Name: Wake Up Shower Melts
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 24 h 10 min
Cuisine: N/A
Ingredients: 1 cup baking soda; 1/2 cup citric acid; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 2–3 tablespoons water (as needed); 15 drops peppermint essential oil; 10 drops sweet orange essential oil; Silicone mold (for shaping)

Energizing, refreshing, and easy to make, these Wake Up Shower Melts bring the benefits of aromatherapy to any morning shower. With a blend of invigorating peppermint and uplifting citrus essential oils, I find these homemade steamers to be a perfect boost to my daily routine—especially when I want to feel awake, clear-headed, and ready to take on the day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup baking soda

1/2 cup citric acid

1/4 cup cornstarch

2–3 tablespoons water (as needed)

15 drops peppermint essential oil

10 drops sweet orange essential oil

Silicone mold (for shaping)

Directions

I start by combining the baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch in a medium mixing bowl and stirring until the mixture is well-blended.

Then I add water slowly, just a little at a time, while mixing constantly. I stop when the mixture holds together when pressed, making sure it’s not too wet or too dry.

After that, I mix in the peppermint and sweet orange essential oils thoroughly.

I press the mixture firmly into my silicone molds, smoothing the tops as I go.

I leave them to dry at room temperature for at least 24 hours until they’re completely hardened.

Once dried, I carefully pop them out of the molds and store them in an airtight container.

When I’m ready to use one, I place it on the shower floor away from the direct stream of water, letting the steamer dissolve and release its invigorating vapors.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 melts

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Drying Time: 24 hours

Total Time: 24 hours 10 minutes

Variations

I sometimes switch up the essential oils depending on what I need that day. For a calming evening version, I replace the peppermint and citrus with lavender and eucalyptus. If I’m feeling congested, I add a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil. For a seasonal twist, I’ve even tried cinnamon and clove in the winter months. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts easily to different moods or times of year.

Storage/Reheating

I keep my shower melts stored in an airtight container, away from moisture and direct sunlight. A glass jar with a sealed lid works great. I don’t need to reheat them since they’re used by placing them directly in the shower—steam does the work. If they start to lose their scent over time, I occasionally refresh them by adding a drop or two of essential oil to the top before use.

FAQs

How long do shower melts last in storage?

I usually store my shower melts for up to 3 months in an airtight container. They may lose some scent over time, but they still work well if kept dry.

Can I use different essential oils?

Absolutely. I often switch up the oils depending on what I need—like lavender to relax or eucalyptus when I feel congested. I just make sure the oils are safe for inhalation.

Can I use these in a bath?

I don’t recommend it. These melts contain a higher amount of essential oils and citric acid, which can irritate skin. I only use them in the shower for steam-based aromatherapy.

My melts are too crumbly—what went wrong?

This usually happens when the mixture doesn’t get enough moisture. I add water slowly and mix until the texture holds together when pressed.

Are shower melts safe for kids?

They can be, but I stick to child-safe essential oils like sweet orange or lavender. I also avoid strong oils like peppermint around younger children.

Conclusion

These Wake Up Shower Melts have become a staple in my morning routine. I love how easy they are to make, how fresh and energizing they smell, and the fact that they bring a little moment of aromatherapy into my everyday life. Whether I’m looking to feel more awake, boost my mood, or simply enjoy a more mindful start to the day, these DIY steamers always deliver.

Recipe: