There is nothing quite like soaking in a warm bath after a long day, and making your own DIY bath salts is an easy way to turn an ordinary bath into a relaxing spa experience.
Homemade bath salts are inexpensive to make, completely customizable and can be prepared in just a few minutes. You can choose your favourite essential oils, add dried flowers or herbs and package the finished bath salts in pretty jars for a thoughtful handmade gift.
They are also a great DIY project for holidays, birthdays, Mother’s Day, bridal showers or Christmas.The best part? You only need a few simple ingredients to make your own bath salts at home.
Supplies List
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- 1/2 cup coarse sea salt or Himalayan pink salt
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 10–20 drops essential oil
- 1–2 tablespoons dried flowers or herbs such as lavender (optional)
- A small amount of soap colouring ( optional
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Glass jar or airtight container
- Decorative labels (free download below)
- Ribbon or twine, optional
How to Make DIY Bath Salts
Step 1: Combine the Salts
Add the Epsom salt and sea salt to a large mixing bowl.
Stir them together until they are evenly combined.
Epsom salt makes a great base for homemade bath salts, while sea salt adds texture and creates a pretty finished appearance.
Step 2: Add the Baking Soda
Add the baking soda to the salt mixture and stir well.
The baking soda helps create a silky feel in the bath and blends easily with the other dry ingredients.
Step 3: Add Essential Oil
Add 10–20 drops of your favourite essential oil. Add to your desired scent. If you are scent-sensitive, leave unscented.
Lavender is a popular choice for a relaxing bath, while peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon and orange can create a fresher scent.
Start with a smaller amount and add more if desired.
Stir thoroughly to distribute the essential oil throughout the salts.
Step 4: Add Dried Flowers or Herbs (Optional)
If you want your bath salts to look extra pretty, add dried flowers or herbs. Don’t overdo it. Use small pieces, as large pieces can clog drains pt stick to skin when bathing.
Some beautiful options include:
- Dried lavender
- Rose petals
- Chamomile
- Calendula
- Dried mint
- Dried rosemary
Use only a small amount so the flowers don’t overwhelm the bath.
Step 5: Add Colour
Colouring is completely optional. I reccomend soap colouring as it reduces staining.
If you want coloured bath salts, add just a tiny amount of soap colouring and mix thoroughly.
You can also divide the mixture into several bowls and create different colours for a layered bath salt effect.
Be careful when colouring, as some products can stain bathtubs, towels, or skin. Test a small amount first.
Step 6: Fill Your Jars
Once everything is thoroughly mixed, transfer the bath salts into clean, dry glass jars.
If you find the mixture is too damp, see notes below regarding drying.
A small funnel or scoop makes this step much easier and helps prevent spills.
Don’t pack the salts down too tightly. Simply spoon them into the jar, leaving at least 1/2 to 1 inch of airspace at the top.
Step 7: Embellish Jar (Optional)
If you are gifting your homemade diy bath salts, adding a pretty label to the jar and finishing it off with ribbon, twine or a small decorative tag adds a sense of elegance.
On your label include: Scent of the bath salts, ingredients (optional), instructions for use.
Tips for Success
DIY Bath Salts – Scent Ideas
One of the best things about making your own bath salts is that you can create different combinations.
- Lavender diy Bath Salts – Combine lavender essential oil with dried lavender flowers for a classic relaxing bath salt.
- Rose Bath Salts – Use a floral essential oil along with dried rose petals for a beautiful feminine bath soak.
- Citrus Bath Salts – Try orange, lemon or grapefruit essential oil for a fresh citrus scent.
- Peppermint Bath Salts – Peppermint essential oil gives bath salts a cool, refreshing scent.
- Eucalyptus Bath Salts – Eucalyptus creates a fresh, spa-like aroma that is especially nice in a warm bath.
Use Dry Ingredients
Make sure your salts, flowers and herbs are completely dry before mixing them.
Moisture can cause the mixture to clump and can shorten its shelf life.
If you find the mixture too wet after adding essential oils or colour, spread it out on a clean baking sheet to allow the mix to dry.
Choosing Storage Containers
Use a jar or container that is airtight. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work especially well for homemade bath salts.
Avoid containers that allow moisture to enter easily. This is especially important if stored in a bathroom where steam and high moisture can be present.
How Long Do Homemade Bath Salts Last?
When stored properly in a clean, dry, airtight container, homemade bath salts can last for several months.
Keep the container away from moisture and always use clean, dry hands or a spoon when removing the bath salts.
If the mixture develops an unusual smell, changes appearance or becomes contaminated with moisture, discard it.
Making DIY bath salts is one of those simple projects that looks much more complicated than it really is. With a few inexpensive ingredients, you can create beautiful homemade bath salts in almost any scent or colour you like.
This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).