After a exhausting day, I enjoy a soothing, long shower. Using shower steamers enhances the relaxation, similar to bath bombs, but meant for showers. Here’s how to craft shower steamers with varying scents for a spa-like experience at home.
These steamers emit a stronger fragrance compared to most skincare recipes due to their indirect skin application. Enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy while indulging in self-care. Shower steamers also make wonderful Christmas or birthday gifts.
Understanding Shower Steamers
Sometimes called shower melts or bombs, they’re akin to bath bombs. Place one on your bathtub’s edge where the shower water can make contact, releasing its aroma.
Homemade shower steamers activate with moisture, fizzing and releasing a delightful scent in the shower. Unlike bath bombs, which offer skin benefits as well, these focus on aromatherapy benefits.
Ingredients for Shower Steamers
The main components of shower steamers include baking soda, Epsom salt, citric acid, essential oils, and witch hazel. For variations, some recipes incorporate clay, botanicals, food colorings, fragrance oils, and mica.
My recipe primarily uses baking soda and citric acid for the base. Epsom salts aid in hardening, while castor oil serves as an emulsifier to prevent crumbling. Kaolin clay adds hardness and can impart color. You might opt for mica powder or natural food dyes if desired.
Using Shower Steamers
A mini muffin-sized mold creates a steamer that lasts through a typical shower. Smaller molds may require two steamers.
Position the steamer where water reaches it without immediately washing it away. On the shower floor, they disintegrate rapidly. The best spot is a shower ledge or shelf. If the floor is the only option, maintain as much distance as possible from the shower head.
Scents for Shower Steamers
Pre-made blends from favorite essential oil brands simplify life. I’ve devised a few recipes offering a range of benefits and wonderful aromas.
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Invigorating Blend for Breathing Better
This stimulating blend aids in clearing sinuses. Not safe for younger children but older ones and adults will find it enjoyable. For a child-safe alternative, the Sniffle Stopper blend is recommended. -
Springtime Uplifting Aroma
Brightens moods and eases seasonal allergies. Lemon uplifts spirits and eases congestion, while Lavender soothes and acts as an antihistamine. Try it even without allergies! - Grounding and Uplifting Earthy Blend
Promotes emotional stability and mood enhancement. Grapefruit may assist in healthy weight management. Bergamot alleviates stress and anxiety. Cedarwood addresses tension, coughs, and mucus.
Creating Shower Steamers: A Recipe
Add a steamer to your next shower for a calming aromatherapy session. They also make thoughtful gifts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Active Time: 5 minutes
- Drying Time: 1 day
- Total Time: 1 day, 10 minutes
- Yield: 7 shower steamers
- Author: Katie Wells
Instructions:
- In a glass bowl, mix dry ingredients by hand, wearing gloves. Sift baking soda to eliminate lumps.
- Add essential and castor oil, mix until it resembles wet sand.
- Use a spray bottle with vodka or witch hazel to moisten if too dry, spray twice each time to prevent excess.
- Test by clumping the mixture, it’s ready when it retains shape.
- Firmly press the mixture into molds immediately.
- Allow drying for 24 hours before removing and using.
Notes:
Store in an airtight container like a glass jar away from heat and moisture. Using a mini muffin pan yields 7 steamers; with silicone molds, output varies with mold size.
FAQs: Crafting Shower Steamers
While the ingredients are simple, beginners may face challenges. Here are some tips to make the process smoother:
Achieving the Right Moisture
Citric acid provides fizz, but too much moisture can trigger early activation. 80-proof vodka or witch hazel adds adequate moisture for binding without over-wetting because the alcohol is slightly drying.
Ensuring a Smooth Mixture
Mix powders thoroughly before introducing liquids. Sifting the dry mix helps (Epsom salts excluded).
Using Water Instead of Alcohol
Witch hazel’s alcohol content is crucial; vodka is an alternative. Any alcohol scent fades during drying and is not noticeable when molding.
Preventing Crumbles
Avoid premature mold removal; allow 12-24 hours for drying. Over-wetting with liquid also causes crumbling. In high humidity, reduce vodka or witch hazel, as dry ingredients absorb ambient moisture, adjusting liquid as necessary.
What are your preferred scents for DIY bath or shower products? Have you tried making shower steamers? Leave a comment with your thoughts!
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