How To Make Shower Steamers That Actually Work (for cold and aromatherapy)

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In this post, I will show you how to make aromatherapy shower steamers that actually work! I will also teach you how to make menthol shower steamers for colds. It is pretty easy once you have the right recipes and I have a couple prepared for you 😉

3 different types of DIY shower melts with lavender, citrus and menthol

What I will cover in this post:

What is a shower steamer

How to use them

How to make them, including: 

DIY shower steamers for colds + recipe 

DIY aromatherapy shower steamers + recipe

Detailed instructions on how to make shower steamers of any kind

Save for later:

three different kind of homemade shower steamers

 

What is a shower steamer?

If you like the idea of bath bombs but prefer taking showers, then you will love shower steamers. They are like bath bombs, except that they contain no moisturizing oils for the skin. Instead, they contain a high amount of essential oils or fragrance to provide an awesome aromatherapy experience.

 

How to use shower steamers

Start a shower and get your bathroom nice and steamy. Place a shower steamer on the shower floor. You want your shower fizzie to be out of the direct stream of water, but close enough for little splashes of water to hit it. 

The water will activate the fizzing reaction and release the fragrant essential oils into the air. This will create an amazing aromatherapy session right there in your shower.

Another option is to place your shower fizzy in an organza bag and hang it on the wall. The scent will be stronger this way as it is closer to your nose. 

 

How to make shower steamers

There are two main types of shower steamers: aromatherapy shower steamers and the shower steamers for colds. Both are made in the same way, but the first one is designed to improve your mood and the second one to decongest your nose. In this post, I will show you how to easily make and modify both.

homemade shower melts with menthol and essential oils

 

DIY shower steamers for colds and sinus relief

Menthol shower steamers are great for clearing out sinuses. They are made with sinus-clearing ingredients like menthol, peppermint, and eucalyptus. These ingredients combined with hot shower water create soothing steam that eases coughs and congestion. It is a great way to get relief from the flu or allergies.

The key ingredient in these DIY shower steamers is menthol. It is the strongest ingredient and provides the most relief. If you’re interested, you can read more about using menthol crystals for cough and congestion here

Menthol is often paired with sinus-clearing essential oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint oil. But you can also mix in other essential oils. For example, citrus scents go very well with mint, while lavender could help you relax before bedtime.

Menthol shower steamers for sinus relief

 

Menthol shower steamers recipe

1 cup of Baking soda

1/3 cup Citric acid

1/4 cup of Cornstarch

15 g Menthol crystals

40 drops of Essential oils (20 drops of Peppermint & 20 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil is a classic sinus relief blend)

Witch Hazel or 91% Alcohol in a Spray Bottle

molds (silicone baking molds, large ice cube trays, halves of bath bomb molds and similar)

mica powder for color (optional)

 

Baking soda and citric acid will create a fizzing reaction, while cornstarch will make your fizzy steamers harder. Cornstarch can be substituted with white clay or cream of tartar.

(tutorial on how to make this recipe is at the end of the post)

 

Silver stripes on menthol shower steamers

Take a little container, then mix silver glitter mica and rubbing alcohol. You only need a little bit of rubbing alcohol to reach a creamy consistency. Then, take a little brush, dip it in the mica and brush over the shower steamers.

 

DIY aromatherapy shower steamers

Aromatherapy shower steamers are packed with fragrant essential oils that are released into the hot steam when the steamer is activated. It works like a diffuser turning your shower into an aromatherapy spa.

Making shower fizzies yourself means that you can take full advantage of the aromatherapy benefits. You can customize and use essential oils that match your wishes.

I personally have two favorite aromatherapy essential oil blends that I use in my shower steamers:

“Let’s have things done today” 3  Bergamot : 2 Sweet Orange : 1 Eucalyptus

“Relax” –   3 Sweet Orange : 2 Lavender

If you don’t yet have your own stack of essential oils, have a look at this set of essential oils that includes orange and lavender for relaxing steamers and peppermint and eucalyptus for sinus clearing steamers. It is often cheaper to get sets than separate bottles.

 

Now the important part.

Many DIY shower steamer recipes include the “base” (baking soda, citric acid…) of the shower steamer and essential oils. But, essential oils alone will not create the effect you are expecting.

The title of this post promises to teach you how to make shower steamers that actually work, so I will reveal the secret … 

 

… aromatherapy shower steamers need menthol crystals too!

Why? Menthol crystals amplify the scent of essential oils and help them to get released into the air. This is the only way to make aromatherapy steamers that are strong enough to smell them.

I experimented with using essential oils only and it didn’t work well. I ended up using A LOT of essential oils for a small effect. It was expensive and wasteful.

Purple DIY shower steamer with lavender essential oils made with halves of bath bomb mold
DIY lavender shower steamers

 

DIY aromatherapy shower steamers 

1 cup of Baking Soda

1/3 cup Citric Acid

1/4 cup of Cornstarch

10 g Menthol crystals

60 drops of Essential oils of your choice

Witch Hazel or 91% Alcohol in a Spray Bottle

molds (silicone baking molds, large ice cube trays, halves of bath bomb molds and similar)

mica powder for color (optional)

 

Making shower steamers: detailed instructions

 

1. Start by dissolving your menthol crystals. Place them in a cup and add the essential oils. Essential oils will dissolve the menthol crystals. To make the process faster or if you don’t want to use essential oils, use rubbing alcohol to melt the menthol.

2. In a large bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid and cornstarch.

3. Mix in the dissolved menthol and essential oils.

4. Add color. Just like with bath bombs, it is important to mix all the ingredients well. I always start by mixing with a whisk and finish mixing with hands.

5. The final mixture should resemble damp sand. Squeeze it in your palm. If the mixture stays together, it’s ready. If it crumbles, spray some alcohol/witch hazel, mix and try again.

testing if bath bomb mix is ready

6. Take your molds and pack them tightly with the mixture. Keep the mixture in the mold for a minute and then remove from the mold to dry.

7. Let the shower steamers dry overnight. Make sure they are not exposed to any moisture to prevent citric acid from activating. I like to place some dry rice around my steamers while drying. Rice absorbs moisture allowing my fizzies to dry nicely.

8. Something to be aware of is that some of the scent will disappear while drying. I know. Life is unfair. To compensate for the lost scent, add a couple of drops of essential oils to the finished steamers. Ideally somewhere on the bottom, so it wouldn’t be seen.

9. Once fully dry, your shower steamers are ready to be used. Store them in a dry place. You can keep them in an airtight container.

 

Here is a shorter version of the recipe instructions for printing:

118 thoughts on “How To Make Shower Steamers That Actually Work (for cold and aromatherapy)

  • August 20, 2019 at 9:32 pm
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    I am so glad I found you 🙂
    Now I know why I was losing scent on my bath bombs. Hope we can get the stuff we need down here in Kwazulu Natal!

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙂

    Reply
    • June 4, 2020 at 7:14 am
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      Can you make shower steamers with natural orange juice

      Reply
      • September 28, 2020 at 3:15 am
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        Hi, it is not usually a good idea to use Orange juice as it is a food product and therefore subject to going “off” and/or mould. You can use grated, dried orange peel though or I have used orange or lemon peel powder. Hope this helps.

        Reply
        • December 26, 2020 at 1:23 pm
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          would lemon or orange essential oil work? Thanks

          Reply
          • January 1, 2021 at 11:34 am
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            Thanks so much for this recipe, its awesome! I had trouble with the crystals not dissolving and so I mixed them with the essential oil and microwaved them twice for 30 seconds at a time. Then let them cool for a few minutes while I mixed the dry ingredients. Then I wore rubber gloves and mixed everything by hand which worked really well. I put dry rice on the steamers after I put them in the mold, topped them dry rice to help them harded and let them sit overnight. They came out great!

            Reply
            • March 27, 2021 at 7:02 pm
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              I did also. I used my 94% tubing alcohol to help dissolve… but it still took a good 20-30 min and me stirring and chopping at them! Wondered what else to to as heat breaks down esential oils.

              Reply
            • February 21, 2023 at 11:43 am
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              It would be more beneficial to add the essential oils after cooling, as they are heat activated.

              Reply
              • October 1, 2023 at 4:17 pm
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                hey so, the bag thing you said to hang on the wall with the steamer in it, how does that work if its not getting wet?? just didn’t understand that. & i thought there was going to be a tutorial video at the end?? didnt see it.

                Reply
          • March 27, 2021 at 7:00 pm
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            Yes. I use doTerra’s tangerine. Smells lovely!

            Reply
        • August 13, 2021 at 1:40 pm
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          Hi! This is an awesome tutorial! I ran into the issue of my steamers crumbling overnight while they dry. Do you know how to troubleshoot this?

          Reply
          • December 18, 2022 at 9:08 am
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            You need a bit more liquid

            Reply
        • March 4, 2022 at 1:02 pm
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          So excited to try this recipe! How many steamers will this make?

          Reply
      • April 1, 2021 at 5:11 pm
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        Hello, how long does it take for the menthol to dissolve.

        Reply
    • July 10, 2020 at 3:56 pm
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      Can you put palmers cocoa butter in bath bomb mixture for scent?

      Reply
    • November 28, 2020 at 10:17 am
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      We are having trouble getting the menthol to dissolve. We have added oils plus more oils but still not melting. Any suggestions??

      Reply
      • December 5, 2020 at 3:34 pm
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        I put me menthol Crystal’s with the essential os in the microwave for 5-10 seconds.

        Reply
        • December 14, 2020 at 8:56 pm
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          Hi. Probably a stupid question but will the menthol crystals make every essential combination smell minty?

          Reply
        • January 13, 2023 at 6:06 am
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          please help followed the recipe but the steamers are not holding together. they form the shape but don’t stick together or dry. be day 2 of drying. please help Thank you

          Reply
      • January 14, 2021 at 7:13 am
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        I used a mortar and pestle and crushed the menthol crystals, added the oils and just a bit of witch hazel. Stir and Let it sit a bit.

        Reply
      • January 18, 2021 at 9:40 am
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        Crush the menthol crystals in a little baggie with a rolling pin first!

        Reply
      • May 15, 2021 at 3:44 am
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        I blend my menthol to a powder in a tiny food processor. This makes it much easier to dissolve.

        Reply
    • August 20, 2021 at 8:05 pm
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      Some of my melts melt too quickly, as soon as water hits them. What am I doing wrong?

      Reply
      • December 9, 2022 at 3:19 pm
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        Don’t put them under direct water. Leave in a dryer spot and let the steam get to it.

        Reply
  • September 18, 2019 at 6:04 pm
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    What are mentrol crystals and where can they be purchased?

    Reply
    • September 22, 2019 at 10:18 am
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      Hi Sue, menthol is a compound found in a peppermint essential oil. It is what gives peppermint oil that cooling sensation. When peppermint essential oil is quick frozen, the menthol crystallizes out forming menthol crystals. Menthol crystals are colorless, clear crystals. You can purchase and read more about them here: https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-menthol-crystals.html. They are available on Amazon as well: Menthol crystals

      Reply
      • December 23, 2021 at 11:49 am
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        Hi! For this recipe about how many do you get? I’m making them today and was wondering so I know if I need to double/triple recipe. Thank you!

        Reply
  • October 19, 2019 at 10:25 pm
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    Hi, I have been looking for a good recipe for shower melts and found your post and I will definitely try your shower melts. I just have a few questions:
    1) How much mica powder I should use for each batch?
    2) If I decide to “paint” my melts with silver glitter, I should do this before leaving them out to dry?
    3) In the Relax formula, you wrote 3 – Sweet Orange 2 – Lavender. How do I measure this?
    4) Your link for the silicone molds its not working. I would like to use the same ones you used!
    Thank you!
    Karen

    Reply
    • October 20, 2019 at 9:58 am
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      Hi Karen!
      1) I didn’t measure mica for this recipe. The best way is to start small and add more and more until you get the color you like.
      2) If you want to add just a silver stripe like I did you can do it immediately after you make them. If you want to paint on it or do something more complicated then wait till it dries first. Just like bath bombs, shower steamers are sturdier when dry. It is always a safer option to paint when shower steamers are already dry.
      3) This is a ratio that means that for every 3 drops of sweet orange essential oil you need to add 2 drops of lavender. So for the aromatherapy recipe that calls approx. 60 drops of essential oil, you would add 36 drops of sweet orange and 24 of lavender.
      4) I used bath bomb mold halves for the lavender and a plastic scoop for the others  If you want a similar shape I would recommend checking out this mold. Very nice shape and good size for shower steamers. Check out their video.

      Reply
      • October 21, 2019 at 9:50 am
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        Thank you!! I will test your recipe soon and will let you know!!!

        Reply
        • June 10, 2023 at 10:06 am
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          How do you measure the menthol crystals? With a scale or something else? Considering making these as shower steamers can be a bit pricy & I want to know exactly what’s in the ones I’m using. Thank you

          Reply
  • October 21, 2019 at 10:05 pm
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    Hi,
    I made them. I would like to share my experience:
    1. I used 2 teaspoons of menthol crystals & disolved them in the stove with 10 drops of lavender oil in a glass jar inside a pot with water.
    2. I mixed the dry ingredients and found out that I was short of citric acid so I used a little less than 1/3 cup.
    3. I added 26 more drops of lavender and 24 drops of sweet orange to the mix.
    4. It was very dry so I used witch hazel. I ended up using around 2 tablespoons witch hazel in order to get the texture you sugested, but I still feel it needed more moisture. I just didnt know how much witch hazel was allowed.
    5. They are drying now but one of them crumbled quickly.
    6. They smell amazing!!!!
    Where did I mess up? Maybe it was the citric acid because I used less than what the recipe said?
    I dont want to give up. I want mine to look like your picture! Do you have a video tutorial?
    Sorry to be a pain!
    Thank you!
    Karen

    Reply
    • December 23, 2020 at 6:01 am
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      I found that trying to pack them too much was making them crumbly. I could tell right away they weren’t working. So I dumped everything back into my bowl and tried again… packed firm but not too much and they worked great!

      Reply
  • November 16, 2019 at 7:37 pm
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    Hi! I am excited to make these. How many does your recipe make if you use the mold you suggested?

    Reply
    • December 5, 2019 at 6:43 am
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      I tried this and the recipe for me it made 6. I tried a silicone mold but couldn’t get them to release without breaking so I ended up using an extra small square ziploc container and they turned out really nice. And the indent in the bottom of the container added character. I was afraid the logo etc on the bottom would show up on the steamer, but it didn’t. Great recipe!

      Reply
  • November 21, 2019 at 6:41 am
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    Will the witch hazel or the essential oils activate the fizzing?

    Reply
  • November 21, 2019 at 2:24 pm
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    I live in South Florida, the land of humidity. When drying them, can I put them in an airtight container such as a “Rubbermaid” type bowl with a lid? Can I place them one on top of the other?

    Reply
    • December 12, 2019 at 3:30 am
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      Hi Robin,

      I never tried putting them in a container while they are drying. I only store them like this once dried. but if you are planning to do that, I would suggest to add some dry rice to the bowl. Rice absorbs moisture and helps bath bombs dry better.

      Reply
    • January 4, 2021 at 5:34 pm
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      I also live in South Florida and dried mine in the freezer (about 24 hours). It worked well. It popped out of the silicone mold just fine & held its shape. I put 2 melts in a 4-oz. mason jar as gift for a co-worker and it held together just fine. I stored the extra that I made for myself in larger mason jars – yes, stacked on top of each other in the jar. So far, so good.

      Reply
  • December 9, 2019 at 12:31 pm
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    What if I don’t have menthol crystals available? Is there an alternative?

    Thank you
    Barb

    Reply
    • December 12, 2019 at 3:23 am
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      Hi Barbara,
      There is no direct substitute for menthol crystals. You could try making some with peppermint and eucalyptus since peppermint has some menthol in it. But the effects will be a lot weaker. If you are only making them for yourself, you could make steamers just with essential oils and then also add some drops on them just before using in the shower.

      Reply
    • May 10, 2021 at 11:32 pm
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      I once had no menthol crystals and instead melted Vicks vapor rub in the microwave then used it sparingly with eucalyptus oil for a wonderfully scented shower melt.

      Reply
      • October 22, 2021 at 8:23 am
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        How many cups of mix does this typically recipie make. Or how many Bombs of the size you were doing.

        Reply
  • December 11, 2019 at 10:52 am
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    I followed this recipe in detail, but I had to add about 1/4 cup of witch hazel to make the mixture moist enough to hold together. Then when I pressed it into the silicone molds, it immediately began expanding and rising?? I tried removing one a minute or so after putting them in the molds, but they were full all crumbly. What can I do to remedy this? They look nothing like the ones in the photos.

    Reply
    • December 12, 2019 at 3:19 am
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      Hi Bev,

      1/4 cup is definatelly too much. The mixture expanded in the mold because it was too wet. This might mean that your shower steamer mixture was not sticky enough for some other reason. From my experience it might be due to the citric acid. If you are using a very coarse citric acid that might be the issue. I found that larger granules break down the mixture and don’t allow it to stick that well. Try different citric acid, ideally one that comes in small granules. However, avoid the powder form as it is too sensitive to moisture. Alternatively, you can grind your coarse citric acid in a coffee grinder and use that. I once received a batch of citric acid that was very coarse, didn’t perform well and just didn’t look nice in my bath bombs. Coffee grinder saved it. You will see once you grind it that citric acid becomes sticky on its own. This will really help to make good shower steamers/bath bombs and you will need to use less water.
      The second tip would be to try to mix your mixture for longer. 1/4 cup of liquid is way too much. Sometimes the mixture looks dry because it is not mixed well enough. This is what you could try: mix witch hazel and water (50:50) in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture once or twice depending on the size of the spray bottle, and mix the mixture after each spray. Mix fast and well to make sure moisture is distributed equally. I like to mix with a whip spatula and a little bit with my hands at the end. Continue to spray and mix little by little until your mixture can stick together when squished in your palm.
      I hope these tips will help you! Don’t give up. Experiment with a smaller batch and get a feel of the moisture/stickiness balance that works for your environment. You will get a feel for it and shower steamers will come out great each time 🙂

      Reply
      • December 16, 2022 at 8:56 am
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        Hi everyone,
        I started making Shower Steamers using Witch Hazel but then found a recipe that used isopropyl alcohol. I tried it and have been using it since. I use 99% found in a box of 6 bottles from Costco. It’s very affordable and I don’t have the problem of the steamers starting to activate in the bowl. With all shower steamers, it’s a very fine line between not enough liquid and too much. Slow and steady is the way too go : )

        Reply
    • February 17, 2020 at 10:46 am
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      I had the same experience. was much too try. I bought the citric acid directly from the link provided. Maybe my cornstarch was old? I had to add quite a bit of witch hazel to get it to stick together and now they are puffing out of the mold. totally look nothing like the photo.

      Reply
  • December 17, 2019 at 5:20 pm
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    I used a spray bottle for the witchhazel and followed the directions but mine expanded and became soft..coming from s.c. where we have alot of humidity I just added some more corn starch thinking I t would make up for it,also am leaving it in the molds longer…so far so good..i hope they won’t be too hard.

    Reply
  • December 21, 2019 at 2:42 pm
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    Is 70% isopropyl alcohol adequate? Logic behind 91%.
    Thanks

    Reply
  • December 26, 2019 at 2:39 pm
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    I did make these and while they smelled strong and delicious they did not give off aroma in the shower they just slowly dissolved. Where did I go wrong?

    Reply
  • January 4, 2020 at 2:22 pm
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    Hi!
    Thanks for your wonderful instructions on the shower steamers. I just finished my first batch. phew, those crystals are potent…lol….
    I do have a question though. I bought this cute little silicon mold to make these. I had to take the mix back out of the mold and add more witch hazel to it a few different times. It still crumbled when I tried to remove them. I was about to give up when I remembered reading, maybe it was you ?, how someone had a hard time with the silicon molds. I ended up grabbing a mini muffin tin and put the mixture in that. They came out like a dream! yayyyy Is there a trick to using the silicon? do we have to make the mixture wetter? or leave them in there longer??
    Thanks for sharing all your great instructions and tips!! can’t wait for my shower tomorrow 🙂

    Reply
    • December 5, 2020 at 3:38 pm
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      When using silicone molds it helps to let them dry in them over night! I have done this multiple times and when I get up I take them out of the molds and they hold just fine.

      Reply
      • February 7, 2021 at 6:54 am
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        Thank you! I tried popping them out within a few minutes and had to re-mold and re-mold! I’ll try that next time

        Reply
  • January 4, 2020 at 9:25 pm
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    I tried your recipe to the T. My question is, how many sprays of which hazel.ot alcohol do you use to achieve the consistency you show? I only used 3 sprays of alcohol to achieve the look in your pictures. But if I try to pull them out of the mold after 1 minute as directed, they fall apart. I will leave them in the trays overnight and see how they do. But a measurement is definitely suggested as an update. Also, is there a difference in sprays between WH and alcohol?

    Reply
    • December 15, 2020 at 1:58 pm
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      Having a hard time dissolving the crystals in the essential oils so I’ve added some rubbing alchohol. It’s taking a while still. Also I’m wondering if I will smell the alcohol in the final product…?

      Reply
  • February 14, 2020 at 1:02 pm
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    Hi there!
    My menthol crystals do not seem to be melting as imagined with the essential oil. I’m having to crush as I go, but still chunky. Is there an alternative way to speed up this process if I do not have rubbing alcohol? Thank you!

    Reply
    • April 11, 2020 at 10:02 am
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      I melted them over a double broiler. I put the crystals and oils in a glass bowl and on top of a pot of water. I heated it up and it melted easily this way

      Reply
  • February 17, 2020 at 10:48 am
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    I had the same experience. was much too dry. I bought the citric acid directly from the link provided. Maybe my cornstarch was old? I had to add quite a bit of witch hazel to get it to stick together and now they are puffing out of the mold. totally look nothing like the photo.

    Reply
  • February 23, 2020 at 1:35 am
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    This batch recipe made 6 x 1/2 cup size steamers. How many showers will one steamer last? Only one or several?

    Reply
  • March 25, 2020 at 6:00 am
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    Hi there

    I am looking forward to trying this and thank you for sharing,I am just gathering all my ingredients, I live in Southern Ireland & struggling to find Cornstarch & corn flour the same please,and also I have Isopropyl at 99.8% is that OK to use if necessary.

    Thank you

    Reply
  • May 7, 2020 at 2:51 pm
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    Few things that helped me:
    1) double boiler method to melt menthol.
    2) don’t spray them once in molds. They will start foaming and dry funny.
    3) leave them in the molds for half an hour or hour and they pop right out.

    Reply
  • May 7, 2020 at 2:52 pm
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    Few things that helped me:
    1) heat to melt menthol.
    2) don’t spray them once in molds. They will start foaming and dry funny.
    3) leave them in the molds for half an hour or hour and they pop right out.

    Reply
  • May 9, 2020 at 9:10 am
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    these are very strong on the menthol. has anyone tried a ratio that there is enough menthol to transport the essential oil smell without overpowering the essential oils?

    Reply
    • May 15, 2020 at 8:35 am
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      I tried the recipe just as suggested, and mine are way too strong on the menthol as well. I’d be interested in any suggestions.

      Reply
  • May 10, 2020 at 11:35 pm
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    I can’t get menthol crystals cheaply. $60 for 100g as I can only get it at the chemist, this works out at very expensive shower melts. Is there an alternative to using the menthol crystals? Can something like the soda crystals (sodium carbonate) be used instead? Has anyone done ones that work that don’t have menthol crystals but carry the fragrance well?

    Reply
    • April 8, 2021 at 1:54 pm
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      You can also buy a jar of “Vicks VapoBath.” at any drug store. Got mine at Target.

      Reply
  • May 13, 2020 at 9:07 am
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    Hi. How many small shower bombs will this recipe yield?

    Reply
    • May 17, 2020 at 3:17 am
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      I don’t use this recipe but I make shower steamers and I either use 5grams or 7 grams to make about 15-16 steamers. That seems to be enough to carry the oil. Maybe even less!

      Reply
  • May 13, 2020 at 9:08 am
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    Also, can I use nail acrylic powder as a mica powder substitute??

    Reply
    • May 6, 2021 at 6:23 am
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      You would then be breathing in a acrylic powder chemicals. Prob not a safe idea.

      Reply
  • June 12, 2020 at 9:06 am
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    If you add drops of fragrance oil when they dry because some of the fragrance disappears, can you just wait until they dry and then add all of the fragrance then?

    Reply
    • June 17, 2020 at 9:58 pm
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      Yes, you need the oils to bind the dry ingredients together, they are the “eggs” in a cake mix.

      Reply
  • June 17, 2020 at 9:56 pm
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    Great recipe, I used the oil to dissolve the menthol crystals BUT had to add about 8 squirts of isopropyl alcohol to completely dissolve (I did it at 3-4 squirts a time) This MAY have helped the next phase because after adding the oil/menthol mixture to the dry ingredients it ALMOST began to bind. Instead of using Witches Hazel or Alcohol I used about 40 drops of Glycerin PF and that did the trick. Packed FIRMLY into half an aluminium bath bomb mould and demoulded successfully in about 30 seconds and dried nicely over night. I will try the next batch with 5-7 grams of menthol, 10g was a little overpowering.
    Thanks for the advice.

    Reply
    • July 16, 2020 at 11:20 pm
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      Quick tip..menthol crystals will dissolve at room temp in pure essential oil. I measure both the ingredients into a jar, cover and lightly shake to mix.
      I usually do this the day before I make shower steamers and the menthol has fully dissolved without using heat. I’m always leary of heating my essential oils.

      Reply
  • August 20, 2020 at 9:33 pm
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    Hi, will shower steamers not smell as strong with unmelted menthol crystals? I used this recipe and the smell is only getting up to about 50% strength. I did not melt my crystals to a pure liquid. Also, if you have knowledge on bath bombs and scent? I have looked all over the internet on how to get my bath bombs to smell stronger… this is so frustrating! 🙁 lol

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  • September 19, 2020 at 7:45 am
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    I use food grade silicone spray to treat my clean dry molds between uses. This will help insure your steamers pop out easily. I dry my released steamers / bath bombs on wire mesh cookie racks so air circulates better and with a small fan on LOW speed to help keep air moving gently around them thus speeding up the drying process. HTH – Teri

    Reply
  • November 1, 2020 at 11:15 am
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    10 g of menthol is overpowering. I’m going to try and mask it with more essential oil, but if that doesn’t have to work I’m going to have to throw out this batch. I’ll try 5 g next time.

    Reply
  • November 12, 2020 at 10:43 am
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    Wow ya’all there’s a ton of comments! I am worried about the Mica powder. The reviews on Amazon say that it stains the bathtub and skin. Anyone have this problem? I’d really want to add the mica powder but I don’t want my shower bright green. I love your comments though I will remember everyone’s advice when I make mine!

    Reply
    • March 18, 2021 at 10:57 pm
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      You can use Sunflower Lecithin or Polysorbate 80 so that the Mica doen’t stain the tub!

      Reply
      • April 21, 2021 at 4:18 pm
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        Can you explain how you use this with the mica, like how do you mix. And can you use this for the bathbombs to. Thanks

        Reply
    • April 25, 2021 at 3:15 pm
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      I tried with liquid soap dye and it didn’t stain

      Reply
  • November 14, 2020 at 11:31 pm
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    You can make them (the aromatherapy ones) unscented and add the EO drops before using. Then you can choose any fragrance at any time. HTH

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  • December 5, 2020 at 6:15 pm
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    I just made these and followed the recipe to a T with the exception of the 15g menthol. I used 5g and felt it was perfect 👌.

    Reply
  • December 20, 2020 at 5:28 pm
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    So you know how you can use vicks in shower steamers….are you able to use Aquaphor also???

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  • December 29, 2020 at 3:27 pm
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    These really do work better than several others I’ve tried and even better than store brand ones. I have a question though, I just opened the jar and there are these tiny hairlike silky little pieces growing out of them! Has anyone else experienced this or know what this is??

    Reply
    • May 8, 2021 at 8:42 am
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      I had this happen too, and I came here to see if this happened to anyone else. I think they’re Crystals growing from the dissolved menthol. I wonder if it because I got tired of waiting and there were a few crystals that didn’t dissolve fully, or if it’s because I put a few drops of essential oil on each completed shower steamer before putting them into a sealed container. They don’t bother me. I actually think it’s kind of cool, but I’m playing with recipes to make and sell and I don’t want customers thinking they have gone moldy.

      Reply
  • January 1, 2021 at 11:38 am
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    Thanks so much for this recipe, its awesome! I had trouble with the crystals not dissolving and so I mixed them with the essential oil and microwaved them twice for 30 seconds at a time. Then let them cool for a few minutes while I mixed the dry ingredients. Then I wore rubber gloves and mixed everything by hand which worked really well. I put dry rice on the steamers after I put them in the mold, topped them dry rice to help them harded and let them sit overnight. They came out great!

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  • January 1, 2021 at 6:26 pm
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    Can you use regular glitter instead of Mica Powder?

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  • January 1, 2021 at 6:29 pm
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    Can I use massage oil instead of essential oils

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  • January 2, 2021 at 6:41 am
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    I have ordered the menthol crystals you recommended on Amazon. How do you measure 10 g? What would be the approximate equivalent in tsp.?

    Reply
      • January 23, 2021 at 9:31 am
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        Hello. Is there another equation for the fragrance oils opposed to drops. My fo did not come with a droplet. Wondering if a teaspoon of both would suffice. Thanks

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        • December 28, 2021 at 11:56 am
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          When I did this recipe the 1st time I found the drop to tsp equivalency I think via google. Then, I did the math and purchased a set of metal measuring spoons just to use with essential oils. Each is labeled with the drop equivalency. Yes, I’m a bit of a nerd. My labels read
          1/8 tsp=12 drops
          1/4 tsp=24.5 drops
          1/2 tsp=49 drops
          1 tsp=98.5 drops

          Reply
  • January 16, 2021 at 4:18 am
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    Hello, how long the shower melts last? And how do you store them? Thanks!

    Reply
  • January 25, 2021 at 2:49 pm
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    I use mica powder for color in my shower steamers. They stain my shower. Is ther anything I can do to prevent this? I think they look wierd colorless.

    Reply
    • September 21, 2021 at 6:54 pm
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      I’ve made bath bombs with Polysorbate 80 and it definitely helps to keep the staining to a minimum or no staining! It’s best to look online to see the amount to use! I did see someone had commented about using a different product to prevent/lessen staining. Sunflower something. Polysorbate 80 is used in a lot of beauty supplies and is a great oil for the skin at the time I was using it!

      Reply
  • February 7, 2021 at 10:48 am
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    Just tried this new recipe using menthol crystals. Oh my- 10g is way too much! When I looked up gram to teaspoon equivalency, I found 5 grams = 1.18 tsp. So I used 2.5 tsp menthol! I also used over 50 sprays of witch hazel. Leaving overnight before removing from mold. Hope they pop out easily tomorrow morning. Will start a new batch tomorrow doing the following differently:
    Use only 1 tsp crushed menthol crystals.
    Also- I used 60 drops of essential oils (orange and grapefruit). All I smell is menthol. Any suggestions?
    Thanks fir helping!

    Reply
  • April 9, 2021 at 6:37 pm
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    Do you have a mica powder recommendation that doesn’t stain? How much should be added to the recipe?

    Can food coloring be used instead? If yes, how much?

    Reply
  • April 20, 2021 at 4:52 pm
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    why can’t I print your instructions?

    Reply
  • October 16, 2021 at 12:26 pm
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    I used Press’nseal wrap to put in the molds and when it drys. I pull them off. The Pure Epsom Salt, I use different ones like: Sea Butter & Almond Oil and Vapor Bath. I love this. Thank you!

    Reply
  • October 23, 2021 at 4:37 pm
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    So I’m sure you went see this in time for my current batch to be saved but I’ll try anyways. I accidentally added too much Polysorbate to my recipe. Everything else is measured correctly, will this be a problem? I’m thinking I’ll baby step my liquids in to make sure things aren’t too wet. I also live in the Pacific Northwest so I’m in a pretty humid climate. Hopefully things turn out OK. If not, I’ll come back and let you know!

    Reply
  • November 8, 2021 at 4:35 am
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    Does anybody have a rough cost estimate per shower steamer that this recipe makes if I ordered all the Ingredients from the links provided? (Ingredients only, not the mold). I’m wondering if this is cost effective. Thanks.

    Reply
  • November 8, 2021 at 5:44 pm
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    I know that I am late coming to the party on these amazing steamers,, but I hope someone can help me understand this statement about adding glitter mica stripes and alcohol. How much and what does that mean? Sorry if this is a stupid question

    Reply
    • November 21, 2021 at 9:31 am
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      how much depends on what you want, try a very small .25 of a tsp of mica and spray with alcohol to a liquid consistantsey then paint. This is for decor only

      Reply
  • February 24, 2022 at 2:01 pm
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    My menthol crystals didn’t really melt in 50 drops of essential oils. How do I correct that?

    Reply
  • March 15, 2022 at 2:47 am
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    Hi
    Im looking to make these can you use menthol liquid instead of menthol crystals?
    Thanks Steph
    I normally make bath bombs but never these so want to do them right.

    Reply
    • March 26, 2022 at 12:26 am
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      Why do you put the menthol crystals in like what are they in there for do they help carry the smell better??

      Reply
  • March 26, 2022 at 12:26 am
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    Why do you put the menthol crystals in like what are they in there for do they help carry the smell better??

    Reply
  • March 26, 2022 at 12:00 pm
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    Use a mooncake press. It will change your life with this recipe 🙂

    Reply
  • November 20, 2022 at 5:34 pm
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    I have been trying this recipe since last winter.
    The menthol crystals do not melt at room temperature in essential oils, overnight, even if I crush them first.
    There is no mention of any other liquid, as other recipes call for a bit of water, so my steamers constantly crumble, even after sitting overnight. And before packing my molds, it is the consistency of damp sand as the instructions say.
    I have wasted so many ingredients.
    But I am going to give it one more shot, adding a few drops of water, and we will see what happens.
    I’m also going to try to melt the menthol in alcohol.

    Reply
    • December 18, 2022 at 12:42 pm
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      How did it work out?

      Reply
  • January 9, 2023 at 1:09 pm
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    how much does this recipe make?

    Reply
  • January 26, 2023 at 5:19 pm
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    I had success on round two – needed more alcohol and tightly packed the silicone molds. I found the menthol steamers great but the menthol with lavender were still overwhelmingly menthol. Can I decrease the menthol and still maintain the integrity of the essential oil?

    Reply
  • March 8, 2023 at 2:39 pm
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    Wow, so many negative comments! There has to be a better way to scent your shower or get menthal relief in cold season. I have tried making steamers 4 times, all with Very Poor results too! I swear I’m not doing it again! I saw a Pinterest post for a shower spray with alcohol, distilled water & your EO’s that you mix up & spray in your shower( on plastic shower curtain sound good) & shower away for the same effect! Much Better Idea! Shower steamers are over-rated & frustrating to try to make! Whoever thought of them must have been doing penance for something!

    Reply
  • January 22, 2024 at 2:08 pm
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    Hello, Great Recipe’s Does it have to be 91% Isopropyl can it be a higher percentage like 99%. I am finding it very difficult to find 91%

    Reply

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