How to Make Your Own Shower Steamers

Shower steamers are pretty much bath bombs for the shower! You know bath bombs! You draw yourself a hot bath and pop a bath bomb into the steamy water. As the bath bomb melts and fizzes away, lovely oils and other smellies seep into the water giving your nose and skin a treat.

Shower steamers, sometimes called shower melts, shower fizzies, or shower bombs, are similar to bath bombs in that they fizz away in hot water. However, shower steamers are used solely for their aromatherapeutic benefits as they don’t touch your skin.

How Do I Use a Shower Steamer?

The idea is that the shower steamer sits on the floor of your shower and slowly melts away while you wash and enjoy the aromas that it releases. Your shower steamer should last for most of your shower if you don’t put it directly under the running water.

Alternatively, you can pop your shower steamer in a mesh bag and hang it somewhere in your shower out of the way of the stream of water. You will need to lightly wet the shower steamer to activate it and start the fizzing. The steam from the shower will allow the steamer to release its aromatherapy oils. Depending on the size of your steamer, you might be able to use it for more than one shower!

How Can I Make My Own Shower Steamers?

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To make your own shower steamers, you will need some silicone icecube trays or small molds to form your steamers. You will need baking soda, citric acid, witch hazel, and a caking agent, either cornstarch, arrowroot, or cream of tartar. Then, you can choose to add your favorite essential oils depending on what aromatherapeutic benefit you are looking for. You might want to add some flower petals of foliage for decoration.

1. Combine 1 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, arrowroot, or cream of tartar in a glass bowl.
2. Add 12-24 drops of your favorite essential oil and combine with your hands. If you have sensitive skin, consider wearing gloves.
3. Spray your mixture with witch hazel and start to rub it into the mix. Do not add too much at once, just a couple of sprays at a time. Add more witch hazel until you get the consistency of wet sand. You want the mixture to hold together when you squeeze a clump in your hands.
4. Once you have the right consistency, press your mixture into silicone molds. Be sure to press down firmly. If you want to add dried flowers to your steamer, you can put one or two into the mold before adding the mixture.
5. Leave the steamers to set for at least 24 hours. Be sure to leave them in a dry place. Once they are dried, gently pop them out of the molds.
6. Store them in an air-tight jar until you need one.

Which Essential Oils Should I use?

Essential oils are added to shower steamers so that the recipient can benefit from the scent that they give off. The aromatherapeutic benefit will depend on which essential oil or a blend of oils you choose. Aromatherapy is said to help improve sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, and clear sinuses and congestion.

• Lavender– Using a lavender oil shower steamer before bed can help to promote a more peaceful sleep. When inhaled, lavender essential oil promotes a calming effect that can prepare you for a good night’s sleep.
• Eucalyptus– If you are feeling congested, the vapor from a eucalyptus oil steamer may help loosen mucus in your chest and relieve a blocked nose.
• Lemon– A lemon oil shower steamer can help boost and uplift your mood if you feel run down or stressed.
• Peppermint– Along with eucalyptus, peppermint oil makes a great shower steamer if you feel a little congested. It might also help ease a headache or improve your mood if you feel groggy.

Shower steamers are an easy and fun way to get some of the joy of a bath bomb without taking a bath! They store well, and they make a lovely gift if you wrapped a few up in a muslin bag or popped a few in a decorated mason jar.

Check with a medical professional before using essential oils. Never add essential oils directly to your skin. 

Related Content:

• The Benefits of Cold Showers
• DIY Projects for a Rainy Day: Homemade Bath Bombs
• 10 Luxurious Natural and Vegan Bath Products for Pampering Yourself During Lockdown
• 7 Must-Have Essential Oils For Any DIY Household or Personal Care Product
• 8 DIY Bathroom Cleaners: From Tub Scrubs and Tile Grout Cleaners to Streak-Free Mirrors!

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