Hot showers are already soothing and relaxing, but you can turn yours into a luxurious spa experience. All you need is an essential oil and a simple wooden clothespin. All of a sudden, morning showers can make you feel more awake, energized, and in a good mood. And showers before bed can reduce stress and relax your body in preparation for sleep. Best of all, this trick requires only a few minutes to prepare.
The Clothespin Essential Oil Shower Hack
You will need:
- Wooden clothespin (plastic won’t work)
- Your favorite essential oil scent
Directions:
1. Pick your oil
Not all essential oil brands are equal. Look for high-quality products that contain only plant compounds with no additives or synthetic oils. Research the brand before buying to ensure their products have a good reputation. Here are some scent suggestions:
- Lavender is a popular, subtly floral scent that can aid with sleep and relaxation.
- Roman chamomile is also calming with a lightly floral and herbal smell.
- Rose can help with anxiety and its scent may be familiar to those new to essential oils.
- Vetiver has a smoky, woody, sweet scent to relax the body and boost moods.
- Citrus oils, like orange, grapefruit, and lemon, can give a shower a fresh and energizing feeling.
- Any essential oil that smells pleasant to you. You can also use a combination of two or three smells.
2. Apply the oil
The clothespin has to be wooden so it can soak in the oil. Simply place a few drops of oil onto either side of the clothespin. You don’t need to drench it since you will eventually have to reapply the oil anyway, depending on how often the shower is used.
3. Clip it to your showerhead
Next, clip the clothespin to the top edge of your showerhead where it won’t get wet. Instead, the steam of the hot water will release the scent into your shower, like a diffuser. If the pin won’t fit on your showerhead, clip it onto your shower curtain or any other area where the steam will reach it but the water won’t.
4. Enjoy heavenly aroma
The healing and restorative effects of essential oils are often exaggerated with little to no scientific backing. Don’t expect these scents to cure mental illnesses or chronic pain but pleasant-smelling oils can improve people’s moods and make them feel more relaxed and energized. They can also encourage deep breathing, which can lead to health benefits like reduced stress, improved digestion, relieved pain, lowered blood pressure, etc. So take a few deliberate breaths to reap the extra benefits of a soothing shower with your favorite essential oil. Whether you shower in the morning or before bed, a simple refreshing and calming smell can have many positive effects for the rest of the day/night.
However, essential oils may cause side effects like rashes, allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and headaches. So look out for these symptoms and stop using the oils immediately i they appear. Also, there has been very little research on the effect on oils for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so they should avoid them for the time being. Oils can also cause adverse reactions to children and pets. And essential oils should never be ingested under any circumstances. [1]
Read: 31 Plumbing Tips You Wish You Knew Sooner
More Tips For Pleasant-Smelling Bathrooms
Clear drains once a month
Drains can get filled with unpleasant-smelling gunk from clogged hair and other debris. So clean it once a month with a combination of baking soda and vinegar. “Baking soda neutralizes odors, and vinegar’s presence creates a bubbling action that helps any unpleasant muck come loose so the rinse water can wash it away,” says Barry Brown, owner of Counter Culture DIY. So pour about a cup of baking soda down the drain, wait for a few hours, and pour about a cup of vinegar onto the baking soda. Wait for about 15 minutes before rinsing the cleaners away with boiling water.
Check the towels
Bad smells aren’t exclusive to drains. They can also come from musky hand towels, bath towels, and washcloths. Make sure you wash and replace them at least every week. “If your towels are no longer soft or have a permanent smell even after being washed, it’s definitely time to replace them,” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love. [2]
Clean bathroom regularly
There’s no trick here, unfortunately. But it’s no secret that a dirty bathroom is a stinky bathroom, so don’t fall behind on your cleaning regime. “This includes wiping down surfaces, spot-cleaning any visible areas of dirt and grime, and scrubbing toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and tiles,” says Nathaly Vieira, cleaning expert and founder of InspireClean. “Usually, people forget to clean the bathroom grout, but this can be done with a cleaning toothbrush and soapy water – it can make a huge difference in how your bathroom smells and is a smart bathroom cleaning tip to turn your space into a spa.” If you don’t have time for a full cleaning job, focus on wiping the counters, cleaning the toilet, and ensuring the shower, sink, and bathtubs are dry and not mildewy.
Air circulation
Excess moisture is common in bathrooms but it’s also often to blame for funky odors. “After showers or baths, open windows or turn on the exhaust fan to allow excess humidity to escape or open an external window,” says Muffetta Krueger, a cleaning expert. “This helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause unpleasant smells.” [3]
Add plants
Plants are a great way to freshen up a bathroom through looks and smells. But ensure the plant can flourish based on how much natural light is available. You can always place dried herb bouquets in a vase to add a touch of sweet-smelling elegance. Speaking of which, place a dried bouquet of eucalyptus under the showerhead. The steam will draw out the aroma, making the bathroom smell incredible and luxurious. [4]
Use a diffuser
Clothespins aren’t the only way to utilize essential oils in the bathroom. Invest in a diffuser to keep your bathroom smelling fresh and pleasant. Lavender, mint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass are all strong scents that can cover bad odors and enhance relaxation. But you can choose whatever oil scent you like best. Other popular scents include citrus, cedarwood, frankincense, cardamom, jasmine, vanilla, cinnamon, rose, etc.
Keep Reading: Five Questions for… the ‘1 in 30 People Who Poo in the Shower’
Sources
- “What Are Essential Oils, and Do They Work?” Healthline. Helen West, RD. September 30, 2019
- “8 Things People with Nice-Smelling Bathrooms Always Do.” Apartment Therapy. Ashley Abramson. May 1, 2023
- “10 things people with nice-smelling bathrooms always do for a spa-like space.” Homes and Gardens. Chiana Dickson. July 30, 2023
- “10 Tips to Make Your Bathroom Smell Good All the Time.” MyDomaine. Rabekah Henderson. September 8, 2021