DIY Home Spa Indulgence: Lovely Homemade Bath Salts

There are over a dozen ideas on this page for making luxurious soaks, jelly and even bubble solutions. Ingredients vary from Epsom salts, bicarb, oatmeal and more.

Before getting started, ensure that any herbs or oatmeal are first ground finely (use a food processor if possible). This helps keep things “clump free”.

Ready to get started? First up are the soaks…(all herbs are dried)

Spa Soak Recipes

Abbreviations:

PM = Powdered Milk
EO = Essential Oil
ES = Epsom Salts
Bicarb = Baking Soda

Cinnamon

1 C. PM
1 C. bicarb
3 TBS cornstarch
2 TBS cream of tartar
1 1/2 TBS cinnamon

Garden Spa

2 C. PM
1 C. cornstarch
2 TBS herbs (finely ground)

Oatmeal & Cinnamon

1 1/2 C. PM
3/4 C. bicarb
3/4 C. oatmeal
3 TBS cornstarch
2 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp cinnamon

*Note: Mix the next three with 2 cups of hot water first before tossing into tub

*Peppermint

1 C. PM
1/2 C. cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil

*Almond

1 TBS Almond Oil
1/4 C. honey (omit if storing, incorporate when using)
1 C. PM

*Lavender

1 C. PM
1/8 C. lavender

Also try any of the ones found on this page, but since the ingredients would be loose in the tub instead of in a bag, make sure that herbs and oatmeal are ground first so they’re fine in texture.

Pampering

1 1/2 C. ES
3/4 C. bicarb
3/4 C. herbs

Soothing

4 C. ES
1 C. bicarb
1/2 C. sea salt
2 TBS herbs

Tips:

• Store in airtight plastic containers or sterilized jars (such as mason or pretty jam cuties). Shake well before using.
• Unless otherwise noted, toss in as little or as much as desired into the water…anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup should be plenty.
• If you like fragrance, try a few drops of EO or perfumes. I wouldn’t do this with blends that contain dried herbs or spices already.
• For pretty colors, mix in a few drops of food coloring then shake really well. Don’t use too much though in case the tub gets stained.
• These can also be made in bulk and given as gifts in a jar–just omit any liquid (for those that require it) and include directions with each. For a nice touch include the recipe too so the recipient can make some more if they like.
• For more home spa treats, try these soothers for feet.

Foaming

1 C. sweet almond oil (light olive or sesame oil may be substituted)
1/2 C. honey
1/2 C. liquid soap
1 TBS vanilla extract

• Measure the oil into a medium bowl, then carefully stir in remaining items until fully blended.
• Store in a clean plastic bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or lid. Shake gently before using. Enough for four large luxurious baths.
• Swirl desired amount into the tub under running water – then step in and descend into a warm, silky escape.

Vanilla Blend

1 C. sunflower oil
1/2 C. castile soap
1/4 C. honey
1 TBS vanilla

• Grate the castile and cover with a bit of water, heat until melted.
• Stir in the rest of the items, add to running bath.

Lavender

3 TBS lavender flowers*
1-1/2 C. whole milk, cream or combination
1/3 C. honey

• Process flowers in a blender until they become a powder, turning off the blender and scraping down the sides as necessary. Whisk together the ingredients in a glass bowl, then pour into a jar. Before each use, shake well and pour half of the mixture into the tub. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes enough for 2 baths.
• *These can be found in the spice section of gourmet and specialty stores.

Luxurious

1 C. honey
2 C. milk
1/2 C. sea salt
3 TBS baking soda

• First combine the honey with a cup of boiling water, stir until dissolved. Then add the milk, incorporating well.
• Run the bath then add the sea salt and bicarb to dissolve.
• Pour in the milk batch.

Homemade Jellies

These can be made as luxurious home spa goodies or they can be packaged for the kids (set with toys inside). Great to give as gifts. They may not bubble up as nicely as some commercial products, but definitely a nice treat.

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 C. liquid soap (unscented–shower gel, hand soap or bubble bath)
*EO (choose a favorite–a few drops)

Directions:

• Bring 3/4 cup water to a boil, remove from heat then slowly dissolve the gelatin. Slowly pour in soap and stir. Add EO, combine well.
• Store liquid in a clean clear container, seal and refrigerate overnight.

Once it gels, it’s ready. Just put a spoonful under running tap for a bubbling treat (a tablespoon or two will do).

*If you wish, skip the EO and use soaps that have a fragrance.

Notes: Keeps for a few weeks if refrigerated and sealed airtight to avoid mold.

Optional: A couple drops of food coloring can be added when first mixing jelly to give it some color, don’t use too much though since it can stain tubs.

Gift Ideas: Package in small jars, embellish with a decorative label and some ribbons or trims. Put a small toy or object in the jelly when initially poured, it will set inside. Make in small batches at a time so it can be used within weeks.

DIY Bubbles

Here’s an easy recipe that can be customized to your own preference by combining favorite scents–also ditches harsh perfumes and chemicals that some commercial ones contain.

bar of castile (2 ounces)
liquid glycerin (2 ounces)
EO (lavender, orange, etc.)

Directions:

• Shave the bar into a bowl then mix in a pint of warm, distilled water and glycerin. Stir to combine well.
• Allow to sit until the shavings are soft then mix with a wooden spoon until smooth.
• Add favorite EO then store in glass mason jars, seal with lid.

If making this to give as a gift, label with the ingredients and decorate with raffia, ribbon, charms or whatever embellishments desired.

Source: Green Made Easy by Chris Prelitz

Several of these were originally published on their own pages and moved here for better organization.