think any citrus zest would be great! Let me know how it turns out.

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  5. What a great idea and what a cute design for your blog! I love it!

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  6. Could you just add some of the lemon juice instead of extract? Or would that break down the salt/sugar too much?

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  7. My hands are definitely in need of a moisturizing scrub. This is such a fun idea. I'll have to whip up a batch soon.

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  8. This is a great idea and so easy. I've got to make a note to make this ASAP. (And I am SO going to go through your recipes as I'm cooking up a storm in my new kitchen!)

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  9. Any idea what kind of expiration date this has?
    Also, I've made a similar mix of just olive oil and sugar for my lips - works great!

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  10. This scrub is awesome! I used grapefruit zest and all sugar, no salt. I have one jar by the kitchen sink and one in the shower to soften rough feet, knees and elbows. Thanks so much for this recipe!

    cheft

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  11. this is awesome and what a wonderful gift to give. i can see it with a pretty ribbon and a small wooden spoon. looks easy enough for me to make.

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  12. Wow, that looks so pretty in the jars, can't wait to make some. I love the citrus scent, too. Thanks!

    luvs

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  13. kelli - I hadn't even thought about that. If you're worried about it you could keep it in the fridge to extend the life of it or make a smaller batch at a time. Without the zest I suppose it would probably last for quite some time. I think you'll find that it gets used up fairly quick though.

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  14. This is terrific ~ just what I need. No chemicals fresh-citrus-scented, perfect!! Can't wait to make some.

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  15. This looks absolutely fab, am going to try it out. Think I might try a nut oil or maybe hemp as I heard that it is absorbed into the skin easier.

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  16. watch out adding lime, just a small amount on your skin, add some sunshine and you have an instant rash!

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  17. Wonderful! Any idea how long this will last? An do you have to keep it in the fridge?

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  18. Amanda - I don't keep mine in the fridge. It's in the cabinet under the kitchen sink. I still have the one I made for this post and it is fine. The lemon zest doesn't really go bad.

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  19. I love this idea! I just stumbled upon your site and can't wait to take a look around. :)

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  20. is there a shelf life for this item, I know if you process the jar like you would for canning it will seal and be ok, but unsealed how ling will it last? Does it need to be kept in the 'fridge?

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  21. Love this. I'm wondering if I could make this with orange and vanilla or lemon/thyme vanilla. If I do, I'll let you know how it comes out.

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  22. I'm going to try it for teacher's gifts. Thanks for posting the "recipe"

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  23. I tried this with my team at work. It was so much fun making it and trying it out! Thanks for the neat idea!

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  24. This would be a great neighbor gift at Christmas time. Thanks for sharing.

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  25. Does this work for feet? I really need a good scrub for my feet....

    heatherlbrandt (at) verizon (dot) net

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