What a shower steamer does and how to use it
A shower steamer is a solid tablet made from baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils that dissolves when it gets wet and releases scent and steam into your shower. You place it on the floor of your shower, away from the direct spray, let the water splash onto it, and breathe in the vapors as they rise. The tablet softens and breaks apart over several minutes as water reaches it, releasing its oils gradually rather than all at once.
The basic steps are straightforward: place the tablet on a dry spot of your shower floor before you turn on the water, or place it after the water is running but before you step in. Position it where water will splash it but not where you will step on it. As you shower, the tablet will fizz and soften. You do not need to do anything else — just let it sit and dissolve while you wash.
Key Takeaways
- Place the tablet on a dry or damp spot of your shower floor where water will reach it but you will not step on it.
- The tablet works best when positioned away from the direct stream so it dissolves slowly and releases scent throughout your shower.
- One tablet typically lasts five to ten minutes depending on water temperature and how much water splashes it.
- Store tablets in a cool, dry place between uses so they do not dissolve from humidity in your bathroom.
Where to position the tablet in your shower
The corner of your shower floor is usually the best spot. Water will splash the tablet from the walls and floor without the full force of the showerhead hitting it directly. This slower dissolve means the tablet lasts longer and releases scent more evenly across your whole shower.
If your shower has a shelf or ledge, you can place the tablet there instead. This keeps it out of the way of your feet and lets water splash it from below. Some people place it in a small dish or on a washcloth to keep it contained as it softens, which also makes cleanup easier.
Avoid placing the tablet directly under the showerhead. The force of the water will break it apart too quickly, and you will lose the scent before your shower is over. Also avoid placing it where you will step on it — the tablet becomes slippery as it dissolves.
How long a tablet lasts and what affects the time
Most shower steamers last between five and ten minutes. The exact time depends on three things: how much water splashes the tablet, the temperature of your water, and the size of the tablet itself.
Hot water dissolves the tablet faster than warm water. A larger tablet will last longer than a small one. If you have a rainfall showerhead or a high-flow showerhead, the tablet will dissolve faster because more water reaches it. A low-flow showerhead means the tablet lasts longer because less water hits it.
If you want the scent to last through a longer shower, place the tablet where only occasional splashes reach it, or use a larger tablet. If you want the scent to be strong right away, position it where more water will splash it.
Storing shower steamers so they stay solid
Bathroom humidity is the enemy of shower steamers. They are designed to dissolve in water, so moisture in the air will soften them over time. Store them in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag in a cool, dry place outside your bathroom — a bedroom closet, a kitchen cabinet, or a linen closet works well.
If you want to keep a tablet in your bathroom for convenience, store it in a small glass jar with a tight lid, or in a plastic container with a snap-on top. Keep the lid closed between uses. Some people store tablets in the refrigerator to keep them firm, though this is not necessary if you have a good airtight container.
If a tablet has softened or cracked, it will still work in the shower, but it will dissolve faster and may not last as long. Discard it if it has become too soft to hold its shape.
Getting the most scent from your tablet
The strength of the scent depends on how much of the tablet's oils reach the air as steam. Warm or hot water releases more scent than cold water because heat carries the oils into the air faster. If your water is very cold, you may notice less scent even though the tablet is dissolving.
The size of your shower also matters. A small, enclosed shower will feel more strongly scented than a large walk-in shower because the steam and oils stay concentrated in a smaller space. In a large shower, the scent spreads out and feels lighter.
If the scent feels too weak, try using a larger tablet, positioning it where more water will splash it, or using hotter water. If the scent feels too strong, move the tablet farther from the water spray or use a smaller tablet.
What to do with the tablet remains
When the tablet has mostly dissolved, you will see a small pile of residue on your shower floor. This is normal. You can rinse it down the drain with water, or wipe it up with a washcloth and throw it in the trash. The residue is just baking soda and citric acid, which are safe for drains.
Some people let the residue sit until the next shower, when it dissolves completely. Others prefer to clean it up right away. Either way, it will not damage your shower or plumbing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a shower steamer tablet in a bath instead of a shower?
Yes, but it works differently. In a bath, the tablet dissolves into the water and creates a fizzy, scented soak. Place it in the tub as you fill it with water. It will not create steam the way it does in a shower, so you will not get the same aromatherapy effect, but the scent will still be present in the water.
Will a shower steamer tablet damage my shower or pipes?
No. Shower steamers are made from baking soda and citric acid, both of which are safe for plumbing. The residue rinses away easily and will not clog or harm your pipes.
Can I use a shower steamer if I have sensitive skin or asthma?
Shower steamers release essential oils into the air, which can irritate sensitive airways or skin. If you have asthma or sensitive skin, test a tablet in a well-ventilated shower first. If you feel irritation, stop using it. You can also try positioning the tablet farther from where you stand so less scent reaches you directly.
How many times can I use one tablet?
Each tablet is designed for one use. Once it has mostly dissolved, it is spent. You will need a new tablet for your next shower if you want the scent effect again.
What if my shower steamer tablet is not fizzing?
If the tablet is not fizzing, it may have absorbed moisture and lost its potency, or the water in your shower may not be reaching it. Move it to a spot where more water will splash it, or try using a new tablet. Store future tablets in an airtight container to keep them dry.