DIY Shower Steamers and Melts

DIY Shower Steamers and Melts

Juliette van der Meer

If you live in a water scarce area where baths are a no-no or you just don't have time for one, you can still enjoy all the benefits of bath bombs - in the form of shower melts!

Shower melts are similar to bath bombs in their aromatherapy benefits and similar to foot soaks in that they may also contain detoxing epsom salts. Turn your shower into a healing, aromatherapy session as the calming essential oil vapours merge with the shower steam. Plus, these make lovely gifts!

Shower Melts for Wellness

Essential oils can help relieve tension, stress and improve circulation, among many other benefits. Try the following oils for various uses:

You may also add in teaspoon of menthol crystals to really open up passageways and assist in easier breathing. Combine the menthol crystals with rosemary, lavender, peppermint, lemon or eucalyptus or a blend. For decorative effects, add in some pretty dried flowers.

When using your shower melt (you will only need one at a time), place it towards the back or sides of the shower, not directly in the line of the water or it will fizz away too quickly. Let the shower water gently lap against the shower melt and breathe deeply as the essential oil aromas waft up.

Basic Shower Fizzy Recipe

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Mix the baking soda, Citric Acid and Epsom salts together in a bowl.
  2. Slowly add the water, mixing with your hands until the mixture sticks together when squeezed.
  3. Add the essential oils until you get a good, strong aroma.
  4. Tightly pack into molds or an ice cube tray and leave to dry out for 12 hours.
  5. Rtore in an airtight container.

To use,place in your shower.

Energising Citrus Shower Bomb

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Combine the water and essential oils together.
  2. Add to the arrowroot powder, Citric Acid, baking soda and Epsom salt mixture and mix in by hand. You may need to add more water until a crumbly texture forms.
  3. Pack into molds or use an ice cube tray and dry out overnight.

If you accidentally add too much water and the shower bombs ‘melt’, you can store them in the freezer until you are ready to use them.

Quick & Calming Lavender Shower Melts

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Mix together the lavender oil, cornstarch and Epsom salts then add the water. You will need to add extra water to form a thick paste, but do so gradually.
  2. Once you have a paste, pour into ice cube trays or molds and freeze until set.
  3. As long as you didn’t use too much water, you may remove the melts from the molds and store in an airtight container.

To use,place a melt on your shower floor and enjoying the calming lavender aroma. 

Almond, Milk and Honey Melts

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Melt the mango butter, almond oil and honey together gently.
  2. Stir in the powdered milk.
  3. Roll into tight balls and roll in extra milk powder for a decorative effect.

Let your feet enjoy the good-for-skin lactic acid in the milk powder as you inhale the soothing honey aroma. These melts can also be used in a bath or foot soak.
Place the shower melts in a mason jar or other large-ish jar, tie some ribbon or string around the lid and add a tag for a stunning gift.

Bath Bomb Ingredients

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Juliette van der Meer

Fascinated with all things Nature, Science, Chemistry and Cosmetic Formulation; slave to four cats; my sweet tooth fuels my sweet nature.

I like to constantly learn new things. I also love crime series, which is totally not a red flag :)

I graduated from Rhodes University with a Degree in Geology but later switched to Cosmetic Science and haven't looked back - proof that flipping your life around can lead to much happiness.

BSc Hons, Adv. Dip. Cosmetic Science


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4 comments

Hi there Tyler,

Thanks for reaching out!

Don’t worry, this is a very common hiccup when making shower fizzies :)
The swelling and endless fizzing usually happen when too much water is added too quickly, which sets off the reaction between the citric acid and baking soda before the mixture has a chance to set in the moulds.

Here are a few troubleshooting tips for next time:
- Add water more slowly – just a spritz at a time using a spray bottle works best. This helps evenly moisten the mix without activating it.
- Mix quickly but gently – as soon as you see or hear fizzing, pause and mix until it stops before adding more water.
- Check humidity – if the air is very damp, it can cause premature fizzing. Working in a drier room or adding the water more sparingly can help.
- Consistency check – you only want the mixture damp enough to hold together when squeezed, like wet sand. If it feels soggy, it’s too wet.

If your mixture is already expanding, unfortunately it means the reaction has started. You can still crumble up the fizzies and use them as a bath soak so nothing goes to waste.

I hope that helps – and wish you all the best on your next try!

Kindest regards,
Essentially Natural Support

Aiden

I have tried making this shower fizz (the basic recipe), and mine just won’t stop fizzing and swelling. It’s swollen over the moulds, on the tray below and just keeps growing. What have I done wrong?

Tyler

Hi there Shirley,

You are 100% correct – thanks a million for catching that!

I’ll give it a quick fix. :)

Kind Regards,
Essentially Natural Support

Aiden

Hello. I see you mention citric acid in the above shower bomb recipes but fail to mention when it is added? I assume at the same time as the epsom salts and baking soda?

Many thanks, Shirley

Shirley

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