What if one small household item could make your daily shower feel more relaxing? A simple wooden clothespin and a few drops of essential oil can create a pleasant fragrance as warm shower steam fills the bathroom. It takes less than a minute to prepare and costs almost nothing, making it an easy alternative to expensive diffusers.

All you need is one wooden clothespin and your favorite essential oil. Wooden clothespins work well because the wood absorbs the oil and slowly releases its scent. Add two or three drops to the clothespin without soaking it. Lavender is a popular choice for a calming atmosphere, while eucalyptus offers a crisp, refreshing scent. Citrus oils can create a bright, energizing feeling, and peppermint provides a cool, invigorating aroma.

Next, clip the scented clothespin somewhere it can catch the warm steam without being directly hit by water. You can place it on the showerhead arm, a shower caddy, or the top edge of the shower curtain. As the shower warms up, the steam helps spread the fragrance around the space, turning an ordinary shower into a more enjoyable experience.

The scent can last through several showers depending on how much oil you use. When it begins to fade, simply add a couple more drops to the clothespin. “A little goes a long way—you don’t need to soak it.”

Sometimes a simple idea is all you need to upgrade a daily routine. This trick “isn’t a substitute for a dedicated diffuser,” but it offers an inexpensive way to bring a pleasant fragrance into your bathroom. The next time you shower, try a wooden clothespin with your favorite essential oil and enjoy a simple spa-inspired touch at home.