I love to take a nice, long shower after a hard day. Shower steamers can make your shower even more relaxing. They’re similar to bath bombs, but you use them in the shower instead. Here’s how to make shower steamers with different scents for an at home spa experience.
These have a more concentrated scent than most of my skincare recipes since they’re not meant to go directly on the skin. It’s a great way to get the benefits of aromatherapy while you take time for self-care. Shower steamers make great gifts for birthdays or Christmas.
What are shower steamers?
Also known as shower bombs or shower melts, they’re kind of like bath bombs. I’ll put one on the side of the tub where the shower water can reach it and release the scent.
The homemade shower steamers fizz in the water and have a pleasant aroma. These are not bath bombs, which can also be used to benefit the skin. They are more about aromatherapy.
Shower Steamer Ingredients
Shower steamers contain a number of ingredients. These include baking soda (or Epsom salts), citric acid (or lemon juice), essential oils, and Witch Hazel. You’ll also find clay, botanicals, food coloring, fragrance oils, and mica powder or colorant (depending on the recipe).
As a base, I use baking soda and citrus acid. The Epsom salts help harden them and castor oil acts as an emulsifier so they’re less likely to crumble. They can also be colored and made harder with kaolin clay. If desired, you could add mica powder or food coloring.
How to Use Shower Steamers
Shower steamers should last a full shower length if they are made in a mini-muffin-size mold. You may need to use two molds for smaller ones.
You’ll want to place it in your shower where the water can reach them, but not wash them down the drain immediately. If they’re on the shower floor they’ll only last a few minutes (if that). The best places are the shower shelf or bathtub ledge. If the only option you have is the shower floor, make sure it’s as far away from the shower head as possible.
Different Scent Ideas
For a quick and easy solution, you can use a blend that is already made by one of my favorite companies. I created a few recipes with many benefits that also smell fantastic.
Breathe better Blend
This blend opens up the sinuses. It’s not safe for little ones but older kids and adults feel free to enjoy! Sniffle Stopper is a safe alternative.
Springtime Blend
Helps with seasonal allergies. Lemon is uplifting and thins congestion. Lavender has a calming effect and is also an antihistamine. Even if you don’t have allergies, it’s definitely worth trying!
Earthy Blend
This blend helps you to feel grounded and uplifted. According to some studies, smelling grapefruit could help you lose weight. Bergamot helps relieve anxiety and stress. Cedarwood relieves nervous tension and stress. It also helps with coughs and mucus.
Shower Steamer Recipe
These are great for aromatherapy. Add one to your next shower and enjoy a relaxing experience. Also, they make excellent gifts.
Yield: 7 shower steamers
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Combine all dry ingredients with your hand in a mixing glass. I used a glove to do this. You can either crush any large lumps of baking soda using your hands, or sift it before adding to the mixing cup.
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Mix the castor oil with the essential oils until it resembles sand.
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To moisten the mix if it is too dry, use a fine-mist spray bottle filled witch hazel or with vodka. Do not spray more than 2 times at once to avoid it becoming too wet.
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Once you can squeeze the shower steamer mixture into a clump that holds its shape it’s done.
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Press the mixture firmly into your molds.
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Allow the mold to air dry for at least 24 hours before removing it and using.
If you use a mini-muffin pan, this recipe will make 7 shower steamers. The yield of a silicone mould will vary depending on the size.
How to Make Shower Steamers?
While the recipe uses simple ingredients, it can be a little difficult to make DIY shower steamers if you’re a beginner. I’ve found a few tricks to make the recipe work better in case you need to troubleshoot!
Add Just the Right Amount of Liquid
Citric acid gives the recipe its fizzy and foamy action. If it gets too wet while mixing though, it will activate prematurely and your shower steamers won’t hold together.
Use either witch hazel or 80-proof alcohol to add the right amount of moisture to keep the steamers in place. It wets the dry ingredients enough that they’ll stick together, but the alcohol is also a little drying to prevent it from getting too wet.
Take Out the Clumps
Before adding the liquid ingredients, make sure that the powder has been thoroughly mixed. It is easier to sift together the dry ingredients first (except for the Epsom salts).
Can I use only water?
It is because it contains alcohol that it works. Vodka can also be used. Don’t worry, the smell from the alcohol goes away as they dry. I don’t even notice it as I’m pressing them into the molds.
The shower steamers I bought fell apart
Don’t take them out of the molds too early or the shower steamers will crumble. It takes 12-24 hours for them to dry completely at room temperature. They will fall apart if you use too much liquid.
If your environment is really humid, like in the summer or certain climates, you’ll need less vodka or witch hazel. The dry ingredients will absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Adjust the liquid as necessary.
What is your favorite scent to use in DIY bath and shower products? Ever made shower steamers before? Let us know by leaving a comment!