How to make a home foot spa

In our Sense Residential services, our foot spas are popular ways to relax and unwind.

Here’s how to recreate the same experience at home! Customise the scented foot spa salts to your favourite smells or essential oils, and use it any time to help relieve tension in your muscles.

This guide is part of our Sense Arts, Sport & Wellbeing programme. This activity can be done at a time that suits you, either in your own space or in an educational setting.

Who is this for?

This is a crafting activity for people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities.

Why does this make a difference?

This is a sensory activity that promotes wellbeing and relaxation, helping people use their senses to connect with their surroundings by exploring touch and smell. 

How to do this activity

What you’ll need

  • Footbath, foot spa or large flat bottomed bowl (a washing up bowl is good and can be disinfected after use)
  • Epsom bath salts or sea salt
  • Dried herbs or petals
  • Essential oils (lavender works well)
  • Large jam jar
  • Large mixing bowl
Ingredients to make a foot spa at home, including dried petals and epsom salts

Step 1

To dry your own herbs and petals, lay petals or flowers between two sheets of paper towel and microwave on low for a few seconds at a time, checking regularly. They scorch easily, so be vigilant! Alternatively, leave them in a warm, dry place for a few days.
Mixing dried petals and lavender into a bowl of salts

Step 2

Make your scented salts. Put a handful of salt, the dried herbs and dried petals into the bowl, and add a few drops of essential oils if using. Mix with your hands, making sure the oils are evenly distributed throughout the salts.
A jar filled with salts and petals on its side, in front of it are many decorative pink petals

Step 3

Put the salt and petal mix into a jar. When you’re ready to use it, fill up your foot spa or flat-bottomed bowl with warm water, and sprinkle in your scented salts!

Step 1

To dry your own herbs and petals, lay petals or flowers between two sheets of paper towel and microwave on low for a few seconds at a time, checking regularly. They scorch easily, so be vigilant! Alternatively, leave them in a warm, dry place for a few days.

Step 2

Mixing dried petals and lavender into a bowl of salts

Make your scented salts. Put a handful of salt, the dried herbs and dried petals into the bowl, and add a few drops of essential oils if using. Mix with your hands, making sure the oils are evenly distributed throughout the salts. 

Step 3

A jar filled with salts and petals on its side, in front of it are many decorative pink petals

Put the salt and petal mix into a jar. When you’re ready to use it, fill up your foot spa or flat-bottomed bowl with warm water, and sprinkle in your scented salts!