So, you’ve been reading about the multitude of reasons to add eucalyptus to your shower and decided to make the leap and try it out for yourself. There’s only one problem: after a bit of time, you can barely detect the fragrance or worse, you don’t smell it at all. But don’t lose hope! There are several easy tactics to test out that can help preserve and prolong that special fragrance in your shower.
Why can’t I smell my eucalyptus in the shower?
First, let’s talk about why you can’t smell your eucalyptus in the shower. Assuming that you don’t currently have a cold (or Covid-19), there are two main reasons that you can’t smell your eucalyptus anymore. First, if you are using a eucalyptus bundle, it is likely that the eucalyptus has dried out to the point that it is no longer releasing any odor. The eucalyptus scent is released through the oil glands populating the surface area of the eucalyptus leaves; these glands must have sufficient moisture in order to continue releasing their fragrant eucalyptus oil and scent. While the steam from your shower will provide some stimulation, it is not sufficient to last for weeks on end without a bit of extra work on your end. At a certain point, the cutting will inevitably become too dry to continue producing the oil; however, this expiration can arrive prematurely when the cutting is not treated properly from the start. If this is the culprit, your bundle is likely dry and brittle to the touch. Don't panic; all is not lost! Although eucalyptus bundles do have a lifespan, if yours is within first couple of weeks, you can easily revive it with a few simple steps.
Second, if you are using a potted eucalyptus plant in your bathroom, you may want to consider the possibility of nutrient deficiency that could be robbing your plant of its scent. To solve this problem, consider using a fertilizer high in potassium to rejuvenate your plant. For more tips on growing eucalyptus indoors, check out this article from WhyFarmIt. You may also need to take into account factors such as the general health of your plant. Is it getting enough sunlight? The proper amount of water? All of these details can contribute to the long-term health of your eucalyptus plant.
Additionally, there is one final possibility to consider as to why you can no longer smell your eucalyptus plant. You may have simply grown accustomed to the smell that it no longer makes an impression on you. While this is less common, if you have a relatively weak sense of smell, the eucalyptus may just not be making an impression on you anymore. An easy way to test whether or not this is the culprit is by getting someone else to see if they can smell the eucalyptus in your bathroom.
What should eucalyptus smell like?
Perhaps you have been struggling with a lackluster fragrance, or total lack thereof, from your eucalyptus for so long that you have forgotten what exactly it should smell like. Maybe you have never been able to get a eucalyptus plant or cutting to smell. Either way, let’s have a quick refresher on what eucalyptus should ideally smell like.
While it’s a difficult scent to describe exactly, many characterize it as having a minty quality combined with a slightly sweet, woodsy scent. Some even ascribe a slight honey-like component to it. The pure scent is fairly strong in a small setting; after all, some of eucalyptus’ chemical compounds make it toxic to ingest and dangerous to even apply directly to skin, so it shouldn’t be surprising that it has a relatively powerful smell.
The scent of eucalyptus does far more than simply be pleasant to your nose; it can also be used for aromatherapy and as a way of lessening anxiety, congestion, and other ailments. In short, you definitely want to be able to smell your eucalyptus in order to fully appreciate its benefits.
How long does the scent of eucalyptus last in the shower?
Fresh eucalyptus bundles last between 2-4 weeks depending on a variety of factors such as sunlight, heat, humidity, placement, and other unique conditions. While some of those things are out of your control, you can take steps to maximize the scent and lifespan of your eucalyptus cutting. Hopefully, an indoor eucalyptus plant will last indefinitely as long as it is well cared for.
How can I make the scent of eucalyptus last as long as possible?
Now that you know that you can help your eucalyptus scent last longer, you’re ready for the specifics on how to accomplish just that.
Provided that you are working with fresh eucalyptus, there are a few steps to follow for optimal results. Once you receive your eucalyptus, make sure to take it out of the box immediately. It doesn’t do the bundle any good to sit in a box longer than it has to. Next, trim the stems a short amount, such as one inch or so. By doing this, you are reopening the plant to receive water and nutrients by removing air bubbles and creating a fresh passageway. The next step is to place your bundle in cool water to allow the plant to drink up and stock up on water in order to release its scent for as long as possible. Remember how the leaves require moisture in order for the glands to release their fragrant oils? This is where you stimulate that. Leaving the stems in water overnight is a good length of time for the process to take place.
The above steps are the exact same ones that you should take if you're looking to refresh your bundle that has grown dry or non-scented. While it will have decreasing effectiveness the older that the bundle grows, it should still breathe new life into the leaves and release a stronger, more relaxing, scent.
If you are planning to hang the eucalyptus in your shower, you will need to take a few additional steps to maximize the eucalyptus scent. After trimming the stems, roll out the eucalyptus leaves in order to release the oils within the leaves which hold the familiar fragrance. While this will slightly shorten the life of the eucalyptus bundle, it will prepare your bundle well for its placement in a wet environment like the shower. When it comes time to place your bundle in the shower, make sure to place it outside of direct water flow. While eucalyptus needs moisture to live up to its potential, it doesn’t like to be doused in water frequently. Coming into frequent contact with water will make your eucalyptus bundle lose its scent more quickly.
You may also choose to take a different route of display with your eucalyptus. Rather than hanging it in the shower, you could opt for a vase or other container. If you go this route, make sure to periodically change out the water and trim the stems for an easy refresh. Also, make sure to avoid putting the vase in direct sunlight; it may look pretty in the window, but it will dry out faster that way.
To increase the longevity of the eucalyptus scent in your bathroom, you can lightly mist your eucalyptus to help it remain hydrated. To boost the eucalyptus scent even more, you can add a drop of eucalyptus essential oil to the mister or even add it directly to the leaves. You may be interested in trying out eucalyptus spray in tandem with a eucalyptus cutting or bundle in order to maximize the eucalyptus scent in your bathroom.
As time goes on, you may find that you need to repeat the beginning steps of trimming the stems and placing the stems in water overnight. This will refresh the eucalyptus and help it to last as long as possible and continue to enhance your bathroom. This will help keep your bundle fresh for as long as possible!
What are other fragrant options besides eucalyptus?
While the smell of eucalyptus is certainly refreshing enough on its own, it also pairs well with other calming and earthy aromas such as lavender and rosemary.You can explore combination bundles such as the lavender and eucalyptus bundle or the rosemary and eucalyptus option. You may choose to rotate through these scents every few months to keep things lively in your bathroom or you may want to try a combination or pairing of these fragrances. No matter what you choose, you can bring the winsome scent of eucalyptus into your bathroom with a Self-Care Shower eucalyptus bundle, sustainably hand-picked and grown in the United States!
Image Sources
Kushal Gopal//Pexels
Self-Care Shower Stock Photo
Ksenia Chernaya//Pexels
Self-Care Shower Stock Photo
Self-Care Shower Stock Photo
Self-Care Shower Stock Photo
Self-Care Shower Stock Photo
FAQs
Take a wine bottle or a rolling pin and roll it over the eucalpytus leaves to release their scent. (Do this over a newspaper or cutting board, or else it will get sticky). Then take a rubber band, loop it over the shower head, and tie the eucalyptus to it. That's it.
Why does my fresh eucalyptus not smell? ›
Fresh Eucalyptus is usually bought at fresh flower stores and has the most scent but will quickly dry up. It will become brittle and lose its scent in one to two weeks. The color is the most natural at first, but will fade and turn brown and grey very fast.
Should you roll eucalyptus in the shower? ›
When you hang eucalyptus in the shower, the steam releases the essential oils of the eucalyptus plant, which can aid in clearing nasal congestion and inflammation related to sinus and bronchial infections, at least temporarily.
How do I make my bathroom smell like eucalyptus? ›
You can grab a eucalyptus-scented candle or pick up eucalyptus essential oils. You can dash about 10 drops into your tub before you turn on your shower and that way, when the water hits the tub, it will start to infuse the little-enclosed area that you're going to be showering in with that nice scent.
How do you activate eucalyptus? ›
Before you take the eucalyptus branches out of their packaging, lay the bouquet on a flat surface and gently roll over the stems a few times with a rolling pin. This helps release the oils and ensure a strong scent.
Which eucalyptus has the strongest smell? ›
Eucalyptus Glaucesens – with the strongest scent of all Eucalyptus, this stunning variety has light blue foliage and is one of the main varieties grown by our supplier Irish Green Guys.
How long can I keep eucalyptus in the shower? ›
Use the ends of the string to attach your eucalyptus bouquet to the showerhead or another part of your shower. Make sure to tie it securely. Position the bouquet so that it is not directly under the water stream. Replace the bouquet every 3 weeks or until you no longer smell eucalyptus.
Is fresh or dried eucalyptus better for shower? ›
In showers, a fresh eucalyptus bundle is typically the best option as it provides a lovely, woodsy, and clean scent for up to a month as well as coming with newly-harvested leaves and stems that can easily be trimmed and cared for to extend their lifespan.
Where do you hang eucalyptus in the shower? ›
The trick is to hang it just behind the shower head — the plant will release its oils when it comes into contact with your shower's hot steam, rather than the water.
Does eucalyptus in shower attract bugs? ›
Overall, placing a eucalyptus bundle in the shower will not attract bugs and will most likely decrease the amount of bugs you face in your bathroom due to its insect-repellent qualities!
Try out the following methods: Steam cup – Fill a cup with an ounce of warm water and 6 drops of your chosen essential oil. Place the steam cup on the side of the tub or in your shower caddy. As it heats up, shower steam should circulate the aroma from the cup.
How do I make my shower smell good while showering? ›
Essential oils: Keep a few bottles of your favorite scent of essential oils in the shower next to your products and add a few drops to the water once you turn the water to hot. The smell will infuse your entire shower stall. Fresh tea bag: Another quick way to add aroma to your shower is to bring a tea bag in with you.
How do you keep eucalyptus smelling good? ›
Immerse eucalyptus stems and leaves intended for use in arrangements in a bucket of water overnight. Remove them from the water and shake off excess moisture. Put the cut ends of the stems in a jar or vase of water until the leaves have completely air dried before using.
Is it OK to breathe in eucalyptus? ›
Eucalyptus oil can be inhaled through your nose and may provide some cold symptom relief. It's also found in many topical decongestants. However, because even small doses of the oil can be toxic, you should avoid consuming it ( 9 ).
Can you use too much eucalyptus? ›
Taking only 3.5 mL (less than one teaspoon) of the pure oil can be fatal. Eucalyptus oil can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Eucalyptus poisoning can cause stomach pain, dizziness, muscle weakness, feelings of suffocation, drowsiness, seizures, and coma.
Does eucalyptus make bathroom smell good? ›
Not only will eucalyptus make your bathroom smell fresh and clean, it will provide many extra benefits and with a bit of care will last for several weeks!
What happens when you smell too much eucalyptus? ›
Eucalyptus oil poisoning is rare in adults but is not that uncommon in children. The common side effects in children include depression in the level of consciousness, ataxia, seizures, and vomiting. Unlike in children, seizures are unusual in adult patients with eucalyptus oil poisoning.
How can I make my whole house smell like eucalyptus? ›
Most gardening stores and nurseries will sell sprigs of fresh eucalyptus for a few bucks a pop. Hang two or three sprigs in the corner of your shower, where they won't get wet. When you take a steamy shower, the humidity will activate the oils in the eucalyptus and create a spa-like experience with no extra effort.
Can I hang eucalyptus in my shower if I have a cat? ›
Inhaling or coming into contact with eucalyptus oils can be toxic to animals, including dogs, cats, and horses, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Don't use eucalyptus oil as aromatherapy if there are pets in the home.
How often should you change eucalyptus in shower? ›
Change the bouquet of Eucalyptus every three weeks; when you can't smell the scent of eucalyptus, or as the Eucalyptus start to look messy to the eye, replace them with brand-new bundles. Note: You can go as long as two months considering Eucalyptus lasts rather well in a shower room atmosphere.
There aren't any major health risks of hanging eucalyptus in the shower, says Patterson. Since eucalyptus is toxic to cats and dogs, though, you'll want to avoid the shower plant if you have pets at home.
Does eucalyptus plant repel spiders? ›
Use Eucalyptus Sprigs
Spiders and other pests are repelled by strong scents. Therefore, you should use sprinkle eucalyptus sprigs around the perimeter of your home to ward off outdoor spiders. You can make a spray by combining water, alcohol, eucalyptus oil, and lavendar oil.
Does eucalyptus repel co*ckroaches? ›
Eucalyptus oil was determined as the least repellent compound, it caused 27.7–49.8% repellency at different concentrations against the brown-banded co*ckroach compared to the other oils. Its repel effects were a little significantly different (P< 0.05) at different concentrations.
Do you have to hang eucalyptus upside down to dry? ›
Check stems and remove any dead or discolored leaves. Tie a length of string or twine snugly around the base of a bunch of fresh eucalyptus leaves. Hang the bunch upside down by the string in a cool, dark, dry place. A place with good air circulation, like an attic or outdoor shed, is ideal.
What are the benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower? ›
The Benefits of Hanging Eucalyptus in Your Shower—and How to Make a Fragrant, Mood-Boosting Bundle. When hit with hot water, the fragrant plant reduces stress, provides relief from respiratory issues, and increases energy levels. This fragrant plant is so much more than just a pretty addition to your bathroom.
Does eucalyptus oil help sinus in shower? ›
Eucalyptus oil
Many believe that this oil can relieve the symptoms of colds and coughs, including sinus congestion and stuffiness. People often use eucalyptus oil in steam baths. Like peppermint oil, it may clear stuffiness and congestion in the nose.
What can I put in my shower drain to make it smell better? ›
Mix 1 part bleach and 1 part water, then pour down the drain. First, pour one cup of baking soda down the drain. Then add a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain as the mixture fizzes, then flush with hot water.
What does it mean if you still stink after a shower? ›
Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.
Why does my shower stink after I shower? ›
Shower drain odors are caused by sewage gas, bacteria, or mold. If you have a guest bathroom that isn't used often, the shower drain P-trap can become dry and allow sewer gas to escape. This is easily solved by running the shower for a few minutes each month or so.
Why am I not smelling good after a shower? ›
ODOR AFTER A SHOWER IS DUE TO LINGERING BACTERIA
In addition to bacteria, oftentimes there is deodorant residue and other impurities that are trapped in the underarm pores and within the hair if you have armpit hair.
How Long Does it Last: Eucalyptus bundles can last for a 1-4 weeks in the shower. To extend the life of the bundle, florists recommend placing the bundle in water, and changing the water frequently. When placing in water, trimming the stems one half to a full inch can also help for water absorption.
How long does dried eucalyptus last in shower? ›
Dried and fresh eucalyptus both last for roughly 3-4 weeks in the shower before you will notice a decrease in both the scent and appearance of your bundle.
How do you refresh eucalyptus leaves? ›
Use a repurposed plastic spray bottle to spritz your eucalyptus stems and leaves with water once daily. This will help keep them hydrated and fresh.
Where should eucalyptus be placed in the shower? ›
Use a rolling pin or hammer to gently press on the leaves to release their oils and produce a stronger scent. Tie the eucalyptus into a bouquet and hang it up under your showerhead, keeping it out of the stream of water. Shower as normal and replace your eucalyptus bundle every 3 to 4 weeks.
