Do you know how to use shower steamers? Find out what is a shower steamer. Learn all about this trending product and get my best recommendations.
We Love to Use Shower Steamers
Shower steamers transform your routine shower into an aromatherapy experience. You can use shower steamers to relax, to give yourself more energy, or just for fun.
Keep reading to find out more about this trending product. Our entire family loves using them, adults and kids!
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What is a Shower Steamer?
You might be wondering, what are shower steamers? Maybe you've seen it trending online.
A shower steamer is a large tablet that releases aroma as you shower. You place it in the shower. Then, the heat and steam of the water slowly disintegrates the tablet causing it to release scents.
The best shower steamers are made out of basic ingredients: sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), citric acid, and essential oils. They might also contain corn starch, coconut oil or another few ingredients.
You can think of them like bath bombs for showers. Except bath bombs also usually contain ingredients to soothe the skin. Shower steamers simply release aroma and aren't supposed to have direct contact with skin.
They are about the size of an airpod case, but can come in many different shapes and sizes.
How to Use Shower Steamers?
Shower steamers are easy to use. You place one in a steamy shower, and it releases a gorgeous scent.
Where is the best place to put a shower steamer?
Shower steamers should be placed out of direct water contact, but close enough to the hot steam and some water droplets.
I like to place the shower steamer on the floor, out of the water. It sits towards the back half of the shower floor.
Alternatively, some people like to place shower steamers out of the direct water stream, but close to the drain.
It really depends on your shower set up, how strong you want the aroma, and how long you would like each shower steamer to last. The less water that comes in contact with the shower steamer, the less aroma it releases, but the longer it lasts.
How long do shower steamers last?
If I keep the shower steamer away from the direct water, they generally can last a few showers. By doing it this way, we enjoy a faint scent with each shower.
If you place the shower steamer directly in the water, it will last for only about 5-10 minutes before it fizzes away.
Put the tablet on a small tray
I keep the shower steamer on a small tray. A small soap dish would work well.
If you place the shower steamer next to the drain, it's helpful to put it on a little tray. That way, the shower steamer won't be sitting in the water run off.
Are Shower Steamers Worth It?
Yes! Shower steamers are a great way to use aromatherapy.
It's definitely worth it when I am looking for a relaxing shower, or a boost in my mood. A shower steamer can also work well for clearing sinuses and congestion.
If you've never tried it, definitely give them a shot. They are easy to buy (my favorite one on Amazon), won't break the bank, and smell so great.
Do Shower Steamers Really Work?
Yes, shower steamers definitely do work! They give of a gentle aromatherapy scent.
If you are having trouble, there are a few reasons why a shower steamer might not be working well for you.
Try a different brand
If you aren't getting enough scent out of your shower steamer, it's likely you need to try a different brand.
Choose a brand that uses high-quality materials and natural ingredients. Shower steamers generally need very few ingredients: sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), citric acid, essential oil.
Also important, look for tablets that use essential oils, as opposed to fragrance oil.
I share my tried and tested recommendations below.
I have heard that some brands, such as Bath and Body Works, have a weak scent and don't work well. I'm not surprised, after looking at the ingredients. It's a long list of who knows what.
Shower size
How well a steamer tablet works for you might depend on the size and layout of your shower. Shower steamers work better in showers that trap in more steam.
For example, our master shower has a simple fixed panel shower glass and an open entry way. The bathroom also has high ceilings. While I find the scent strong enough, the scent is definitely stronger when I use the shower steamer in the kids' bathroom.
The kids' shower, in contrast, has a sliding door to keep it completely enclosed. The ceiling is also lower. In general, it's easier to build up more steam in that bathroom. As expected, it makes the shower steamer scent more prominent.
Best Shower Steamer Tablets
There are so many different shower steamers to try and buy. Here are a few I recommend off Amazon.
This Beauty by Earth Chill Shower Steamer smells divine! The scent is super strong, so keep it away from the water. Each cube should last several showers. Ingredients:
- Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
- Citric Acid
- Essential Oils, depending on the scent
- Polysorbate 80
- Aqua (Water)
I also like the Body Restore shower steamers. Here's their sample pack. The next one I'm going to try is the Awaken Morning Brew. It's supposed to smell like coffee - how fun! Ingredients:
- Sodium Sulfate
- Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Carbonate
- Corn Starch
- Fragrance
- Essential Oils, depending on the scent
- PEG-160
For a beautiful gift and a great selection of scents, I like this Wonder Family Shower Steamer Set. The tablets are huge and last for a few showers if you keep it out of the water. I use the free tray that came with this set for all my steamer tablets. Ingredients:
- Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Carbonate
- Fragrance
- Essential Oils, depending on the scent
DIY Tablets
It's on my to-do list to try to make my own steamer tablet. Here are a couple recipes that look easy to do. Have you tried making your own before?
- This Shower Diffuser Melt by My Frugal Home uses baking soda, citric acid, witch hazel and essential oils.
- Mountain Rose Herbs shares an invigorating Recipe with Ginger and Lemon.
Time to Take a Relaxing Shower
If you haven't yet, I hope you give shower steamers a try. Please let me know if you have any favorite brands below. I'm always looking to try new ones.
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