A shower steamer is a scented tablet that you place on the shower floor, where it gets splashed but is not under the direct stream. As water hits it, it fizzes and releases fragrance into the steam. To use one, start a warm shower, set the tablet in a corner or on a ledge near the edge of the spray, and let it dissolve while you wash. It scents the air. It is not rubbed on the skin and not used in a bath.
How do shower steamers work?
Most are pressed tablets that fizz on contact with water, in the same way a bath bomb does, and carry fragrance that is released as they break down. Warm, humid air carries the scent up around you. The wetter the tablet gets, the faster it goes.
Where should you place it?
| Placement | Result |
|---|---|
| Floor corner at the edge of the spray | Best. Light splashing gives a steady release |
| A low shelf or ledge that catches some spray | Good. Flick water onto it if it stays dry |
| Directly under the stream | Dissolves in a minute or two. Strong, short burst |
| Completely dry spot | Little scent |
| Where you stand | Avoid. It is slippery and you may step on it |
| Over the drain | Avoid. It washes straight away |
How to use one, step by step
- Read the directions on the pack.
- Turn on the shower and let it warm up. Close the door or curtain to hold the steam.
- Unwrap one tablet with dry hands.
- Place it in a corner where it catches light splashes.
- Shower as usual. Breathe normally.
- Splash it with a little water if the scent fades.
- Rinse away the residue when you finish, so the floor is not left slippery.
- Wash your hands after handling the tablet, and keep your fingers away from your eyes until you do.
A six-pack for evening showers
The Uexim aromatherapy shower steamer tablets are a set of six tablets that release fragrance on contact with warm water and steam. The listing describes them as a way to turn an everyday shower into a calming, spa-like moment and as good for unwinding after a long day. They come in bagged or boxed packaging. The listing does not name the scents or ingredients, so check the packaging when it arrives.
How long does one last?
Usually one shower. In light splash, a tablet may last ten minutes or more. Under the stream, it is gone in a couple of minutes. If half is left, let it dry on a soap dish and use it next time.
Shower steamer vs bath bomb
- Shower steamers are made to scent the air. They are often more strongly fragranced and are not meant for soaking in or for skin contact.
- Bath bombs are made to dissolve in bath water that touches your skin, and often contain oils or colorants for that purpose.
Do not put a shower steamer in the bath unless its packaging says you can.
How do you get more scent?
- Use warm water and keep the steam in.
- Place the tablet where it stays damp, not drenched.
- Raise it on a ledge, closer to nose level, if your shower has one in splash range.
- Use a fresh tablet. Scent fades with age and humidity.
How should you store them?
- Keep them sealed in their packaging until use.
- Store them in a dry place, outside the bathroom if it is humid. Moisture in the air starts the fizz early.
- Keep them away from heat and direct sun.
- Keep them out of reach of children and pets. They can look like sweets.
Safety
- Do not rub the tablet on your skin, and do not eat it.
- Strong fragrance can bother people with asthma, allergies, migraines or fragrance sensitivity. Stop using them if you feel unwell, and ventilate the room.
- If you are pregnant, or have a respiratory condition, ask your doctor before using strongly scented products.
- Keep pets out of the bathroom while one is in use. Some fragrance ingredients are harmful to cats and dogs.
- Mind the floor. Residue can be slippery.
Frequently asked questions
Do shower steamers touch your skin?
They are not meant to. They sit on the floor and scent the steam.
Can I use a shower steamer in the bath?
Not unless the packaging says so. They are made for the shower.
Can I use half a tablet?
Yes. Break it or remove it part-way through, and let the rest dry for next time.
Will it stain the shower floor?
Colored tablets can leave a tint. Rinse the area straight after your shower.
The bottom line
Put the tablet in a corner where it catches light splashes, keep the steam in, and rinse the floor afterward. It scents the air, and it stays off your skin.
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