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This simple shower melts recipe is made with common household ingredients and infused with essential oils. What a great way to deliver a luxurious fragrance to relax the body and mind!
This post was published in September 2018 and updated in September 2022.
Admittingly, my ultra-relaxing night would be a long hot tea bath with salts, oils, and candles. I’d have a good book in hand, and the kids would be sound asleep.
The scenario above is more of a fantasy in this household, and while I do share a number of bath bomb recipes and foot bath recipes, more often than not, I don’t have time for such luxury!
So if, like me, you don’t have time for a bath, these homemade shower melts for the shower are the next best thing. ย
Using essential oils in your shower will deliver the same benefits of aromatherapy as a bath bomb but can be squeezed into your busy daily schedule.
What are shower steamers?
Is a shower steamer the same as a shower melt? A homemade shower bomb? While there are a TON of different variations and uses for these different recipes, the names are used interchangeably.
They are little tablets or balls that dissolve in water and release a beautiful aroma.
Unlike bath bombs, which generally contain some moisturizing benefits, shower melts are infused with essential oils or some other ingredients to release therapeutic scents.
So let us dive in, shall we?
How to make shower steamers
This recipe will make around 15-20 shower melts, depending on the size of your molds. I’ll link the ones I used in the recipe card below!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1/2 cup sea salt or Epsom salt
- 20-25 drops of essential oils (see blends below)
- Water (about 2-3 teaspoons)
Shower melts recipe
- Combine baking soda and salt into a glass bowl.
- Add water slowly, start with about 2 teaspoons and stir well. Continue adding a splash of water at a time and mixing in.
- You are looking for the consistency of damp sand. You should be able to squeeze the melt, and it holds its shape.
- Finally, add in your essential oils and transfer them to the silicone molds.
- Pack each mold tightly to ensure there are no air bubbles.
- Allow the shower tablets to dry completely before removing them from the molds; about 48 hours.
Store in a basket out of direct sunlight. I store mine under my vanity.
For the best results, use within one month. If you don’t use them within a month (which you will), you can add 1-2 drops of essential oil on top of the shower melt before use.
How to use shower steamers
Place one essential oil melt on the floor of the shower away from the stream of water.
Do not place it directly under the stream of water, or it will melt rapidly.
Inhale and reap the benefits!
My favorite shower melt blends
Calming and Relaxing
Use this blend at night time before bed to help relax and to promote a healthy night’s sleep.
- 8 drops of lavender essential oil
- 6 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 4 drops of roman chamomile essential oil
- 2 drops of vetiver essential oil
Uplifting and Invigorating
Use this melt in the morning for a natural energy boost.
- 8 drops of wild orange essential oil
- 6 drops of lemon essential oil
- 4 drops of tangerine essential oil
- 2 drops of grapefruit essential oil
Anxious and Worried
Use this blend to help ground the emotions and relax the mind.
- 8 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 6 drops of patchouli essential oil
- 4 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
- 2 drops of juniper berry essential oil
Congested and Stuffy
A steamy shower with essential oils can promote clear and easy breathing; use this melt when congested and stuffy. Or try out these simple-to-make DIY shower vapor disks.
- 8 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 6 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 4 drops of lime essential oil
- 2 drops of cardamom essential oil
Focus and Energy
Use this melt before heading off to work or school to stimulate the brain, aid memory, and promote healthy brain function.
- 8 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 6 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 4 drops of lime essential oil
- 2 drops of sandalwood essential oil
Sick and Tired
Use this melt to boost the immune system when you aren’t feeling well.
- 8 drops of wild orange essential oil
- 5 drops of clove essential oil
- 3 drops of cinnamon essential oil
- 3 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
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Shower steamer DIY
This shower steamer DIY uses aromatherapy to disperse essential oils for a number of reasons, as outlined below.
By using these shower steamer tablets, you can reap the benefits without taking any extra time from your busy schedule.
Depending on the blend of essential oils you choose, your shower melts can:
- Boost energy
- Promote healthy breathing
- Boost the immune system
- Help with seasonal threats
- Relax and calm the body
- Destress the mind
- Reduce anxious feelings
- Promote a healthy night’s sleep
- Uplift the mood
- Help with focus and concentration.
Bathtime for kids
Do your kids love bathtime as much as you do? Or maybe bathtime is a struggle? If so, they may enjoy these rainbow bath bombs for kids using gentle ingredients.
I hope this post was helpful and you enjoy making these essential oil shower melts. I know we love them, and I hope you do too!
Have you tried essential oil shower melts before? What did you love about them? I’d love to hear from you!
More of My Favorite Recipes:
- How to make Rose Bath Salts
- Ultimate Relaxing Bath Bombs
- Moisturizing Bath Truffles Recipe
- How to make fizzing Bath Salts
- Homemade Bath Bombs without Coconut Oil
Shower Melts Recipe
Equipment
- Silicone molds
- Storage container
Ingredients
- 1 cup of baking soda
- ยฝ cup of sea salt or epsom salt
- 20-25 drops of essential oils, see blends above
- 2-3 tsp of water
Instructions
- Combine baking soda and salt into a glass bowl.
- Add water slowly, start with about 2 teaspoons and stir well. Continue adding a splash of water at a time and mixing in.ย
- You are looking for the consistency of damp sand. You should be able to squeeze the melt and it holds its shape.
- Finally, add in your essential oils and transfer them to the silicone molds
- P๏ปฟack each mold tightly to ensure there are no air bubbles.
- A๏ปฟllow the shower tablets to dry completely before removing them from the molds; about 48 hours.
Found this a few weeks ago.
After my mother in law bought me stupid expensive shower bombs for Christmas, I feel in love with them but not the price.
Depending on the mold you use, these last sooo much longer.
I have been experimenting with smells and so far my favorite is 10 drops lemongrass, 10 drops sweet orange and 5 drops of ginger. So refreshing in the am!
I am so glad you are enjoying the recipe!
How many melts does this recipe make?
15-20, depending on the size of the mold you use.
Definitely making these for my daughter & daughter-in-law for stocking stuffers – what a great idea!!!
I’m definitely going to be making these!
Thanks for the concise instructions. ๐
I am not finding the link for the mold. What size mold do you make?
After turning on the hot shower, simply shake 5 to 10 drops of bergamot or other oil and get the same relaxing effect! No need for melts. I also like tea tree oil.
(Onto the shower floor, far away from the direct spray)
Great idea!
I attempted this recipe and could not get the melts to hold shape after ~48 hours of drying. They completely crumbled when I removed them from the silicon molds. Any suggestions are appreciated!
You probably have the wrong consistency, if you get the water and powder ratio off this can happen.