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Cold and flu season always seems to sneak up on us, and when it does, even the smallest comforts can make a world of difference. One of our favourite ways to cope and create a soothing spa-like moment is with peppermint and eucalyptus shower steamers. These two powerhouse essential oils are widely loved for their refreshing aroma and their naturally cooling, clarifying qualities - especially helpful when you’re feeling stuffy or sluggish.
Unlike bath bombs, shower steamers are designed specifically for aromatherapy. As the warm water and steam build in your shower, the essential oils slowly release into the air, creating a therapeutic vapour that can help you breathe deeper and relax more fully. Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which provides a cooling sensation, while eucalyptus oil offers that crisp, invigorating scent known for supporting clear breathing.
The best part? Shower steamers are so easy to make at home. With just five ingredients and a sturdy mold (a muffin tin works perfectly!), you can whip up a batch in minutes. These steamers harden quickly, dry beautifully, and make thoughtful, practical gifts during the winter months. Keep a few in your bathroom cabinet so you’re always ready when cold season hits.
Let’s get making!
Ingredients:
- 900 gr Baking Soda
- 450 gr Citric Acid
- 25 gr Peppermint Essential Oil
- 25 gr Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 10 gr Witch Hazel
Optional:
- Mica and Isopropyl Alcohol (99%) for Painting
- Scale
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Gloved Hands (work best for mixing)
- Metal Mold (ie. Muffin tin or similar)
- Large Spoon
-
Hard Surface for drying (ie. Baking Sheet or Cutting Board)
- Safety Equipment (Gloves, Protective Eyewear, Mask)
- Optional: Paintbrushes and small containers if painting
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add baking soda and citric acid. Mix very well to break up any clumps.
Step 2: Add essential oils. Pour in the peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils and mix thoroughly to evenly disperse the scent.
Step 3: Slowly incorporate witch hazel. Drizzle in the witch hazel very slowly while mixing quickly. Witch hazel will activate the citric acid, causing the mixture to firm up fast - so work with purpose!
- If the mixture is too dry and won’t clump, add a tiny bit more.
- If it begins expanding or develops raised bumps, you’ve added a touch too much.
Step 4: Fill your mold. Transfer the mixture into a hard mold such as a metal muffin tin. Press firmly - really pack it in - to ensure dense, smooth steamers. Move quickly as the mixture continues to harden.
Step 5: Unmold. Once the shower steamers are packed in, they are immediately ready to be unmolded. Flip the tin over onto a hard surface (such as a cookie sheet or cutting board. Pro tip: place the hard surface on top of the mold and then flip them both together - that way, there's no chance of the steamers falling out while you flip). Then tap the back/top of the mold with a large spoon. Shower steamers should release easily and already feel surprisingly solid.
Step 6: Dry. Allow the steamers to air-dry for 24–48 hours before packaging or using.
Step 7: Optional: Paint them! For an elevated look, you can paint your steamers using mica and 99% isopropyl alcohol, just like you would with bath bombs. If you’re new to painting bath products, check out our blog post: “10 Tips for Painting Bath Bombs” for guidance. If you do paint your steamers, ensure you wait another 24 hours before handling or packaging them.
Instructions for Use:
To enjoy your shower steamers, simply place one on the floor of your shower outside of the direct stream of water, but close enough that a little splash reaches it. As it slowly dissolves, the peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils will release into the steam, creating a refreshing aromatherapy experience - perfect for cold season or morning wake-ups!
Storage & Cautions:
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place to maintain scent and hardness.
- Use within 3 months for the best performance and most vibrant aroma.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- For adult use only.
- Do NOT use in the bath. Shower steamers contain concentrated essential oils and are not formulated for soaking in water.
- If irritation occurs, discontinue use. Avoid direct contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
We hope you try this recipe to make your own shower steamers! If you do, be sure to tag us on our socials @fizzfairykrazycolours as we love seeing and sharing what you create!
- Lindsay at Fizz Fairy
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*All of the above content is original and belongs to Fizz Fairy Inc. If you would like to use any of this content, we ask that you please give us credit!*
