Make your own Vicks Shower tablets with this easy recipe. The homemade shower tablets (also known as shower bombs) 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 shower bomb 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
Homemade Vicks Shower Tablets Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 5 tablespoons of Vicks Vaporub Can use baby Vicks for a more gentle smell
- ½ 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
Instructions
To Make the Shower Tablets
- 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.)
- Now add the baking soda (and glitter if you are using it) and mix well. (IF you find you need more moisture add a teaspoon at a time use care not to over do it though,or tablets won't form right.)
- Put the mixture into your ice cube tray to other molding tray, and freeze it for a few hours.
- Take out and pop out of the molds.
- Store the homemade Vicks Shower Tablets in small airtight jars
To Use
- Just place one of the vapor tablets in the shower near the drain. The steam will fill your shower and help clear your congestion.
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?