Gardeners Hand Scrub

I’ve been working in the garden this week, trying to get it cleaned up and ready for fall.

After a full season of working in the garden, you may have the same problem with “gardeners hands” as I do. It seems like no matter how well I wash my hands, some of the dirt and grime just doesn’t want to wash away. Especially on the side of my fingers.

Can you relate?

I’ve heard this kind of dirt referred to as “permadirt”. It seems that no amount of scrubbing, even with a brush, will make it go away…it’s permanent! If you do any kind of work with your hands then you know what I’m talking about.

Good news…I have a safe, effective way to get rid of permadirt!

It’s a homemade gardeners hand scrub that you can mix together in just a couple of minutes. You probably already have the ingredients on hand. Besides being a great exfoliator and moisturizer, it’s also all natural and gentle on your skin.The Ingredients:

– 1 c. Sugar (I find salt a little too abrasive. Plus, it stings if you have any cuts or scrapes)

– 1/2 c. Coconut oil

– 5 drops Tea Tree oil

Container with a wide opening and tight lid

The Process:

If your coconut oil is solid, place it in the microwave for a few seconds or melt it in a double boiler. You don’t need to get it hot, just warm enough that it becomes a liquid.
Mix the sugar and coconut oil together until well combined.
Add the Tea Tree oil and mix well.

Pour into a clean, dry storage container and add the lid

To Use:

First, wash with regular soap and water to remove the worst of the dirt. Then scoop out about a tablespoon of your gardeners hand scrub and scrub gently. Make sure to focus on those permadirt areas. Rinse with warm water and towel dry.

Some people may not like that slippery feeling while their hands are wet. But once your hands are dry, they should simply feel soft, not greasy. And the permadirt should be gone!

Coconut oil is a great natural conditioner and moisturizer. But if you’re not a fan of the coconut smell, you can add several drops of your favorite essential oil when you add the Tea Tree oil. Another option is to replace the Tea Tree altogether with Lavender oil for the same benefits

Note: Research shows that people who are sensitive to processed coconut may be able to use a pure virgin coconut oil (one that is unprocessed and unbleached), without any issues. I’d be very interested to hear from anyone with this sensitivity to see if that is really the case. I keep a jar of Gardeners Hands by my kitchen sink and use it regularly. Even when gardening season is long past. So don’t let the name fool you.

It’s not just for gardeners!

People like mechanics, woodworkers, crafters, quilters…really, just about anyone who works with their hands will benefit from it! If permadirt is an issue for you, it will soon become a distant memory. If dirt isn’t the problem but plain ol’ rough hands are, then it will work for that too!

So mix up a batch hand scrub and keep it by the sink. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you thought of it. and please feel free to share this post with someone who could use a little hand TLC. It would also make a very thoughtful gift, dressed up in a nice jar with a bow and label. Just sayin’!

Until next time,