DIY Aromatic Shower Steamers: A Spa Experience at Home

Aromatic shower steamers are a simple, beautiful way to turn an ordinary shower into a spa-like escape. Depending on the essential oils you choose, they can promote relaxation, stress relief, or provide a much-needed energy boost.

We’ve all seen those gorgeous, individually wrapped shower steamers in stores—luxurious, yes, but also pricey. The good news? They’re incredibly easy to make at home, smell amazing, and make perfect gifts for friends and family.

My Go-To Method

I like to use small silicone molds—think candy molds or ice cube trays. The smaller size means:

• You get more steamers per batch

• They’re the perfect single-use portion

• They fit beautifully into jars or gift sets

Aesthetics vs. Practicality

When I’m gifting or just feeling a little extra, I’ll decorate the tops with dried lavender buds, rose petals, or mint. It adds a lovely handmade touch and elevates the presentation.

But—real talk—for everyday use?
I skip the botanicals. I’ve learned that colored sugar sprinkles (like the kind used for decorating cookies) are a fun, no-mess alternative. They add a pop of color without leaving plant debris behind in your shower. No clogged drains. No extra cleanup. Just good vibes.

Want vibrant steamers? Use a tiny amount of skin-safe mica powder to color them- just don’t go overboard. Add it into the dry ingredients for a little sparkle throughout or add a pinch to the top of the mold before filling.

Here's my recipe to make both relaxing and energizing shower steamers.

• 1 cup Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

• ½ cup Citric Acid

• Water or Witch Hazel (in a spray bottle)

• 25-30 drops Essential Oils (see blends below)

• Optional: Dried herbs (lavender, mint, rose petals), mica powder for color

  Molds: Silicone molds

Relaxing Shower Steamers

Perfect for evening showers, stress relief, and winding down.

Essential Oil Blend Ideas:

• Lavender – 15 drops

• Roman Chamomile – 5 drops

• Clary Sage – 10 drops

Add-Ins:

• Dried lavender buds

• Soft purple or blue mica for a calming visual touch

Energizing Shower Steamers

Great for morning routines, boosting focus, or clearing sinuses.

Essential Oil Blend Ideas:

• Peppermint – 15 drops

• Eucalyptus – 10 drops

• Lemon or Sweet Orange – 5 drops

• Optional: Ginger or Rosemary

Add-Ins:

• Dried mint leaves

• Bright yellow or green mica powder

Cheery Shower Steamers

Great for morning routines, boosting energy, and adding a little sunshine to your day

Essential Oil Blend:

• Grapefruit - 10 drops

• Sweet Orange - 10 drops

• Bergamot - 5 drops

Add-Ins:

• Bright yellow mica powder for a sunny, happy hue

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine baking soda and citric acid. Stir until fully blended.

2. Drop in your selected essential oils and mix well to distribute the fragrance.

3. If using botanicals, place a small pinch in the bottom of each mold cavity.

4. Lightly spritz the mixture with witch hazel or water, mixing after each spray.
   You're aiming for a texture like damp sand—it should hold together when squeezed.
   Tip: Go slowly to avoid fizzing too early!

5. Firmly press the mixture into your molds. Leave a little room at the top, as it may expand slightly while drying.

6. Let the steamers dry in the molds for 12–24 hours or until fully hardened.

7. Pop them out of the molds and store in an airtight container to preserve their scent and shape.

How to Use:

1. Turn on your shower and let the water warm up.

2. Place a steamer on the floor of the shower, out of direct water flow but where it will get splashed.

3. As it fizzes and dissolves, the essential oils release into the steam, filling your shower with aromatic bliss.

4. After your shower, remove any leftover botanicals to to keep your drain clear and prevent mildew.

Final Thoughts

Making your own shower steamers is a simple, creative, and cost-effective way to bring a little luxury into your daily routine. Whether you’re mixing up a relaxing blend for bedtime or a zesty citrus boost for your morning shower, you get to choose exactly what goes into each one—your scents, your style, your vibe.

So go ahead—make a batch, step into the steam, and let your shower work its magic.

Tried it? I’d love to hear how your shower steamers turned out!

Did you go relaxing or energizing? Fancy botanicals or simple and practical?

Leave a comment or tag me on IG @inspiredwellnesswith barb with a picture of your creation.

Let’s inspire each other ~Barb