How to Make Menthol Shower Steamers at Home
If you’ve ever caught a cold and wished for instant sinus relief, menthol shower steamers are your new best friend. They turn an ordinary shower into a soothing, spa-like aromatherapy experience that clears congestion, refreshes your senses, and helps you breathe easier — all without any fancy tools.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make menthol shower steamers at home using simple ingredients you can find online or in most craft stores.
What Are Shower Steamers?
Shower steamers (also called shower bombs or shower tablets) are small, fizzy pucks made from baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils.
Unlike bath bombs, you don’t drop them in a tub — you place them on your shower floor, just outside the direct stream of water. As they dissolve, they release menthol vapors and essential oils into the steam.
Perfect for:
- Congestion and sinus relief
- Morning energy boost
- Relaxation after a long day
Why Menthol?
Menthol crystals are derived from peppermint oil and create that familiar cooling, clearing sensation you know from cough drops and vapor rubs.
When used in the shower, they open your airways and help relieve nasal congestion — making them ideal during allergy season or colds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Baking soda | 1 cup | Base of the steamer; controls fizz |
| Citric acid | ½ cup | Creates fizzing reaction with water |
| Cornstarch | ½ cup | Binds ingredients and slows fizz |
| Menthol crystals | 2 tbsp (adjust to strength) | Provides cooling and decongestant effect |
| Essential oils | 20–30 drops | Add scent and therapeutic benefits |
| Water or witch hazel (in spray bottle) | As needed | Helps bind the mixture |
| Silicone mold | — | Shapes your steamers |
Best Essential Oil Combinations
Here are some tried-and-true scent blends for menthol shower steamers:
- Sinus Relief: Peppermint + Eucalyptus + Menthol
- Relax & Breathe: Lavender + Menthol + Tea Tree
- Morning Energy: Lemon + Peppermint + Menthol
- Winter Wellness: Rosemary + Eucalyptus + Menthol
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt Menthol Crystals
- Place your menthol crystals in a heat-safe bowl.
- Add a few drops of essential oils and gently melt them over a bowl of hot water (double boiler method).
- Stir until dissolved.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup citric acid
- ½ cup cornstarch
Whisk well to remove lumps.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Pour in your melted menthol and essential oil mix.
- Spray small amounts of water or witch hazel while mixing — just enough for the texture to feel like damp sand.
- It should clump when squeezed but not fizz yet.
Step 4: Mold the Steamers
- Press the mixture firmly into silicone molds (round, heart, or cube shapes all work).
- Let them dry for at least 24 hours at room temperature, or bake at 175°F (80°C) for 15–20 minutes to speed up drying.
Step 5: Store Properly
- Once hardened, remove from molds.
- Store in an airtight jar or tin, away from moisture.
They’ll last up to 3 months if stored correctly.
How to Use a Shower Steamer
- Run your shower and let it get nice and steamy.
- Place one steamer on the floor, just outside the direct stream of water.
- Enjoy as the steam carries menthol and essential oil vapors through the air.
Optional Additions
- Colorants: Use mica powder or natural colorants (spirulina, turmeric) for color.
- Decorations: Add dried herbs like eucalyptus leaves or lavender buds.
- Extra fizz: Increase citric acid slightly for a stronger reaction.
