Start by dissolving your menthol crystals. If you use essential oils in your formula that can help. Adding some isopropyl alcohol might be required to fully dissolve. It takes a few minutes Use only enough iso to dissolve the crystals.
Enough ISO to dissolve the menthol. Keep in mind it takes several minutes to dissolve depending on the size of your crystals. I use a metal spoon, stir and them down.
Be very careful when using menthol. If you get some directly on your skin it may burn. At full concentration it is powerful
2 grams of essential oils if using
Use a small solid pvc type mold as silicone molds can be tricky to with. An ice cube mold works great. See our guest size lotus mold here.
Steamers are a one time use product
INSTRUCTIONS
ONE: In a large bowl, combine the baking soda and citric acid & the cream of tartar. Break down all the lumps until the mixture resembles a powder. Use a metal strainer for faster results. Citric acid has a tendency to take off nail polish, so wear gloves to protect your manicure.
Add the dissolved menthol crystals to your dry mix and mix with your gloved hands making sure to scrap the sides of your bowl into the mixture. After several minutes of mixing, the mixture should resemble wet sand. If the mixture is not wet enough, add more alcohol a little at t time. Not too wet but enough for it to stick together. Push into your mold. Make sure to push as hard as you can to ensure the steamer sticks together. Leave overnight and remove to further dry for 1 day. If your area has very high humidity, this may affect the drying time.
