can you use epsom salt in cold water

HOMEMADE HERBAL BATH MELTS

These herbal bath melts are perfect for moisturizing your skin, resetting your energy, calming your mind, and opening your heart. There’s no better way to unwind and release the day’s stress than through a self-care ritual, setting a personal bath intention. With these melts, you’ll create a soothing experience that nourishes both body and soul.

If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you know how much I advocate for self-care. One of my favorite ways to practice self-care is by enjoying a nourishing bath that refreshes both your skin and your spirit.

Over the years, I’ve shared various bathtime essentials, including bath salts, soaks, and bath bombs. These herbal bath melts offer a unique experience—they’re portable like bath bombs yet deliver the deep hydration of a bath soak, making them a perfect addition to your relaxation routine.

WHAT IS AN HERBAL BATH MELT?

Imagine the silky, indulgent experience of a bath soak combined with the convenience of a bath bomb. These herbal bath melts gently dissolve without fizzing, releasing essential herbs and oils for a deeply hydrating bath.

Infused with cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, and skin-soothing herbs, these melts create a balanced, nourishing bath ritual that your skin will adore. As you soak, a sense of calm, renewal, and heart-opening warmth will envelop you, leaving your skin soft and replenished.

ARE BATH MELTS HARD TO MAKE?

Nope! Making herbal bath melts is actually quite simple and allows for a lot of flexibility with ingredients. All it takes is mixing your chosen ingredients, pouring them into a silicone mold, and letting them set.

The recipe I used combines clays, essential oils, organic flowers, and coconut oil. Unlike bath bombs, these herbal melts are less labor-intensive and offer more creative freedom. I love how soft and nourished my skin feels after using them!

The best part of this herbal bath melt recipe is its flexibility—you can tailor the ingredients to suit your specific herbal needs, spiritual intentions, or simply what you have on hand.

FAVORITE DIY HERBAL BATH MELT INGREDIENTS

Creating your own bath melts lets you design a bath experience perfectly suited to your needs. I often begin with Epsom salts, which offer muscle-relaxing properties and skin nourishment, much like a bath bomb.

I also love adding my favorite organic flowers like calendula and chamomile, which bring a touch of beauty and tranquility to the bath. Be sure they’re 100% organic since you’ll be soaking in them!

When choosing ingredients for your herbal bath melts, think about the self-care ritual you want to create—one that encourages focus and letting go. Each ingredient has nourishing properties for the skin, but consider those that uplift your soul as well.

HEART-OPENING HERBAL SOAK

There’s nothing quite like a warm bath to thaw your body, mind, and heart on a chilly evening. Let the cocoa butter in these herbal bath melts melt into your skin, providing deep moisture and warmth.

Rose is a beautiful, heart-opening addition to this ritual, perfect for the colder months when many of us feel more introspective. Chamomile brings a gentle, calming quality with its light floral aroma, helping you drift off to a peaceful place, while calendula offers soothing support as you release and heal from the past.

For a touch of winter magic, bright orange peel brings fresh energy to your connections, love, and dreams. And the earthy scent of cedar offers a grounding presence, helping you reconnect with your inner wisdom, grounding you as you explore and embrace your truest self.

Other ingredients added:

  • rose clay
  • french green clay
  • rhassoul clay
  • cocoa butter wafers
  • shea butter
  • essential oils
  • cedar leaf
  • calendula flowers
  • chamomile
  • dried orange peel
  • rose petals

These ingredients not only hold everything together but also provide essential nutrients to nourish your skin.

Feel free to get creative, experimenting with or mixing your favorite ingredients. Whatever herbs you choose, simply stick to the recommended ratios, and you’ll create a magical DIY bath melt every time!

HOW TO MAKE HERBAL BATH MELTS

First, weigh out the coconut oil, cocoa butter wafers, and shea butter using a digital kitchen scale.

Next, melt the ingredients in a double boiler or a makeshift double boiler (by placing a Pyrex measuring cup or bowl over a pan with an inch or two of simmering water) until the oils reach a fully melted state.

If you’re using any optional clay ingredients, divide the melted oils into separate bowls. Stir in each clay while mixing to ensure they melt smoothly. Keep in mind that different clay types will affect the color of the melts and provide additional skin benefits.

Next, pour the melted oil mixtures into silicone molds. Then, in each mold, add Epsom salts and your chosen herbal ingredients. Feel free to use flower petals, cedar leaves, dried orange peel, or any other herbs in combinations that best suit your needs.

Allow the bath melts to dry and harden in the silicone molds overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.

Once they are completely set, gently pop the herbal bath melts out of the molds. Then, enjoy your soothing ritual of self-love, self-realization, and self-companionship!

HOW TO STORE AND USE HERBAL BATH MELTS

While you await their use, keep these lovely bath melts at room temperature, storing them in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight.

If you live in or visit a very hot climate, it’s best to store the herbal bath melts in the refrigerator. After all, no one wants a pre-melted bath melt!

Use the herbal bath melts as needed to moisturize your skin and relax your mind. Embrace the herbal benefits as you reconnect with your inner self. Just as the melts cater to your individual needs, create a ritual that feels right for you in the moment.

There’s nothing selfish about self-care. You’ll discover that as the bath melt dissolves, you’ll also melt away the day’s stressors.

Simply place a bath melt into a tub of hot water and allow it to melt, releasing the soothing herbs as you soak. Enjoy the experience!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I avoid the bath melts making a mess in the bathtub?

If you’re concerned about a mess after using the bath melt, I have a few tips for you. First, grind the flower petals using a coffee grinder, a circle silicone mold, a double boiler insert, a blender, or a food processor to minimize residue. Second, you can use a cheesecloth secured with a rubber band to strain out any leftover materials, making cleanup easier.

Regarding plumbing worries, I found that while using the bath melts, I focused on applying the oils to my skin, similar to a lotion bar. By the end of your bath, you’ll likely notice any remaining oils floating on top of the water. You can scoop these up with a cup to prevent them from going down the drain. If this method doesn’t work for you, consider leaving out the Epsom salt from the recipe and using the bath melt right after getting out of the bath!

Will the bath melts stay solid at room temperature?

Absolutely! We created and tested the bath melts recipe to ensure they stay solid at room temperature. However, we recommend storing them in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use them. Avoid sunny windows and be cautious when transporting the melts on hot days to keep them in perfect condition.

What tools will I need to make the bath melts?

I recommend using a silicone mold to shape the bath melts; I used a circular silicone mold for mine. For melting, I often set up a standard double boiler by placing a glass bowl on top of a pot filled with warm water. Alternatively, I love using a double boiler insert for easy heating and pouring. A kitchen scale is also helpful for measuring the ingredients accurately!

conclusion

In conclusion, creating your own herbal bath melts is a delightful and customizable way to enhance your self-care routine. By choosing ingredients that resonate with your needs and preferences, you can craft a soothing and nourishing bath experience that promotes relaxation, skin hydration, and inner peace. With simple steps and flexible options, you can enjoy the calming benefits of these bath melts while reconnecting with yourself. So gather your materials, let your creativity flow, and indulge in the magic of a personalized herbal bath ritual that rejuvenates both your body and mind! Enjoy every moment of your self-care journey!

HOMEMADE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT 

Are you tired of harsh chemicals in your laundry detergent? Do you want to switch to a more eco-friendly and budget-friendly option? Look no further than homemade natural laundry detergent. By creating your own detergent, you can control the ingredients, reduce waste, and save money.

This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process to make your own natural laundry detergent at home. We’ll explore different recipes, discuss the benefits of using natural ingredients, and offer tips for effective cleaning. Let’s dive in and discover the world of homemade natural laundry detergent!

HOW DOES HOMEMADE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT WORK?

Homemade natural laundry detergent works by harnessing the cleaning power of natural ingredients. While it may not contain the synthetic surfactants found in commercial detergents, it effectively removes dirt and grime through a combination of mechanical action, emulsification, and absorption.

Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

  • Mechanical Action: The detergent’s abrasive properties, often provided by ingredients like baking soda or borax, help to scrub away dirt and stains.
  • Emulsification: Some ingredients, such as soap or castile soap, act as emulsifiers, breaking down oil and grease into smaller droplets that can be more easily rinsed away.
  • Absorption: Ingredients like washing soda or vinegar can help to soften water and improve the detergent’s cleaning efficiency.

Key natural ingredients often used in homemade laundry detergent include:

  • Soap or Castile Soap: Provides cleansing power and emulsification.
  • Baking Soda: Acts as a natural abrasive and deodorizer.
  • Borax: Boosts cleaning power and helps to soften water.
  • Washing Soda: Helps to soften water and boost cleaning efficiency.
  • Vinegar: Can help to soften water and remove odors.
  • Essential Oils: Add a pleasant fragrance and can have antibacterial properties.

By understanding how these ingredients work together, you can tailor your homemade laundry detergent recipe to suit your specific needs and preferences.

5 INGREDIENTS TO MAKE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT

Vinegar: One of the most underrated yet versatile cleaning agents, vinegar can kill harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. Pretty impressive, considering you can buy a gallon for just $1-$2. Its high acidity cuts through grease and removes buildup, making it a key ingredient in many of my homemade surface cleaners.

Baking Soda: While baking soda is well-known for its odor-absorbing properties, it’s also fantastic for removing stains, polishing, and cutting through grease. It works wonders as an oven cleaner, and when combined with vinegar, it’s incredibly effective at tackling tough grime on pots and pans.

Castile Soap: This all-natural, highly concentrated soap is super cost-effective and has endless uses in a non-toxic home. I use it in my homemade dish soap and laundry detergent. I usually go for liquid castile soap, but many DIY laundry detergent recipes call for grated bar soap.

Washing Soda: A common ingredient in natural DIY laundry detergents, washing soda is highly alkaline, making it a powerful stain remover. If you can’t find it, you can make your own by baking baking soda at 400°F for about an hour. The texture will become coarser than the original baking soda.

Salt: Believe it or not, salt is an excellent cleaning agent due to its natural abrasiveness, making it perfect for scrubbing grime. I use coarse or Epsom salt in my homemade laundry detergent and DIY laundry scent booster & fabric softener. It helps to soften fabrics, and the chloride in salt keeps clothes looking bright.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE THE INGREDIENTS?

If you need to substitute ingredients in this recipe, there are a few simple alternatives:

Washing Soda: Can’t find washing soda? No problem! You can make it by baking regular baking soda. Spread it on a baking sheet and cook for an hour at 400°F. This will convert the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) into sodium carbonate (washing soda).

Coarse Salt: If you’re out of coarse salt, table salt or Epsom salt will work just as well.

Castile Soap: Swap liquid castile soap with a full bar of grated castile soap. Just melt it in hot water before combining it with the other ingredients.

WHY DON’T YOU USE BORAX IN NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT?

The safety of borax has come under scrutiny, with the EU banning it due to concerns about its potential impact on reproductive health. This decision was based on studies conducted on mice and rats that showed harmful effects after ingesting high amounts of borax. While there are certainly worse ingredients out there, I prefer to err on the side of caution. Although borax is known for its stain-removing properties, I find that washing soda works just as effectively on its own.

HOW MUCH NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT DO YOU NEED PER LOAD?

For an average-sized load of laundry, I typically use about 1/3 cup of detergent. For smaller loads, 1/4 cup works perfectly. I keep a 4 oz mason jar in the laundry room to measure the detergent for each load—it’s super convenient!

HOW TO MAKE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup washing soda
  • 1/4 cup coarse salt
  • 30 drops essential oil
  • Water
  • Gallon-sized container

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a large glass bowl or jar, combine the baking soda, salt, and washing soda. Add enough hot water to dissolve the ingredients as much as possible.
  • Pour the mixture into a gallon-sized container. Add the castile soap and essential oils.
  • Fill the container with cold water, then mix well.
  • Use 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the detergent per load, depending on the size.

NOTES

I usually prepare my detergent in a gallon-sized glass jar. I start by adding the washing soda, baking soda, salt, and hot water directly to the jar to help dissolve everything, and then I add the remaining ingredients.

CONCLUSION

Making your own homemade natural laundry detergent is a rewarding and environmentally friendly endeavor. By using natural ingredients, you can reduce your reliance on harsh chemicals, save money, and contribute to a healthier planet.

Remember to experiment with different recipes to find the one that works best for your laundry needs and preferences. With a little creativity and effort, you can create a homemade detergent that is both effective and gentle on your clothes.

So, why not give it a try? Start making your own natural laundry detergent today and enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable lifestyle.