Sometimes after a tiring day, I like to take a nice, long shower. A shower steamer is a great way to feel more relaxed! They are similar to bath bombs, but you can use them in the shower. Here’s how to make a shower steamer with different scents to provide a home spa experience.
They have a stronger scent than most of my skin care formulas because they don’t come into direct contact with the skin. This is a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy while you take time for self-care. Shower steamer also makes a great Christmas or birthday gift.
What is a shower steamer?
Also called shower bombs or shower melts, they are kind of like bath bombs. I would place one on the side of the tub where the shower water can reach it and release the scent.
This homemade shower steamer activates once it’s wet, fizzing and smelling great in the shower. Unlike bath bombs which are also good for the skin, these are more of an aromatherapy benefit.
Shower Steamer Ingredients
Shower steamers are made from a variety of ingredients, often including baking soda, Epsom salts, citric acid, essential oils, and witch hazel. You can also find clay, plants, food coloring, fragrance oils, and mica powder or colorants (depending on the recipe).
My recipe uses baking soda and citric acid as a base. The Epsom salt helps harden them and the castor oil acts as an emulsifier so they are less likely to crumble. Kaolin clay also makes them harder and adds beautiful color. You can also add some mica powder or natural food coloring if desired.
How to use a steam shower
If you use a mini muffin-sized mold, the shower steamer should last a normal length of shower. For smaller molds, you may need two.
You need to place them in the shower where water can reach them, but don’t flush them down the drain right away. If they’re on the shower floor, they’ll only last a few minutes (if that). The best place to do this is on a bathtub ledge or shower shelf. If your only option is a shower floor, make sure it’s as far away from the shower head as possible.
Different scent ideas
To make life easier, you can use a pre-made blend from one of my favorite essential oil companies. I’ve come up with some recipes that have multiple benefits and taste amazing!
Breathe Better Mix
This invigorating blend helps open your sinuses. It’s not safe for little ones, but older kids and adults can feel free to enjoy it! For a kid-safe version, this Sniffle Stopper blend is a great choice.
spring mix
Lifts your spirits and helps relieve seasonal allergies. Lemon can brighten your mood and help relieve nasal congestion. Lavender is sedative and also has antihistamine properties. Even if you don’t have allergies, it’s definitely worth a try!
earth mix
This mixture also uplifts mood and helps stabilize mood. Some studies show that just smelling grapefruit may help promote a healthy weight! Bergamot is used to relieve anxiety and stress. Cedar helps relieve nervous tension, stress, coughs and mucus.
Shower Steamer Recipe
Add one of these to your next shower for a relaxing aromatherapy experience. They also make great gifts.
yield: 7 shower steamer
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In a glass mixing bowl, mix together all dry ingredients with your hands. I wear gloves for this. You can crush any lumps with your hands or sift the baking soda through a sieve before adding it to the mixing bowl.
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Add a few drops of essential oil and castor oil and mix thoroughly with your hands until the mixture resembles wet sand.
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If the mixture is too dry, use a fine mist spray bottle of vodka or witch hazel to moisten the mixture. Only spray 2 times at a time to avoid getting too wet.
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Once you can squeeze the shower steamer mixture into a ball and hold its shape, you’re done.
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Immediately press the mixture into the mold, pressing firmly.
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Allow to dry for 24 hours before unmoulding.
If using mini muffin pans, this recipe makes 7 shower steamers. If you use a silicone mold, the exact output will depend on the size of the mold.
How to Make a Steam Shower FAQs
Although the recipe uses simple ingredients, DIY shower steamer can be a bit difficult if you are a beginner. I’ve found a few tricks to make recipes work better in case you need to troubleshoot!
add enough liquid
Citric acid gives the formula a lathering, lathering effect. If it gets too wet while mixing, it will activate prematurely and your shower steamer won’t stick together.
You can use 80 proof vodka or witch hazel to add enough moisture to hold the steamer together. It moistens the dry ingredients enough to make them stick together, but the alcohol is also a bit drying to prevent it from becoming too wet.
Get rid of clumps
Make sure the powder is thoroughly mixed before adding the wet ingredients. You can even sift the dry ingredients together first to make it easier (minus the Epsom salt).
Can I just use water?
Witch hazel contains some alcohol, which is why it works here. Vodka is another good choice. Don’t worry, the alcohol smell will disappear once it dries. I didn’t even notice it when I pressed them into the mold.
My steam shower is falling apart
Don’t remove them from the mold too early or the shower steamer will collapse. They take 12-24 hours at room temperature to dry completely. Using too much liquid can also cause them to fall apart.
If your environment is very humid, such as in the summer or in certain climates, you will need less vodka or witch hazel. Dry ingredients absorb moisture from the air. So adjust the liquid you use as needed.
What are your favorite scents to use in DIY bath and shower products? Have you ever made a shower steamer before? Leave a comment and let us know!