Imagine stepping into your shower, and instead of just water hitting your skin, you’re instantly surrounded by a wave of refreshing, aromatic steam that soothes your mind and awakens your senses.

Sounds luxurious, right? Surprisingly, you can create this spa-like experience right at home with a simple, affordable trick that requires nothing more than a wooden clothespin and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. This easy do-it-yourself method has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason—it’s effective, low-effort, and totally customizable. The concept is simple, yet brilliant. Instead of using your wooden clothespin for hanging laundry, you’re going to turn it into a mini diffuser for your shower. Start by selecting your essential oil. This is the most important part of the process, as the scent you choose will set the tone for your shower experience. Popular choices include lavender, which is known for its calming and relaxing properties—perfect for winding down at the end of the day. Eucalyptus is another favorite, especially if you’re feeling stuffy or congested, thanks to its refreshing and clearing aroma.

Citrus oils like lemon, orange, or grapefruit are ideal for boosting energy and waking you up in the morning, while peppermint delivers a cooling, invigorating sensation that helps clear your mind and your sinuses. Once you’ve chosen the essential oil that fits your mood or needs, grab a wooden clothespin—not plastic, as wood naturally absorbs and holds oils much better. Drop two to three drops of your selected oil directly onto the wooden part of the clothespin. It’s important not to oversaturate it; a little goes a long way and will keep your bathroom from being overwhelmed by fragrance.

Now, the fun part: attach the oil-infused clothespin to your shower. You can clip it to the top of the showerhead, the edge of your shower caddy, or even onto the shower curtain. As you begin your shower and the steam starts to rise, the heat will help release the essential oil’s scent into the air, turning your entire bathroom into a soothing, scented retreat. The wooden clothespin acts as a slow-release diffuser, letting off just the right amount of aroma each time you turn on the water. And the best part? This trick works for several showers before needing a refresh, making it a simple, sustainable addition to your routine. When the scent begins to fade, just add a few more drops of oil and clip it back in place.

You can easily switch out oils based on the season, your mood, or even the time of day. This clever hack is not only relaxing and enjoyable, but it’s also a great way to benefit from aromatherapy without using a plug-in diffuser or open flame candle. Essential oils have long been praised for their mental and physical health benefits, and integrating them into your shower is a practical, everyday way to enjoy their effects. Want to feel calm before bed? Go for lavender or chamomile. Need motivation to face the day? Citrus or peppermint will do the trick. Feeling under the weather? Eucalyptus can help open your airways and provide relief. The beauty of this method lies in how easy it is to incorporate into your daily life. It doesn’t require any special tools, setup, or expensive products—just a wooden clothespin and essential oil, both of which are inexpensive and widely available.

Even if you’ve never used essential oils before, this hack is a fun and beginner-friendly way to start experimenting with scents and discover what works best for you. With just a little effort, you can turn your ordinary shower into a rejuvenating and aromatic escape. So next time you’re getting ready for a shower, don’t forget to grab that clothespin and your go-to essential oil—you’ll be amazed at how this tiny change can completely transform your daily routine.