There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of eucalyptus in the shower—especially when you’re feeling congested or run down. I discovered this little trick during one of those long, sniffly winter weeks when I couldn’t seem to shake off a cold.
I had tried every remedy I could think of—tea, vapor rub, hot baths—but nothing seemed to clear my sinuses quite like the steam from a eucalyptus shower.
The problem? Store-bought shower steamers were expensive and didn’t always smell natural. So I started experimenting in my kitchen, mixing baking soda, essential oils, and other simple ingredients.
The first few tries were messy, but eventually, I found the perfect balance. Now, I make a fresh batch every few months and always keep some handy for when I need an instant spa-like relief.
These homemade eucalyptus shower steamers are not only easy to make but also natural, affordable, and long-lasting.
The best part is how beautifully they fill your bathroom with a clean, menthol-rich aroma that opens your airways and refreshes your senses.
1. What Exactly Are Shower Steamers?
If you’ve never used one before, think of a shower steamer as the shower version of a bath bomb. It’s a small, solid tablet that fizzes and releases therapeutic essential oils when it comes in contact with warm water and steam.
Unlike bath bombs, shower steamers don’t dissolve into the water you stand in—they’re meant to sit just outside the main water stream, letting the scent fill the air instead.
For congestion relief, eucalyptus oil is the star ingredient. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties that help clear sinuses and support easier breathing.
When combined with peppermint or menthol, it becomes an instant at-home aromatherapy session for your airways.
2. Benefits of Eucalyptus Shower Steamers
Eucalyptus shower steamers go beyond just smelling good—they actually make a noticeable difference when you’re feeling under the weather. Here’s what they can do:
- Clear nasal congestion and open up airways naturally
- Relieve cold, flu, or allergy symptoms
- Provide a refreshing energy boost in the morning
- Reduce sinus pressure and headaches
- Turn your shower into a mini aromatherapy spa
Pro Tip: If you take your shower in the morning, use eucalyptus and peppermint oils for a crisp, energizing scent.
If you shower at night, mix in a few drops of lavender for a calming twist that still supports clear breathing.
3. Ingredients You’ll Need Or Buy From Amazon
Most of what you need is probably already in your kitchen. These basic ingredients create the fizzy, aromatic tablets that make this DIY project so satisfying.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup citric acid
- ½ cup cornstarch
Wet Ingredients:
- 15–20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5–10 drops peppermint essential oil (optional but effective)
- 2–3 tablespoons water (added gradually)
Tools:
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Spray bottle (optional for adding water)
- Silicone mold or ice cube tray
Pro Tip: Silicone molds work best because they make it easy to pop the steamers out once dry. Ice cube trays can work too—just make sure to lightly grease them first.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch. Break up any lumps to make sure the mix is soft and even.
Step 2: Add the essential oils
Pour in the eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils. Stir well so the oils are evenly distributed. This is where that fresh, invigorating scent starts to come alive.
Step 3: Gradually add water
Slowly add water, one teaspoon at a time, while mixing. The goal is to reach a damp sand-like texture—moist enough to hold shape but not so wet that it fizzes.
Step 4: Pack into molds
Spoon the mixture into your molds and press it down firmly. A tightly packed steamer will hold its shape and fizz more slowly in the shower.
Step 5: Let them dry completely
Leave the molds to dry at room temperature for at least 8–12 hours. If you’re in a hurry, place them in the freezer for about an hour to speed things up.
Step 6: Store properly
Once fully dry, remove the steamers and store them in an airtight jar or container. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from humidity.
5. How to Use Eucalyptus Shower Steamers
Using these shower steamers is incredibly simple, but there’s a bit of technique involved if you want to get the most out of them.
Start by running your shower on hot for about a minute before stepping in. This helps build up steam in the bathroom, creating that spa-like environment where the essential oils can truly do their job.
Once the steam begins to rise, turn the temperature down to a comfortable level and place one of your eucalyptus steamers on the floor of your shower.
Position it just outside the direct stream of water—you want it to get lightly splashed, not drenched.
If it sits directly under the water flow, it will dissolve too quickly and release all the scent at once.
Instead, placing it on the edge or near the drain allows for a slow, steady fizz that fills the air with refreshing, menthol-infused vapor.
Take slow, deep breaths through your nose as the aroma builds. You’ll notice your sinuses start to clear, your head feels lighter, and your breathing becomes easier.
This effect usually lasts throughout your shower, leaving you feeling refreshed and awake.
Pro Tip: For an even stronger scent, drop a few extra drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil onto the steamer right before you shower.
The added intensity makes it perfect for those mornings when your congestion feels especially stubborn.
6. Custom Scent Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic eucalyptus blend, the real fun begins—creating your own signature scents.
Different essential oils can completely change the mood of your shower experience, from energizing to relaxing.
Here are a few tried-and-true combinations to inspire you:
Morning Energy Blend
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Sweet orange
This trio wakes up your senses, sharpens focus, and gives you a natural mood boost before starting your day.
Evening Relaxation Blend
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Chamomile
Perfect for winding down after a long day, this blend soothes tension while still keeping your breathing clear.
Cold Season Rescue Blend
- Eucalyptus
- Tea tree
- Rosemary
Tea tree oil brings antibacterial power, and rosemary helps open airways even further. This one is a lifesaver during winter months or allergy season.
Pro Tip: If you like a bit of visual flair, mix in a few drops of natural food coloring or cosmetic mica powder.
A pale green or light blue tint makes them look beautiful in a glass jar, especially if you plan to give them as gifts.
7. How Long Do They Last and How to Store Them
Your shower steamers can last up to three months when stored properly, but the key is keeping moisture and humidity out. Once they’re exposed to damp air, they’ll start losing fizz and fragrance.
After unmolding, make sure they are completely dry before sealing them in a jar or airtight container.
Glass jars with tight lids work best, but plastic containers can also do the job if kept away from steam.
If you live in a humid area, consider dropping a small silica gel packet inside the jar to absorb any excess moisture.
Pro Tip: Store your jar of steamers in a cool, dry cabinet or under the bathroom sink. If you want to display them on your vanity, make sure they’re kept in a sealed glass container—both practical and pretty to look at.
When you’re ready to use one, grab a single steamer. You’ll notice the scent remains potent, even after weeks of storage, if kept properly sealed.
8. My Experience and Final Thoughts
Making my own eucalyptus shower steamers started as a simple experiment, but it quickly became one of my favorite wellness routines.
I used to spend quite a bit on store-bought shower bombs, only to find that most lost their scent after a few uses.
With this homemade version, not only do they last longer, but the scent feels cleaner and more natural.
There’s something therapeutic about the whole process—from mixing the ingredients to pressing them into molds.
It’s a small act of self-care that leaves you with a batch of ready-to-use steamers whenever you need a quick boost or sinus relief.
Over time, I’ve learned that how you use them makes a difference. When you let the shower steam build up first, the scent fills the space in layers—starting subtle and then deepening as the oils release.
It’s that slow, aromatic build that makes the experience feel like an at-home spa treatment rather than just a quick fix.
Now, whenever I feel a cold coming on or need to clear my mind, I grab one of these eucalyptus steamers and let the scent do its magic.
It’s one of those small rituals that reminds me how powerful simple, natural remedies can be.
If you haven’t tried making your own yet, this is your sign to start. You’ll end up with something both practical and soothing—and you might just find yourself looking forward to your next shower even more.
Final Thoughts
Making your own eucalyptus shower steamers is one of those simple home projects that delivers an instant reward. It doesn’t take much time, the ingredients are affordable, and the results feel like pure luxury.
What I love most is how something so small can completely change how a shower feels—especially when you’re tired, congested, or just need a few minutes to reset.
Every time I drop one of these steamers onto the shower floor, the scent of eucalyptus and peppermint fills the air, and it’s like my whole bathroom turns into a steam spa.
It clears my sinuses, refreshes my energy, and gives me that clean, open-air feeling I didn’t realize I needed.
If you enjoy small wellness rituals, these are worth making. They’re not just for sick days—they’re for mornings when you want to wake up fresh, evenings when you need to unwind, and weekends when you want to treat yourself to something soothing and natural.
Once you try them, you’ll never look at a regular shower the same way again.
FAQ
1. How long do eucalyptus shower steamers last in storage?
They can last up to three months if stored in a dry, airtight container. Keep them away from moisture to preserve their fizz and scent.
2. Can I use these steamers every day?
Yes, they’re gentle enough for daily use. Just one steamer per shower is enough for a strong scent that lingers.
3. What can I use instead of citric acid?
You can substitute citric acid with cream of tartar or lemon juice powder, though the fizzing action might be slightly less intense.
4. Are shower steamers safe for kids?
They’re generally safe, but use mild essential oils and avoid high concentrations for younger children. Always store them out of reach.
5. Can I make these in bulk as gifts?
Absolutely. These make thoughtful, handmade wellness gifts. Place a few in a small glass jar or craft bag with a ribbon and a label—it looks beautiful and feels personal.
