After having lots of fun making bath bombs, we wondered if it was possible to also use them in the shower. This is when we came across shower steamers.
Shower steamers are basically the same as bath bombs with extra essential oils. This is because the way showers work – with running water and plenty of steam – make shower bombs the perfect way to diffuse some essential oils in the shower. Meaning while you have your shower, you can get the benefits and enjoyment of the essential oils.
They also buzz and fizz like a bath bomb which is also fun!
We especially love making DIY eucalyptus shower steamers. These are perfect if you have cold or flu symptoms, want to clear the sinuses and feel a little better.
We like to keep some of these sinus shower steamers in the bathroom cupboard for when any of us have a cold. They are perfect!
But you can also use any other essential oil for your shower steamer depending on what effects you want. For example, if you want a refreshing blend, you could mix in some peppermint and lemon oils to focus you mind and encourage positive energy.
Below, you will find our guide to how to make shower bombs at home which includes an easy shower steamer recipe that you can use with any essential oils you want as well as exact instructions for how to make eucalyptus shower bombs.
I also go through all the ingredients you need and how to use your homemade shower melts recipe.
Have any questions? Make sure you ask in the comments below!
What Are Shower Steamers? Shower Melts? Shower Bombs? Shower Fizzies?
When I first started researching how to make a shower steamer, I was confused by all the different terms I was finding online including articles for a shower bombs recipe, shower fizzies recipe and a homemade shower melts recipe.
Were these recipes for the same things? What are the differences?
Well this is easy to answer as all terms apply to the same thing. Basically a bath bomb for the shower which you place on the base of the shower and which fizzes and dissolves in the water while diffusing essential oils in the air.
Shower steamer is the most commonly used name, but you can say you are making shower bombs DIY, shower melts DIY or anything else you want.
PinWhy Make DIY Shower Steamers Recipes?
There are many reasons we love making handmade shower steamers. Here are some of them!
I Love Making Shower Steamers For Colds
Cold and flu shower steamers are the best! Putting essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint in shower steamers is perfect if you are looking for decongestant shower steamers.
Like I said above, we keep some in the bathroom now for colds and part of me is happy when I get one so I have an excuse to use it 🙂
They Have Many Purposes
Of course, you don’t just have to make eucalyptus shower steamers DIY. You can make them with whatever essential oils you like.
If you shower at night and want something relaxing, you could add lavender and chamomile.
Feeling anxious? Try some lavender and ylang ylang oil.
The choices are endless!
If you want to be super flexible with the oils you use, you can alter the recipe for shower steamers below to not add any essential oils.
You can then add the oils to the steamer by dripping them on right before you hop in the shower. This way one batch can be customised based on how you feel each day.
They Are Quick, Easy And Fun To Make
It’s really easy to make your own shower steamers and you can make them in minutes (although you’ll have to wait a few hours for them to dry and harden). It’s also especially fun getting creative with the oils.
They Use Ingredients Which Are Easy To Find
Part of what makes it so easy when it comes to how to make your own shower steamers is that the ingredients are easy to find. You can get them (depending on the oil) at your local supermarket.
They Are Great To Make With Kids
Shower steamers are a great choice for something to make with kids. It really is very straightforward and there’s no heating of anything.
The only thing to be cautious about is that you need to add water to the dry mixture slowly so it doesn’t lose all its fizz before you finish making it.
You may want to add less essential oils if the shower steamers are meant for kids.
Ingredients For DIY Shower Melts Recipe
There aren’t many ingredients to make shower steamers but they are all essential.
Bicarbonate Of Soda
Also known as bicarb or baking soda, this ingredient is an alkaline which works with the citric acid to bring a great fizz to your shower steamer.
PinCitric Acid
When combined with bicarb and water, citric acid is responsible for the fizz in the shower fizzy 🙂
Because of this, the amount of citric acid you use affects the fizz. If you want a fizzier steamer, add more. Less fizzy, add less.
Essential Oils
PinIn my opinion, this is the most important part of how to make shower steamers at home. The essential oils you use, and getting the quantity right, is critical for an awesome shower experience.
There are so many choices. Here are just some essential oils you may want to consider. Of course, you can always blend multiple together. Whatever suits you best.
- Lavender – This is my favourite. I just love the smell. It’s also known for being relaxing and helping little ones sleep. It softens skin and battles anxiety.
- Peppermint – Is another favourite but it is a stronger smell so isn’t for everyone. It is known for being energising and focusing the mind. It’s also a good choice if you have a cold.
- Eucalyptus – This is another one with a strong smell which is great for colds. It’s not recommended for people who prefer more subtle smells.
- Lemon – Is also a winning oil for colds as well as attention and focus. It promotes positive energy.
- Orange – Is another uplifting essential oil, good for positivity and immune systems.
- Ylang Ylang – This oil is great for stress and anxiety as it can act as an anti-depressant.
- Chamomile – Is a good choice if you want something soothing and relaxing.
- Rosemary – This is a popular choice for relieving stress, promoting memory and dealing with muscle soreness.
Note that how much is a safe amount of essential oil for you and your family is not something I can tell you. I simply share how much I add in the recipes below which is quite a lot as we like a strong smell.
Click here to buy essential oils on eBay now.
Can I Add Colouring To This Easy Shower Steamer Recipe?
Short answer, yes! You can add colour to your shower steamers.
Add it to the dry ingredients in the recipes below before adding the essential oils. You usually don’t need much colouring for it to make a big difference.
However, I would think about whether it’s really necessary and, if you do, be careful about what and how much so you don’t colour the base of your shower. I personally don’t bother with colour for my shower steamers.
PinIf you do want to add colour, I recommend natural ingredients like beet root powder (on eBay) for pink and Brazilian purple clay (on eBay) for purple or green French clay (on eBay) for green. You can see more suggestions in my bath bomb article here.
Shower Steamer Moulds
I recommend using silicone moulds for your shower steamers. It makes it nice and easy! We use a muffin one like this. It makes a good size steamer.
Where To Buy Ingredients For Shower Steamers Australia
One of the big pluses about making shower steamers is that the ingredients are readily available. You can buy bicarbonate of soda and citric acid at any supermarket and eucalyptus oil is often available too.
You can also get essential oils at many pharmacies, variety stores and places like Kmart or buy them online on eBay here.
How To Make Shower Steamers
PinSo how do you make shower steamers?
It’s easy! You can follow the DIY shower steamers recipes below to make yours.
The first one is a base one that you can use with whatever essential oils you want.
The main secret to making great shower steamers is to make sure you add the water and essential oils to the mixture SLOWLY. It will start fizzing otherwise and ruin it.
You are really looking for the mixture to just get wet enough that when you put it in a shape, it stays together. So the mixture should be as less wet as you can make it where this holds true.
We test it by squeezing some with our hand and seeing if it holds its shape when we let go like pictured above.
You may want to experiment with the amount of essential oil. You may find for strong scented essential oils, this could be too much whereas for lighter scents, you may want more.
As stated above, we only share what we use in regards to quantities of essential oils in this recipe. Different amounts are safe for different people and you should do your own research into what is safe for you and your family.
Base Recipe For Shower Steamers
Use this recipe with your choice of essential oils for your perfect shower steamers!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add the bicarbonate of soda and citric acid to a bowl and mix together
- Add essential oils and mix together
- SLOWLY add half a teaspoon of water at a time mixing in with your hands until the mixture is a wet sand like consistency. It should just hold together in a shape
- Pack the mixture into moulds, patting it down
- Leave until dry - at least a few hours
How To Make Eucalyptus Shower Steamers For Congestion
PinThe answer to how to make homemade shower steamers for congestion is exactly the same as the base recipe above. Except in this one, I tell you exactly what essential oils to use 🙂
I recommend for shower steamers for sinus, you use eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils as stated below. These are both great for colds and should also help you focus.
Again, it’s important to be careful when adding the wet ingredients to the dry. Take it slow to stop any premature fizzing.
You can also experiment with the amount of essential oils in this recipe too to be perfect for you.
On this topic, we only share what we use in regards to quantities of essential oils in this recipe. Different amounts are safe for different people and you should do your own research into what is safe for you and your family.
Eucalyptus Shower Steamer Recipe
These sinus relief shower steamers are perfect for any colds and congestion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Bicarbonate of Soda
- 1/2 cup of Citric Acid
- 15 drops of Eucalyptus Oil
- 15 drops of Peppermint Oil
- Water
- Silicone Mould
Instructions
- Add the bicarbonate of soda and citric acid to a bowl and mix together
- Add essential oils and mix together
- SLOWLY add half a teaspoon of water at a time mixing in with your hands until the mixture is a wet sand like consistency. It should just hold together in a shape
- Pack the mixture into moulds, patting it down
- Leave until dry - at least a few hours
PinHow To Use A Homemade Shower Steamer
It’s very easy to use your shower steamers. Simply put one in the base of your shower when you want to use one. It should be where it will get wet but not directly in the stream of water.
Run your shower and it should start fizzing and diffusing the oil. It will work best in hot showers.
Take deep breaths and enjoy. If you don’t run out your steamer during your shower, you can keep it in the corner of the shower for next time!
When you aren’t using them, keep them in a sealed container.
PinFinal Words
I hope you enjoyed the guide to how to make shower melts/steamers/fizzies/bombs! And that it inspires you to start making your own DIY shower bombs, especially if you are interested in shower bombs for colds as these eucalyptus/mint shower steamers can help you feel a little better.
And I hope even more that you have some great showers with your new shower steamers!
Find more DIY recipes here. You can also find my prized apple and cinnamon oatmeal soap recipe here and sugar scrub bars here to add to your shower experience. Prefer baths? Find my bath bombs here.
Ask any questions below! I love to hear from other skincare makers.
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I love how simple these are and also fun! I have made a stash and now use them for my family when we get a cold. It helps not just clear out our noses but put a smile on our faces.
Shower steamers definitely are fun! I’m glad you are enjoying them 🙂
I found this wasn’t quite “smelly” enough for me so doubled the essential oil amount and it was a lot better.
Nice! Since it’s not touching your skin, this should be fine.