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DIY Pumpkin Spice Shower Bombs

Learn how to make pumpkin spice shower bombs for energizing fall aromatherapy. Like bath bombs for the shower, these autumn-inspired essential oil shower steamers will fill your bathroom with the cozy, uplifting scent of pumpkin spice or pumpkin spice latte.

Pumpkin spice DIY shower steamers.

Pumpkin spice season is officially upon us, and with it comes the inevitable lattes, candles, and pumpkin spice scented bath and body products.

But this classic fall fragrance goes far beyond just smelling and tasting good. It can also help energize and boost your mood, making it ideal for aromatherapy.

Often called shower bath bombs, these pumpkin spice shower steamers are a new way to enjoy one of your favorite fall scents while reaping the benefits of essential oils.

They also make a unique DIY gift idea for the pumpkin spice lover in your life, because while they might’ve enjoyed a pumpkin spice bath bomb or latte, chances are they’ve never taken a pumpkin spice shower.

Pumpkin spice bath bombs for the shower

I created 2 DIY shower bomb recipes for fall aromatherapy: pumpkin spice and pumpkin spice latte.

When placed into a warm shower, these aromatic shower bombs release a spicy fragrance that’s energizing and uplifting, perfect for waking you up and boosting your mood during the colder months.

DIY pumpkin spice bath bombs for the shower. Arranged with pumpkins and cinnamon sticks.

Each recipe contains essential oils that increase wakefulness and alertness, making them the perfect wake up shower bombs. Especially the pumpkin spice latte variety – the fragrance of coffee essential oil is proven to wake you up!

As a bonus, spicy essential oils like ginger can even help clear sinuses and ease congestion. Who knew this quintessential fall fragrance could have so many aromatherapeutic benefits.

Wake up shower steamers with pumpkin spice.

For troubleshooting and tips on how to make shower bombs, be sure to consult the tips section.

And if you’re looking for more shower aromatherapy, I have over a dozen other shower steamer recipes, including lavender shower steamers for sleep and eucalyptus shower melts for colds – perfect to have on hand for the colder months! Plus, see this post for an easy shower bombs recipe with Epsom salt.

Pumpkin spice DIY shower bombs ingredients

These pumpkin spice scented essential oil steamers are extremely easy to make using ingredients which you may already have on hand.

Even if you’ve never made these before, the process is extremely simple. As always, I’ll share tips and tricks for making the best shower bombs in the FAQ section.

Baking soda and citric acid

Much like bath bombs, these fizzy DIY shower bombs are made with a base of baking soda and citric acid.

These ingredients are what holds the shower tablets’ shape and makes them fizz. When activated by shower water and steam, baking soda and citric acid create a fizzing reaction that catapults the essential oils into the air.

Please keep in mind that these cannot be used as pumpkin spice bath bombs. See the health disclaimer for more information.

Red or orange clay

Clay serves two purposes in this recipe. First, it’s a colorant, but it also help make the shower bombs last longer by slowing the fizzing reaction.

You can use any variety of red or orange cosmetic clay powder to give the shower bombs a bright pumpkin orange color. Some ideas include French red clay, gold Brazilian clay or Moroccan red clay.

If you can’t find colored clay, you can also use plain white kaolin clay and a small amount of orange mica to color your shower steamers. However, the essential oil blends will provide a hint of color too.

Pumpkin spice essential oil DIY shower steamers. Arranged on white marble plate.

Shower bomb decoration

If desired, you can decorate each shower tablet with a sprinkling of more clay or even cinnamon to mimic real pumpkin pie spice. Or, use a single star anise pod for decoration.

Essential oils

It goes without saying that essential oils are the most important ingredient in any DIY shower bombs recipe.

Below you’ll find 2 pumpkin spice shower bomb essential oil blends. Each blend provides uplifting aromatherapeutic properties for an energizing shower experience.

Pumpkin spice DIY aromatherapy shower bombs. Close up and stacked.

Alcohol

You’ll need a small amount of liquid to moisten the shower bombs mixture before forming it into tablets.

I find that using vodka provides the right ratio of water to alcohol. Too much water can cause the mixture to fizz early, but too much alcohol (such as rubbing alcohol) can evaporate too quickly, leading to dry, crumbly shower bombs.

Best essential oils for shower bombs

I made this DIY shower bombs recipe using essential oils from recent Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Boxes.

This month’s recipe box theme is Gift Giving, and it includes 4 festive essential oils perfect for using in shower bombs and other holiday DIYs:

DIY shower melts with essential oil and pumpkin spice.

Aside from the oils, the box also includes gift tags, 6 essential oil recipes for DIY gifts, and the supplies to make each one. You can see the full box contents here.

New subscribers get a free Bonus Box, and can also use our coupon code ALIFEADJACENTFREE to get a $40 gift card with their purchase.

For more information on why we recommend this brand of essential oils, you can read our detailed Simply Earth essential oils review.

Essential oils for pumpkin spice shower melts

For this energizing shower bombs recipe, I wanted to mimic the “spice” in pumpkin spice in the most gentle way possible.

Spice oils are irritating to the nasal passages, including the ones typically used in pumpkin spice (such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and cassia). So I opted for ginger and a very small amount of cassia essential oil.

Cassia has a milder, sweeter aroma than cinnamon essential oil, but it should still be used with caution and in small amounts. You can also replace it with the milder copaiba oleoresin.

Shower bombs with pumpkin spice essential oil blend.

To mellow out the pumpkin spice, you can use sweet orange or blood orange essential oil. Both add a bright sweetness that cuts through the spicy cassia and zingy ginger.

Citrus essential oils also have uplifting aromatherapeutic benefits to help energize and wake you up, which can be helpful for a case of the fall blues. See also: wake up shower steamers.

Last but not least, coffee essential oil adds an energizing burst of bold coffee fragrance to the pumpkin spice latte essential oil blend. So if you don’t have time to use a coffee bath bomb, now you can enjoy your coffee in the shower too!

Pumpkin Spice Essential Oil Blend

60 drops blood orange essential oil
35 drops ginger root essential oil
5 drops cassia essential oil

Sweet and lightly spicy, this pumpkin spice essential oil blend lets you enjoy your favorite fall fragrance with the added benefit of aromatherapy.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Essential Oil Blend

70 drops coffee essential oil
15 drops blood orange essential oil
10 drops ginger root essential oil
5 drops cassia essential oil

This PSL essential oil blend is like enjoying the classic fall drink without the sugar or caffeine. The perfect blend for festive, energizing shower bombs!

DIY pumpkin spice shower steamers for fall aromatherapy.

DIY Pumpkin Spice Shower Steamers Recipe

1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/4 cup red clay
100 drops pumpkin spice essential oil blend
Star anise pods (optional)
More clay for dusting (optional)

Equipment

Silicone shower bomb mold
Large mixing bowl (non-metallic)
Vodka to moisten mixture
Spoon or beaker for vodka
Sieve for a uniform texture
Wooden spoon to mix
Nitrile gloves to protect hands

How to make pumpkin spice shower bombs

  1. Arrange your decorations. Before you begin making your shower bombs, arrange your decorations in your mold as desired. One idea is to place a single star anise pod at the bottom of each cavity. Or, sprinkle clay with a powdered sugar spoon to create a light dusting on top of each shower bomb.

    Tip: Place your shower bomb mold on a plate for easy transport later.
  2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid and red or orange clay. Using a sieve helps avoid clumping, but be sure to sift gently to avoid sending any powder into the air.

    Tip: You can add more clay as desired to achieve a brighter color, but just remember the essential oils will provide some color as well.
  3. Add essential oils. Add your pumpkin spice or pumpkin spice latte essential oil blend to the shower bomb mixture. Be sure to evenly disperse the oils over the mixture to reduce clumping. You can mix with a spoon or knead gently with your hands, but be sure to wear gloves to protect your skin from the potent essential oils.

    Tip: See the shower bomb essential oil combinations above.
  4. Add liquid. Put on your gloves and prepare to work fast, as once you add liquid to your shower bombs mixture, you’ll need to mix quickly to stop it from fizzing too much. Slowly drizzle a small amount of alcohol into the mixture, then immediately begin kneading to disperse the liquid throughout.

    Tip: You can use a spray bottle or a spoon to add your liquid. See tips section.
  5. Check texture. Grab a handful of the mixture and give it a squeeze. If it sticks together like damp sand, the shower bombs are ready to mold. If it crumbles apart easily, mix in a bit more liquid and try again. Repeat until the texture is just right.

    Tip: Be careful not to add too much liquid – see the tips and tricks section for help.
  6. Mold. Pack the shower bombs mixture into your silicone molds. Use your gloved hands or a small spoon to press down firmly.

    Tip: If the mixture starts to dry out as you mold, simply add a bit more liquid until it sticks together again.
  7. Leave to dry. Once you’re finished, gently smooth out the tops of each shower bomb. Move the mold to a safe location and leave to dry overnight.
  8. Remove from mold. Once dry, carefully remove your shower bombs from the mold. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re hard and dry to the touch, which may anywhere from 10-24 hours depending on humidity and climate. Gently peel back the silicone and push on the base of each tablet – they should pop out easily.
  9. Finished! Your pumpkin spice shower bombs are now ready to use. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Tips for making DIY shower bombs

Here are a few tips for making the best shower bath bombs:

  • Use clay. After testing and making recipes with corn starch and arrowroot, I’ve found that they’re more prone to clumping and absorbing moisture. So it’s my personal preference to make shower bombs with clay instead.

    The only issue with clay is that even small amounts can clog your pipes. So please be extremely careful, and be sure to place your shower bomb in a soap dish for use.

    You can also hang your shower bath bomb in a muslin bag near your showerhead. The closer the essential oils are to your nose, the more potent the aromatherapy!

    See also: 4 more aromatherapy showers steamers with clay, or this congestion shower melts recipe with cornstarch.
  • Use alcohol. Witch hazel or water are frequently used in shower bomb recipes. But in my experience, vodka works better.

    Too much water activates the baking soda and citric acid, making the tablets fizz too early. On the other hand, vodka contains less water, and the alcohol evaporates quickly.

    You can use a small spoon, a spray bottle, or even a small lab beaker to add your liquid. Whichever method you choose, the key is to add slowly and mix quickly before the shower bombs have a chance to fizz too much.

    Also, please note that the dry mixture can easily become airborne, so you might want to wear a mask or open a window if you’re going to use a spray bottle to add your alcohol.
DIY shower bath bombs – pumpkin spice scented with essential oils.
DIY pumpkin spice shower bath bombs arranged on marble plate.
Yield: 12 shower bombs

DIY Pumpkin Spice Shower Bombs

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 10 hours
Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes

These energizing DIY shower steamers are just like pumpkin spice bath bombs, but for your shower! Learn how to make pumpkin spice shower bombs with essential oils for uplifting fall aromatherapy.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Spice Essential Oil Blend

Pumpkin Spice Latte Essential Oil Blend

  • 70 drops coffee essential oil
  • 15 drops blood orange essential oil
  • 10 drops ginger root essential oil
  • 5 drops cassia essential oil

Equipment

  • Silicone shower bomb mold
  • Large mixing bowl (non-metallic)
  • Vodka to moisten mixture
  • Spoon or beaker for vodka
  • Sieve for a uniform texture
  • Wooden spoon to mix
  • Nitrile gloves to protect hands

Instructions

    1. Arrange your decorations. Before you begin making your shower steamers, arrange your decorations in your mold as desired. One idea is to place a single star anise pod at the bottom of each cavity. Or, sprinkle clay with a powdered sugar spoon to create a light dusting on top of each shower bomb.



      Tip: Place your shower bomb mold on a plate for easy transport later.
    2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid and red or orange clay. Using a sieve helps avoid clumping, but be sure to sift gently to avoid sending any powder into the air.



      Tip: You can add more clay as desired to achieve a brighter color, but just remember the essential oils will provide some color as well.
    3. Add essential oils. Add your pumpkin spice or pumpkin spice latte essential oil blend to the shower melts mixture. Be sure to evenly disperse the oils over the mixture to reduce clumping. You can mix with a spoon or knead gently with your hands, but be sure to wear gloves to protect your skin from the potent essential oils.



      Tip: See the shower bomb essential oil combinations above.

    4. Add liquid. Put on your gloves and prepare to work fast, as once you add liquid to your shower bombs mixture, you'll need to mix quickly to stop it from fizzing too much. Slowly drizzle a small amount of alcohol into the mixture, then immediately begin kneading to disperse the liquid throughout.



      Tip: You can use a spray bottle or a spoon to add your liquid. See tips section.
    5. Check texture. Grab a handful of the mixture and give it a squeeze. If it sticks together like damp sand, the shower bombs are ready to mold. If it crumbles apart easily, mix in a bit more liquid and try again. Repeat until the texture is just right.



      Tip: Be careful not to add too much liquid – see the tips and tricks section for help.
    6. Mold. Pack the shower steamers mixture into your silicone molds. Use your gloved hands or a small spoon to press down firmly.



      Tip: If the mixture starts to dry out as you mold, simply add a bit more liquid until it sticks together again.
    7. Leave to dry. Once you’re finished, gently smooth out the tops of each shower melt. Move the mold to a safe location and leave to dry overnight.
    8. Remove from mold. Once dry, carefully remove your shower bombs from the mold. You’ll know they're ready when they're hard and dry to the touch, which may anywhere from 10-24 hours depending on humidity and climate. Gently peel back the silicone and push on the base of each tablet – they should pop out easily.
    9. Finished! Your pumpkin spice shower steamers are now ready to use. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Notes

  • This recipe makes about 12 shower steamers, depending on the size of your mold.
  • For troubleshooting and tips for how to make the best shower melts, be sure to consult the tips section above.

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Did you make this recipe?

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Health and safety disclaimer

Please do not make or use this shower bombs recipe if you have any health conditions. As well, please note that spice essential oils are not safe for pregnant women or young children.

As always, it’s up to you to do your own research. Before making this shower bomb recipe (or any DIY you see on the internet), you should consult your doctor to see whether essential oils are safe for you to use.

Finally, please note that the pumpkin spice shower bombs are not safe for use as bath bombs.

More fall aromatherapy recipes

If you can’t get enough pumpkin spice, you might also enjoy these recipes:

More shower bomb recipes:

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