DIY Shower Steamers With Lavender & Eucalyptus – Refreshing Recipe

I’ve made aromatherapy shower steamers with essential oils several times. This time, I wanted to experiment with herbs and essential oils.

Eucalyptus leaves and lavender buds are one of the most calming and refreshing combinations for everyday use.

I love the way these turned out! The best part? These DIY shower steamers are easy to make and use.

What Are Shower Steamers?

Shower steamers are also known as shower bombs, shower tablets, or shower fizzies. At their core, shower steamers are compact discs (or squares) made from a blend of simple, natural ingredients, including baking soda, Epsom salt, essential oils, and other natural add-ins.

What sets shower bombs apart from regular bath bombs is that they’re not formulated to be fully immersed in water or to come in direct contact with skin. Instead, they sit on the shower floor or a shelf.

As the water splashes and the disc dissolves, it releases fragrant steam that fills your shower with soothing aromas.

These little aromatic bombs are perfect for anyone who prefers showers over baths but still wants to enjoy a little aromatherapy-inspired luxury. Think of them as a simple way to elevate your everyday shower into something more indulgent and spa-like.

Why Lavender and Eucalyptus Are an Ideal Pairing for Shower Bombs

Some scents just naturally complement each other, and lavender and eucalyptus are one of those perfect pairings.

Eucalyptus has a crisp, cooling aroma that feels clean and refreshing, almost like stepping into a spa.
Lavender, on the other hand, carries a soft floral sweetness that feels comforting and serene.

When combined, the two create a balanced fragrance that feels both uplifting and soothing.

The eucalyptus keeps the blend fresh and invigorating, while the lavender adds a calming touch.

Together, they make shower steamers that can feel energizing in the morning yet relaxing enough to enjoy in the evening—a versatile duo that fits any time of day.

DIY Shower Steamer Ingredients

To make these lavender and eucalyptus shower steamers, you only need a few simple ingredients:

1/2 cup Baking Soda – The foundation of most shower steamer recipes, responsible for that satisfying, slow fizz when the shower bomb comes in contact with water.

1/2 cup Epsom Salt – Adds a gentle texture, helps the tablet hold its shape, and supports the fizzing action.

2 tablespoons Dried Eucalyptus Leaves – Bring a natural, refreshing aroma and a pretty touch of green.

2 tablespoons Dried Lavender Flowers – Add a gentle floral fragrance and look beautiful sprinkled into the mixture.

20 drops Essential Oils – Infuses the shower cublicle with your favorite scents. For example, 10 drops each of lavender and eucalyptus essential oils bring a relaxing and refreshing vibe.

1/2 tablespoon Water – Helps bind everything together. You can also use witch hazel in a spray bottle for better control.

1/4 cup Citric Acid – (optional for fizzing)

Silicone Mold – To shape the steamers. Choose any mold you like—rounds, squares, or even seasonal shapes for gifting.

How To Make Shower Steamers: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Grind the Herbs

Grind the eucalyptus leaves and lavender buds to a fine powder in a food processor. Your homemade shower steamers will hold their shape better when the herbs are ground down to a powder.

Grinding the herbs to a fine powder also gives you a more potent scent and makes cleanup easier as there won’t be any residue left on the shower floor.

Step 2: Combine the Epsom Salt & Baking Soda

Add the baking soda and Epsom salt to a large mixing bowl. Stir until both ingredients evenly blended.
This forms the base of your shower steamers and ensures a good fizz when they come in contact with water.

Take a moment to break up any clumps so the mixture stays smooth.

Step 3: Gently Fold in the Dried & Powdered Botanicals

Add the dried and powdered eucalyptus leaves and lavender flowers to the Epsom salt and baking soda mix.

These dried botanicals create a natural, decorative look in the finished steamers and also release natural aromas when activated by the steam.

Stir well but gently to distribute the botanicals evenly throughout the mixture so every steamer has a little pop of color and texture.

Step 4: Blend in the Essential Oils

If you’re using essential oils, now is the time to add them. Eucalyptus and lavender essential oils work best for this shower steamer recipe, but you can adjust the scent profile by adding different oils such as peppermint or rosemary.

Start with 10-15 drops of each, mixing well as you go. Adjust the amount to your preference.

Use a wooden spoon or glass stirrer to mix the oil into the dry ingredients so the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Stir thoroughly to avoid any concentrated spots of oil.

Step 5: Moisten the Mixture

This step requires precision. Using a spray bottle, slowly spritz the mixture with water or witch hazel, a little at a time, stirring constantly.

You’re aiming for a texture that is similar to that of damp sand. It should be just moist enough to hold its shape when pressed into a mold.

Be careful not to add too much water, as it will not harden properly, and the mixture may start fizzing prematurely.

Step 5: Fill the Silicone Molds

Spoon the mixture into your silicone molds or ice cube trays.

Press the contents down firmly into each mold with your fingers or the back of a spoon to ensure each steamer is tightly packed. The tighter you pack the mixture, the better it will hold together when it dries.

Tip: Sprinkle a few extra lavender buds or eucalyptus leaves into the bottom of the mold first for a pretty finish on top when you unmold the shower fizzies.

Step 6: Let the Shower Bombs Dry in the Mold

Set the filled molds aside in a cool, dry place for at least 24 hours. This drying time allows the steamers to harden completely so they don’t crumble when removed.

The longer you leave them to dry, the harder they’ll become, making them last longer in the shower.
Avoid moving the molds during this time, as the mixture can still be fragile.

Step 7: Remove and Store

Once dry, gently pop the shower steamers from the molds. Store them in an airtight container to prevent moisture from activating them early and to preserve their fragrance.

Store the tightly closed container in a cool spot until you’re ready to use one. Do not store shower steamers in the bathroom.

DIY Shower Fizzies – Troubleshooting Tips

Problem: The Mixture Is Too Crumbly

If your mixture falls apart when pressed into the mold, it’s too dry. Add a few more spritzes of water or witch hazel, but go slowly. A little water can make all the difference, but too much can make it too squishy, and they will take longer to dry.

The texture should feel like damp sand that holds its shape when squeezed in your hand.

Problem: The Steamers Started Fizzing in the Bowl

This happens if too much liquid is added too quickly.

The best fix is prevention: always spritz lightly while stirring gently. If it does start fizzing, try pressing the mixture firmly into molds anyway. Sometimes the mixture will still set, though the discs may not fizz as much when used in the shower.

Problem: Steamers Crumble When Unmolding

If the shower bombs crumble when you pop them out of the mold, they either didn’t dry long enough or weren’t packed firmly enough.

Pack the mixture more tightly into the mold and let it sit another 12–24 hours.

Problem: Uneven Texture or Lumpy Appearance

Lumps can form if dried flowers or leaves aren’t ground up enough, or if liquids aren’t fully mixed in.

Grind the dried lavender and eucalyptus leaves into a fine powder before adding, and mix the dry ingredients well before adding the wet ingredients or oils.

After adding water, mix the ingredients well until you have a consistent texture without lumps or dry spots.

Problem: Steamers Won’t Release from the Mold

If they feel stuck, place the mold in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. This helps them pop out more cleanly without breaking. Silicone molds are easiest to use because they are flexible, making removal much smoother.

Homemade Shower Steamer Customization Ideas

Customizing homemade aromatherapy shower steamers is an easy way to create an assortment for gifting or to add variety to your shower sessions.

Experiment With Different Essential Oil Blends

Swap lavender and eucalyptus for other favorites or mix and match. Peppermint adds a cool, energizing twist, while sweet orange or lemon gives a bright citrus note.

Use a blend of peppermint and citrus for a quick energy boost during your morning shower. Use a blend of lavender and chamomile to help you unwind during your evening shower.

Add a Touch of Natural Color

A pinch of mica powder or a little clay (like rose clay or green clay) gives your shower steamers a subtle tint. Add a pinch of beetroot or spirulina powder for pastel tones and turmeric for golden yellow. These are all natural, nontoxic dyes.

This makes them extra pretty for gifting, without changing how they fizz.

Experiment with Botanicals

Botanicals add texture, visual appeal, and lovely fragrance to your homemade shower bombs.
Besides lavender and eucalyptus, consider using:

• Crushed rose petals for a floral note
• Dried mint leaves for extra freshness
• Calendula petals for a sunny color pop

Grind each botanical to your preferred texture, from fine powder to small flecks. This helps the ingredients blend easily and deliver the most scent when dissolved in the steam.

Play with Shapes and Sizes

DIY shower steamers don’t have to be round or square. Choose a silicone mold shape that adds some fun – flowers, hearts, stars, or seasonal shapes like snowflakes for the holidays and pumpkins for fall.

Make mini steamers with smaller molds for quick showers on busy days. Use larger molds to enjoy a slow-release scent for longer showers.

Fine-Tuning Texture and Fizz

Everyone likes a different fizz. Want more bubbles? Add a pinch of citric acid (but don’t go overboard—too much, and your bomb can dissolve too quickly). If you prefer a slower release, stick with more Epsom salts and baking soda.

How to Use Shower Steamers

Experience the full aromatherapy benefits by using your shower steamer correctly. These little discs pack a lot of scent power, but where and how you place them can make a big difference.

Place the steamer on the shower floor or a shelf where it will get a light sprinkle from your shower, but not the full force of the water stream. Too much water will cause it to fizz away too fast, while too little will means the aroma won’t release properly.

As the warm water splashes near the steamer, the effervescent and aromatic homemade shower steamer will start to fizz gently and release its fragrance. The rising steam carries the aroma through the air, filling your shower with a spa-like scent.

You need hot water for the shower steamer to work, as it is the steam that helps carry lavender and eucalyptus scent into the air.

Let the scent build up for a few moments before stepping in. Start your shower and wait until you notice the aroma drifting up, then enjoy the relaxing benefits.

Breathe in the blend of eucalyptus and lavender as you shower. Each steamer is designed for single use, so once it has fully dissolved, simply rinse away any leftover petals.

Curious about how shower steamers compare with other aromatherapy spa techniques? This post on how to use essential oils in the shower includes tips and tricks for an amazing aromatherapy experience without any prep.

Best Practices for Storing Shower Steamers

Storage is important if you want your shower steamers to stay fresh, strong, and effective. DIY blends, especially ones packed with essential oils, need a little protection to keep their scent locked in.

Keep steamers in an airtight container to stop moisture and air from breaking down the oils. A glass jar with a tight lid or a plastic container both work well.

Store in a cool, dry place. Moisture is your enemy here. Bathrooms can get humid, so it’s best to tuck your container away from the shower if possible.

Avoid direct sunlight. Sun can fade both the colors and the scent of your steamer bombs over time.
Label your container if you made different blends or want to keep track of the date.

Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight or humidity. Bathrooms can sometimes be too damp, so consider storing the bulk of your batch in a cabinet or drawer, and keep only one or two handy near the shower.

Precautions When Making & Using Shower Steamers

For shower use only – These steamers are not bath bombs and should not be used in the bathtub, since the higher concentration of essential oils can irritate the skin.

Keep away from children and pets – The steamers may look like candies or treats, so store them out of reach.

Go light on essential oils – More is not always better. Using too much can make the fragrance overwhelming or cause the steamer to crumble. Stick to the suggested amounts for safe, enjoyable use.

Mind the botanicals – Dried petals or leaves may leave a light residue in the shower. Rinse after use to prevent buildup.

Making your own lavender and eucalyptus shower steamers is a simple and rewarding DIY project. With just a few ingredients, you can create little fizzing tablets that turn an everyday shower into a refreshing, spa-like experience.

These steamers are easy to customize with different scents, colors, or shapes, making them perfect not just for personal use but also as thoughtful handmade gifts. Try a batch for yourself and experiment with new blends—you’ll soon have a collection of beautiful, fragrant shower steamers ready to enjoy or share.

FAQ About DIY Shower Steamers