Make your own Vicks Shower tablets with this easy recipe. The homemade shower tablets are great for alleviating congestion and helping you breathe.
Vicks Shower Tablets
Wouldn’t these homemade Vicks Shower Tablets make a great inexpensive DIY holiday gift. This recipe would be an especially good homemade Christmas gift for men, since they tend to be hard to make things for. Of course they would be just as appreciated by the ladies on your list. Why not make them for everyone in the office, cold season is still at it’s start after all.
All you need to make these DIY congestion relieving shower vapor tablets is Vicks Vapor rub, some small air tight jars and a few common household ingredients. Glitter was added to this batch for more festive flair (it will just wash right down the drain), but you can skip that if you prefer or add a few drops of food coloring to match recipient’s bathroom decor. When a nasty cold hits them, they will be very glad to have your thoughtful homemade gift on hand to help clear them up.
While the recipe below works fine for most… After Several requests here is an all natural, environmentally safe essential oil version of the recipe >> DIY Decongestant Shower Tablets
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 5 tablespoons of Vicks Vaporub Can use baby Vicks for a more gentle smell
- 1/2 cup of Baking Soda
- glitter optional
- Add a teaspoon of water as your see fit. I did 3
- Mold tray ice cube, chocolate, or as shown mini-cupcake pan with liners
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Place corn starch in a bowl, add the Vicks and mix it around until well combined. (This will be strong smelling so maybe wear gloves if your sensitive or open a window.)
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Now add the baking soda (and glitter if you are using it) and mix well. (IF you find you need more moisture add a tsp at a time use care not to over do it though,or tablets won't form right.)
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Put the mixture into your ice cube tray to other molding tray, and freeze it for a few hours.
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Take out and pop out of the molds.
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Store the homemade Vicks Shower Tablets in small airtight jars
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Just place one of the vapor tablets in the shower near the drain. The steam will fill your shower and help clear your congestion.
Justin says
These are great. I have been looking for them forever, especially since they are hard to buy now. I think a lot of stores stopped carrying them. I will probably make some next weekend. I’m not sure that I would use it as a gift though.
Raijean says
OH these are dope, I was in need of this this past weekend while I was sick. Love it.
Daisy says
I’m so excited to find these. I want to try making them. We are all sick here and these would be really nice.
Rebecca Swenor says
I have to make these Vicks shower tablets. I love the smell of Vicks and I would love to soak in the tub with these. Thanks for sharing.
Alaina Bullock says
I love making these!t year was the first time I tried them, and the worked amazingly well! Definitely making them again this year!
Mistee Dawn says
These really would make a great gift. So creative. I could actually use some of these myself.
Diane says
These sound like they could come in handy and I’m considering making them. When you freeze them, does the freezer then smell like Vick’s?
Robin Gagnon says
Any cold spot will do, it just helps them set up.
Caitlin says
Are they supposed to be a liquid ?
Robin Gagnon says
no, not liquid
Lisa says
how do you use them? I can that for a bath this would be nice, but what about a shower?
Thanks for enlightening me.
Robin Gagnon says
These are meant for the shower NOT the bath. It would quite likely be uncomfortable on your delicate parts if you plopped these in your bath water.
Denise says
I can’t believe I’d never heard of these! My Mama got me addicted to Vicks, can’t sleep without it! These would be perfect when I have a cold or sinus probs and need a good dose to open up everything. I’m gonna make me a batch ASAP!
Amber says
Love these! Instead of glitter I use sprinkles usually season themed, I reuse wax warmer smell blocks to set them opposed to using large ice tray cubes 😉
Robin Gagnon says
Thanks for contributing those options. Reusing the wax melt packaging, to make the shower tablets is a smart idea.
Jaybird says
The tablets are great! Thanks for sharing. Using edible sprinkles is a better idea for something that will dissolve in the shower. Small pieces of plastic or metal from the glitter will wind up in our water supply, which isn’t so festive. 🙁
Robin Gagnon says
You do have a point there Jaybird. Maybe I will try some with edible sparkles next time.
Diana says
What kind of glitter did you use?
Robin Gagnon says
Most glitter is fine. You just want to make sure it will wash down drain without issue.
Melissa says
What a great idea! I think I’ll have the kids help make these for Papa! He will really benefit from these! Great gift!
Lindsie says
Does this recipe make quite a few drops?
Robin Gagnon says
Pretty much what is shown.
Becky says
What a great idea! Do you know how long they will last if stored in an airtight container?
Robin Gagnon says
They should last a long time. There really isn’t anything to spoil.
Tablecrumbs says
How much glitter did you use?I have a little pan that the Sam’s Choice mini quiches came in and I think that would work perfectly to mold these in.
Robin Gagnon says
It wasn’t measured. I would add a tsp, and see how it looks, then add a bit more if you want.
sarah says
These look great!! Need to try these little guys, but please DON’T USE GLITTER! It will end up in our waters.
Karen says
When you add the water, what kind of consistency are we looking for? I made these last night and added the 3 tsp of water, but they were incredibly crumbly still and when I took them out of the freezer, they just crumbled out of my ice trays 🙁 Did I miss something? Probably! Hehe! These smell wonderful and am looking forward to giving them as gifts this Christmas, just want them to work out! Thanks!
Robin Gagnon says
While a little crumbliness is O.K. the “dough” must stick together somewhat. Just a little more water should do the trick.
Nikki Keller says
I’m going to make these on Thursday when I have the day off from work I been congestion since Saturday
Lindsay says
Do they dissolve instantly? Or do you find it takes several minutes? It would be nice it they held up for the duration of the shower.
Robin Gagnon says
They don’t dissolve instantly, but are pretty quick.
Alex Leppala says
How many does each batch make?
Robin Gagnon says
about what is pictured
kim says
I want to make these this weekend. Would a small muffin tin work to set them up? Or do i need to use something more flexible?
Robin Gagnon says
You can easily make them in a mini-muffin tin. I would recommend using liners in the tin.
Jessica says
Okay so i want to make these for gifts but every time I take them out of the freezer they melt into a blob. I am storing them in jars but they still melt. What am I doing wrong???
Robin Gagnon says
I am not sure. Try adding more dry ingredients.
Tracy says
I would try this one but a quick question (this may sound stupid) is it a cold or hot shower?
Robin Gagnon says
Hot so the Vicks evaporates. Cold shower while sick would be cruel…lol
Melissa says
I just made these and it came out to about 10 ice cubes in an ice cube tray for those wondering about quantity. I also used 5 teaspoons of water. Water made it easier to mold into shape.
The vicks smell is powerful but I love it. Great idea!
Robin Gagnon says
Thank you very much for the helpful feedback & tip.
Janet Fazio says
I’m so happy to find this recipe. I think Vicks (or some generic) used to sell these. I haven’t seen them in the store in ages though.
Tammy says
Can these used in a vaporizer?
Robin Gagnon says
I wouldn’t.
Amie says
I attempted to make these and after taking them out of the freezer (they were in there for 8 hours or so, they all but completely melted. I am guessing I have too much water in them or do they have to be stored in the fridge. Is there any way to save them? If I need to add additional dry ingredients, what ratio would I use? 1/2 baking soda to 1 part corn starch?
Thank you!
Sarah R. says
So I gave these a whirl and they kind of flopped. I occasionally got a little whiff of the vaporub but not enough to really call them effective. Also, it turned my shower floor into a slippery death trap. You are supposed to use good old fashioned slimy vaporub, right? Did I goof, or is this how they turn out for everyone?
Stephanie says
I had the same issue Sarah.
I’ve noticed that even thought the scent was super strong when making and now in the bag I am storing them in, once in the shower, there isn’t a strong smell, and sometimes I do not smell them at all! It’s disappointing really, especially when I made a big batch of these as Christmas present.
You ladies have any advance moving forward, in terms of what I can do with my current batch to ensure these are strong enough for the people i gift them too? I appreciate any ideas you’ve got!
thanks!
Sovanny says
I used Dollar Store “Vicks” (compared to the $6 version at the drugstore) and extra-fine glitter. I used the mini ice cube silicon molds and froze them for a few hours to set and then left them on the counter overnight. Thanks for the idea!
Robin Gagnon says
Sometimes the “knock-off” dollar store versions of products are even more effective than the originals. I’ve found them to be hit or miss. My dollar store has some awesome cleaning products. I’ll have too look for their Vicks version.
Karen Y says
Most of the ones I’ve seen don’t use actual Vick’s, but essential oils. Usually rosemary, eucalyptus, & lavender. They set up easier & the smell seems stronger, at least for shower purposes.
Robin Gagnon says
Essential oils are a wonderful alternative. I am just starting to get into them myself, but they are still not in most people’s cabinets and not readily available in the local drug store. Hopefully in time that won’t be a problem anymore.
Patty says
Karen, did you use the same recipe with the essential oils? I have been trying to make both recipes but can’t nail it.
I would really like to give them as Christmas presents.
Shelby says
Do you have to store them in the fridge or freezer to keep them from melting or are they okay just in an airtight jar at room temp?
Briana says
So glad I found these! I have the world’s worst allergies and sinuses, and I always wish I had something to put in the shower, aside from the brief relief I get from oil. Thank you 100xs over. Can’t wait to do this.
Becky says
I just lavender shower confetti, to make them instead of glitter. It was handy.
Laurie says
Love this idea and definitely want to give it a try. Any concerns with the vicks having a negative impact on the drain?
Robin Gagnon says
A single tablet isn’t going to have a huge amount of the Vicks in it, so I don’t believe it would be any worse than using bath oil beads or sugar scrubs. (Mind you, I am not a plumbing expert.)
fred says
Can you use vaseline
Robin Gagnon says
Their is no decongestant properties to plain Vaseline, so I wouldn’t.
Tarsha says
OK, so the picture shows Vicks vapo rub, but the recipe does not specify rub or liquid. Can someone clarify for me so I dont make a huge oops? Thanks bunches.
Robin Gagnon says
It is the rub.
Phyllis Norwood says
I made these and was excited to give them as Christmas gifts. Kept a few back to try myself. Very disappointed in the end result. They look and smell great in the jar but certainly do not dissolve easily and didn’t provide any congestion relief.
Lisa says
Help mine crumbled! What did I do wrong?
Robin Gagnon says
Try adding just a little more liquid.
AmyO says
After reading how some thought the vapor wasn’t strong enough, I decided to add extra drops of eucalyptus essential oil & some other oils I have when I make them. I am certain they’ll be super potent!
Robin Gagnon says
I think this is a wonderful idea, for anyone with essential oils on hand. I put an essential oil blend in a potpourri pot along with a little water to inhale sometimes.
kiara says
can you use corn flour instead of starch? i know its probably a silly question lol
Robin Gagnon says
No, it isn’t a silly question at all. I don’t think the flour would dissolve too well.
Veronica says
Since you freeze these guys to mold them, do you have to store them in the freezer? Thanks so much!
Robin Gagnon says
No, just store in a cool spot.
Kennedy says
These are adorable and my family loves them! Thank you so much for this awesome idea!
Barbara E. says
Would this work with essential oils?
Robin Gagnon says
Yes, but the formulation would be different. I plan to do an essential oil version soon.
Doris says
What else can I use instead of Vics? something more natural. Have anyone tried lavender oil?
Beth says
For the “Vicks ” smell….mix the following essential oils. Peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus.
I do that to my Epsom salts. When I get sick, I add it to bath water.
BW says
Please think before you “just wash [glitter] right down the drain.” Anything washed down the drain ends up in our drinking water supply. Do you really want glitter in there?
While not specifically about glitter, here’s an example of why you should care what you wash down the drain: http://www.npr.org/2014/05/21/313157701/why-those-tiny-microbeads-in-soap-may-pose-problem-for-great-lakes
Dash says
This is awesome and I cannot wait to make some — Thanks for the post!
Beth says
Mine are in the freezer now. I can’t wait to try them.
kaila says
do you think mini muffin tin would work as a mold ?
Robin Gagnon says
Yes.
Verlena says
So do these have to be stored in the freezer?
Robin Gagnon says
no, they don’t
lauren says
Love this idea but what is the consistency of the mix supposed to look like as mine seems powdery?
sara reeve says
Made these last night and love them. Made enough to give as a gift to a friend with sinus issues but my hubby dropped his tester aw ay from the dran and complained that the tub was greasy.
Katie says
I put these in mini muffin tins and they turned out perfect! I love these and make them every cold season for my 3 kids!!
VeraAnne says
Please help me. I’ve only added 3 teaspoons of water and all I have is a bowl of crumbs. Is that what it’s suppose to be like? Something more like pie crust. Do I pack the crumbly mixture into the molds and hope that they hold their shape after freezing? Or, am I missing something.
Thanks for any help you can offer!
Robin Gagnon says
The mix should be sort of crumbly, but if you take a handful and squish together it should hold it’s form… if not add a tiny bit more water until it will do so.
Michele says
Maybe for those who don’t want to use glitter but want a pop of color maybe a bit of food colored Epsom salt.
teresa says
why would you use glitter?
Robin Gagnon says
You don’t need to use glitter at all. It doesn’t do anything other than add sparkle to thr shower tablets.
Mary says
I just made these and I am waiting for them to set up. I had a jar of Vicks and only had about 4 1/2 TBS in it. I used eucalyptus essential oil as one of the teaspoons of water. For color I added a few drops of blue food coloring in the water as well. They are a pretty light blue and no glitter to get into the water system. I hope with the minor adjustments they come out OK. I used a mini muffin tin and this recipe made 10.
Sara says
There was an article I read somewhere recently saying that additives like glitter and beads have been banned from commercial products. They are plastics that make their way into the oceans and other waterways, polluting and hurting wildlife. I am sure you meant no harm. I think this is a neat recipe. Just thought I would pass that along. =) While there are a lot of natural alternatives to plastic micro beads, I cannot remember the name for the glitter alternative I read about in that article, which I also can’t remember.
Robin Gagnon says
I have made a new version of these shower tablets, which resolves that issue. I will try and get it up this week.
Jaymi Steele says
Can you put up a link to the new one and essential oil one? Pinterest still has the old one as of 12/19/2016. Thanks
Robin Gagnon says
Sorry I didn’t respond sooner. My daughter was home sick the week before Christmas… so my annual break started unexpectedly early. This has been on my to-do list forever. Moving it up to first on the post que. May be too late for the holidays, but sickness season is in full swing 🙁
Peggy says
A bit disappointed here.
I made these last night and used one this morning. Didn’t get much of the vapor and it left the floor of my tub greasy.
P Dove says
You should mention to people using this recipe that any plastic or silicone mold used cannot be used for food, because the menthol smell will transfer. Ruined brand-new chocolate molds. Thanks.
Robin Gagnon says
Thank you for the helpful feedback on the decongestant tablets. I hope the new batch works for you. If you don’t find this recipe strong enough the newer version on my bath & beauty craft site uses camphor and a couple common essential oils. ) https://beautycrafter.com/diy-decongestant-shower-tablets/
sarah j says
These tablets worked good. My husband was happy.