How to Use Shower Steamers, Step by Step

Shower steamers are an easy way to bring aromatherapy into your daily routine without the need for a bath. Designed to release essential oils when exposed to warm water and steam, they transform an ordinary shower into a restorative, spa-like experience.

Whether you are looking to relax, refocus, or energize your morning, understanding how to use shower steamers correctly makes a noticeable difference in both scent strength and longevity.

Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you get the most out of your shower steamers, along with an explanation of what ingredients they use and why they work.

What Are Shower Steamers?

Shower steamers are compact, solid tablets infused with essential oils. Unlike bath bombs, they are not meant to dissolve fully in water or be used on the skin. Instead, they are activated by the steam and light water spray in your shower, releasing aromatic vapors that you inhale naturally as you shower.

This makes them ideal for people who prefer showers over baths or want a quick, low-effort way to enjoy aromatherapy as part of a daily routine.

Step 1: Prepare Your Shower

Before turning on the water, place one shower steamer on the shower floor, ideally toward a corner or close to the drain. The goal is to keep it out of the direct stream of water while still allowing it to get splashed lightly. Too much water will cause the steamer to dissolve too quickly, while too little water may limit scent release. A gentle splash combined with steam is ideal.

Shower steamers like the ones we carry have oils in them, which can make the shower floor slippery. Placing the steamer cube closer to the drain instead of the back of the shower will help to avoid slippery floors.  

Step 2: Turn on Warm to Hot Water

Shower steamers work best in warm to hot showers because steam helps carry the essential oils into the air. As the shower heats up, the steamer will begin to fizz slowly and release fragrance.

You do not need extremely hot water. A comfortably warm shower is sufficient to activate the aromatherapy effect.

Step 3: Breathe Deeply and Enjoy

Once the steamer begins releasing scent, take slow, deep breaths through your nose. This allows the essential oils to interact with your olfactory system, which is closely linked to the nervous system and emotional response.

Depending on placement and water flow, one steamer typically lasts for most or all of a standard shower.

Step 4: Adjust Placement if Needed

If the scent feels too strong, move the steamer farther from the water stream. If it feels too subtle, nudge it slightly closer so it receives more splash. Small adjustments can change the intensity of the experience.

What Ingredients Do Shower Steamers Use?

The shower steamers we carry are made with a short, purposeful ingredient list designed for effective aromatherapy:

• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
  Helps create the gentle fizz that activates the steamer when exposed to water.

• Citric acid
  Reacts with baking soda to produce effervescence, allowing the essential oils to disperse into the steam.

• Essential oils
  Provide the aromatherapy benefits, such as relaxation, focus, or an energy boost.

• Natural vegetable sourced emulsifier (polysorbate 80)
  Ensures the essential oils disperse evenly rather than floating or evaporating too quickly. This ingredient also helps with cleanup of color and oil from the surface of the shower floor.

This combination allows the steamer to release fragrance gradually and consistently throughout your shower while minimizing cleaning.

Aromatherapy Benefits and Common Uses

Aromatherapy has been studied for its ability to influence mood, stress levels, and overall sense of well-being. While it is not a medical treatment, many people use aromatherapy tools like shower steamers to support everyday wellness.

Commonly reported benefits include:

• Supporting relaxation and stress reduction

• Helping promote mental focus and clarity

• Easing tension associated with headaches or sinus congestion

• Providing an energizing or uplifting start to the day

Shower steamers are especially popular during periods of high stress, seasonal congestion, or when creating intentional self-care routines at home.

Choosing the Right Shower Steamer

Different essential oil blends serve different purposes:

• Eucalyptus and mint are often chosen for clearing, refreshing showers.

• Lavender and mint are commonly used for calming or evening routines.

• Lemongrass and spearmint are favored for energizing, morning showers.

Rotating scents based on time of day or mood is an easy way to personalize your routine.

Final Tips for Best Results

• Store shower steamers in a dry place until use.

• Use one steamer per shower for the best aromatic experience.

• Avoid placing directly under running water to extend longevity.

Used correctly, shower steamers offer a simple, effective way to incorporate aromatherapy into everyday life with no extra setup or cleanup.