by Jenn |
Last Updated: January 4, 2018 When you buy something using the links on our posts, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
Are you suffering from coughs, colds, or the flu? If you are, welcome to the club! These awesome DIY shower soothers will give you relief from the awful congestion you’re suffering through.
Shower soothers are basically bath bombs. However, they’re special because they’re infused with menthol or peppermint/eucalyptus essential oils. The result? When you take a shower and the hot water hits the shower soothers you’ve placed on the floor, these fizzy little things will release fragrant and soothing essential oils.
They’re especially effective for stuffiness and congestion, and are a fun way to help little ones who are having trouble breathing.
The great thing with whipping up your own batch is that you can make sure they’ll be dye and artificial chemical-free. You can make these shower soothers for pennies on the dollar, and we’ll walk you through an easy step-by-step guide so you can make your own shower soothers.
How to Make DIY Shower Soothers
Via gymcraftlaundry
Ingredients and Supplies
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1/2 cup of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup Citric Acid
- 1/4 cup of Epsom Salt (optional)
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup of water
- 15 drops or 1/2 teaspoon Eucalyptus or Peppermint essential oil
- Silicone Liners, Soap Molds, or Plastic Easter Egg
Shower Soother Recipe
- Start by putting your baking soda, cornstarch, citric acid, and your optional Epsom salt into a large bowl. Mix until they’re blended evenly.
- Next, add water slowly. You might see some clumping and fizzing so make sure you add your water gradually. It is a good idea to start with the 1/3 of a cup first and mix it into your cornstarch and baking soda mixture. You want to end up with a crumbly mixture, and this may require slightly more water.
- Before you add the last of your water, mix in your 15 drops of essential oil(s) to the remaining water. You may want to add only 1/4 of a teaspoon to your first shower soother so you can see how strong you like your essential oil scents to be. Once your essential oil(s) are mixed into the water, add it to your baking soda mixture.
- When you’ve added the last of your water and essential oil(s), you can mix it with your hands until you get a crumbly mixture. When your mixture is crumbly, you can get your molds ready. Silicone liners or soap molds work very well, but you can also use plastic Easter eggs to mold your shower soothers. The silicone molds should make it easier to remove your finished soothers.
- Start packing your mixture into your molds. When you’re finished, let your soothers dry for 12 hours. You can just set them on a counter and leave them. When they’ve dried, pop them out of your mold and store them in a sterile jar.
- To use your soother, just place it on the floor of your shower with the hot water running, and the vapor will help to reduce any congestion you or your kids may be having due to the cold.
Why Each Ingredient is Important in Your DIY Shower Soother
Baking Soda
Baking soda is the base of your soother that you build your recipe from. It provides a binding agent, and it also adds fizz when the shower water hits it.
Cornstarch
Your cornstarch will also act as another binding agent that helps to hold your concoction together. In addition to this, it will give your shower soother a silky feel as it dissolves in the water.
Citric Acid
The fizzing and bubbling effect that you get when you drop your creation into the bath is just straight up fun. This is due to the citric acid in your recipe. And if you’ve got kids with you, they’ll surely enjoy watching it fizz.
Epsom Salt
This ingredient is optional, but Epsom salt has been used for years as a way to relax and soothe tired and achy muscles. As these are shower soothers and not bath bombs, you don’t have to add this ingredient, but if you’re considering dropping your shower soother into a bath, the salts will work to soothe your muscles.
Essential Oil
Essential oils are an excellent aromatherapy agent, and by putting them into your shower soothers, you’ll reap the benefits. The steam from your shower will make your essential oil scents rise and clear your congestion.
Water
Water will bring all of your dry ingredients together, and it’ll help them hold their shape as they dry.
Molds
Your molds will hold your ingredients together in shape as they dry. This will help you get a solid shape to place in the bottom of your shower.
Watch A Video
If you’re the type to learn from seeing another person do the steps, watch this video on how to make these bath bombs. The ingredients are slightly different so you get an alternative recipe. The basic principle is the same though.
Author: Jenn Miller
Don’t be fooled by her innocent baby face. Jenn’s a demanding shopper who WILL push each and every beauty product to its limit.