Epsom Salt Potpourri: 3 Beautiful DIY Blends for Natural Home Fragrance
- Astrid van Essen
- Apr 20
- 5 min read
If you’re looking for a natural (non-toxic!) and straightforward way to freshen up your home, Epsom salt potpourri might be your new go-to. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and you can tailor each blend to suit your space, mood or the season. Whether you're after something calming, zesty or a bit more exotic, there’s a recipe here for you.
Let’s dive into the magic of Epsom salt, why it works so well for potpourri, and how to create your own fragrant blends at home.
A personal note
If you’ve found your way here from www.botanicalblueprint.com, welcome! You’ll notice some of the same blog posts appear on both sites, as my passions naturally overlap. While Botanical Blueprint is home to my handcrafted concrete designs, Simmer & Stir is where I dive deeper into my love for herbs, scent, and seasonal living. Whether you came for home accessories or herbal inspiration, I’m glad you’re here!
What Is Epsom Salt, Anyway?
Despite the name, Epsom salt isn’t a type of salt you cook with. It’s a naturally occurring mineral compound made up of magnesium and sulphate, first discovered in the English town of Epsom – hence the name. It’s most commonly used in baths to ease sore muscles and help with relaxation, but its coarse, crystalline texture also makes it a brilliant ingredient for crafts and natural home fragrance. It’s inexpensive, easy to find, and a great alternative to synthetic fillers.
Why Use Epsom Salt in Potpourri?
Epsom salt isn’t just for bath time. In potpourri, it serves as a brilliant base that absorbs and holds essential oils beautifully. It also gives your mix a gentle sparkle and a spa-like texture that looks lovely in bowls, jars, or fabric sachets.
Here are a few benefits:
Holds scent – essential oils cling to the salt crystals
Affordable & accessible – found in most chemists or supermarkets
Visually pretty – especially when paired with dried petals and herbs
Easy to refresh – just add a few more drops of oil every couple of weeks
Most Popular Scents
If you’re after scents that people love and are always searching for, these are some of the most popular:
Lavender – calming, restful, and a staple for bedrooms
Vanilla – sweet, cosy and perfect for colder months
Citrus (orange, lemon, grapefruit) – bright, clean and energising
Rose – floral and timeless
Sandalwood – warm, earthy and great for layering with florals
And if you fancy something a bit more adventurous, try a more exotic combo like cardamom, rose and sandalwood – rich, indulgent and absolutely stunning.
3 DIY Epsom Salt Potpourri Recipes
All of these blends start with 1 cup of plain Epsom salt. You can easily double or triple the quantities to suit your container size.
1. Calming Lavender & Vanilla
Perfect for: Bedrooms, self-care spaces, gifts
You’ll Need:
1 cup Epsom salt
10 drops of lavender essential oil
5 drops vanilla oil or extract
2 tbsp dried lavender buds
A handful of dried cream or lavender rose petals
Optional: dried chamomile for extra softness
Scent Profile: Floral, sweet and relaxing – ideal before bedtime.
2. Zesty Citrus Burst
Perfect for: Kitchens, bathrooms, or anywhere that needs a fresh pick-me-up
You’ll Need:
1 cup Epsom salt
8 drops sweet orange essential oil
4 drops lemon or grapefruit oil
2 tbsp dried orange and lemon peel
1 tbsp dried rosemary or mint
Optional: calendula petals for a burst of sunshine colour
Scent Profile: Uplifting and energising – think freshly squeezed juice in the sunshine.
3. Exotic Rose, Cardamom & Sandalwood
Perfect for: Living rooms, cosy corners, or something special for guests
You’ll Need:
1 cup Epsom salt
6 drops of sandalwood essential oil
4 drops rose essential oil
2 drops cardamom essential oil (warming and spicy)
Dried rose petals (red or pink)
Crushed cardamom pods or whole star anise
Optional: dried hibiscus for a rich colour pop
Scent Profile: Romantic and warm with a hint of spice – like an elegant evening in.
How to Use Epsom Salt Potpourri
Display it in open bowls or glass jars in your chosen space
Pop it into fabric sachets to tuck into drawers or wardrobes
Refresh the scent every few weeks by adding a few drops of oil
Mix and match oils to suit the seasons or your mood
It also makes a gorgeous handmade gift – just tie a ribbon around a jar or fill a small muslin bag and add a little tag.
Which blend would you try first? A- Lavender & Vanilla B- Citrus Burst C- Rose, Cardamom & Sandalwood D- I’d love to create my own
Write an answer
Important Note
This potpourri is for decorative and aromatic use only. Please keep out of reach of small children and pets, as some ingredients may be harmful if ingested.
Can Epsom Salt Potpourri Be Reused?
Absolutely! Once the fragrance has worn off, don’t throw it away just yet. Here are a few lovely ways to give it a second life:
🌿 1. Refresh it as potpourri
If it still looks nice (the petals aren’t too dusty or faded), stir the mix and add a few more drops of essential oil. This can give it another few weeks of life.
🛁 2. Use it as a bath soak
If you’ve only used pure essential oils and natural dried ingredients, you can add the mix directly to a warm bath. The Epsom salt will help ease muscle tension while adding a subtle scent and a touch of luxury. Avoid this if the potpourri contains glitter, synthetic fragrance oils, or bulky extras, such as star anise.
🌱 3. Compost the botanicals
Sift out the dried petals and herbs and pop them in the compost. While Epsom salt isn’t ideal for compost in large amounts, the botanical bits will break down naturally.
Final Thoughts
Epsom salt potpourri is a lovely way to bring fragrance and beauty into your home naturally. You can easily play around with scents and textures to create something unique to you. And once you start blending, you might find it becomes your new favourite ritual.
Which blend will you try first? Let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram @SimmerAndStir if you make your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does Epsom salt potpourri last?
The scent typically lasts around 2–4 weeks, depending on the oils used and the placement. You can refresh it easily by stirring and adding a few more drops of essential oil.
2. Can I use regular table salt instead of Epsom salt?
Not really. Table salt is too fine and doesn’t hold scent as well. Epsom salt has larger crystals that absorb oils beautifully, creating a lovely textured look.
3. Is it safe to use around children or pets?
The ingredients are natural, but some essential oils and botanicals can be harmful if ingested. Always keep potpourri out of reach of little ones and curious pets – it’s decorative, not edible.
4. Can I use fragrance oils instead of essential oils?
Yes – fragrance oils are fine, especially if you’re after a stronger or longer-lasting scent. Just check they’re skin-safe if you plan to reuse the mix in a bath later.
5. Can I make these blends in advance and store them?
Absolutely! Store your potpourri in an airtight jar or container, keeping it away from heat and light. Add the essential oils just before using for the freshest scent.
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