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Imagine stepping into your shower and being instantly transported to a spa. What if your rushed daily shower became your favorite part of the day, a quick escape filled with powerful aromatherapy and self-care? Enter the shower steamer.
Shower steamers are becoming increasingly popular for those seeking to transform a regular bathroom into a spa-like space. If bath bombs appeal to you but you have limited time or no tub, shower steamers serve as a practical solution.
To help you unlock the full potential of your shower routine, The Bathroom Showroom presents a comprehensive guide to these aromatic wonders, explaining how they work and how you can start using them to instantly upgrade your morning or evening showers.

What Are Shower Steamers?

Think of a shower steamer as a bath bomb, but one that’s specifically designed for your shower. They are typically small tablets that are placed in the shower but not submerged in a bath. The primary purpose of a shower steamer is to release a concentrated, aromatic vapour of essential oils into the air when activated by the heat and steam of your shower. 
Unlike bath bombs, which often contain ingredients to soothe your skin, shower steamers are purely about indulging your sense of smell. They’re usually made with a blend of baking soda and citric acid, the same combination that creates the fizz in bath bombs. This fizzing reaction, combined with the hot water, releases the essential oils into the steam.

The Benefits of Using Shower Steamers

The benefits are largely tied to the power of aromatherapy:
  • Respiratory Support: Steamers with camphoraceous oils, such as eucalyptus or peppermint, are excellent for helping to clear nasal passages and alleviate congestion from colds, allergies, or sinus issues.
  • Convenience: They’re a quick, easy, and water-efficient alternative to a full bath. They also generally leave no residue on your body or bathtub.
  • Customised Experience: You can choose scents based on your needs:
- Morning/Energising: Citrus (lemon, orange), Peppermint, Eucalyptus.
- Evening/Calming: Lavender, Chamomile, Sandalwood.

How to Use a Shower Steamer

Using a shower steamer correctly is key to making it last and maximisng the scent.
  1. Run a Warm/Hot Shower: You need the heat to create steam, which helps the essential oils disperse into the air. Cold water will not activate the steamer well.
2. Position It Correctly: This is the most crucial step!
Place the steamer on the shower floor or a shelf where it will get lightly splashed by the water, but NOT under the direct, heavy stream of the showerhead.
The goal is a slow, steady release of the scent, not a quick, immediate dissolve. Too much water will make it disappear in seconds.
Tip: The higher the steamer is, the closer the scent will be to your nose. You can try a shower caddy or a suction-cup soap dish for better placement.
3. Breathe Deeply: Step into the shower and take slow, deep breaths to inhale the aromatic steam and enjoy the full therapeutic effects.
4. Rinse Any Remainder: If there are still bits of the steamer left when you're done, simply rinse them down the drain.

Make Your Own Shower Steamers

Learn how to make your own showers steamers at home with ease.

How To Create Your Own Shower Steamer

Creating your own shower steamers is a fun, easy, and affordable DIY project that allows you to completely customise the scent, colour, and strength.
Unlike bath bombs, shower steamers are purely about the aroma, so we can focus on the simple base ingredients that create the fizz and act as a vehicle for the essential oil.
DIY Aromatherapy Shower Steamer Recipe
Ingredients:
  • Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
Purpose: The main dry ingredient and base of the fizzing reaction.
Typical Ratio: 1 cup
  • Citric Acid
Purpose: Combines with baking soda and moisture to create the fizz and steam.
Typical Ratio: 1/2 cup
  • Witch Hazel or Rubbing Alcohol (in a fine mist spray bottle)
Purpose: The "binder." Evaporates quickly to prevent the fizzing reaction from starting prematurely.
Typical Ratio: As needed (Mist lightly)
  • Essential Oils
Purpose: Provides the scent and aromatherapy benefits (use any blend you like).
Typical Ratio: 40–80 drops (for a strong scent)
  • Optional: Cornstarch (or Arrowroot Powder)
Purpose: Helps slow down the fizzing reaction, making the steamer last longer.
Typical Ratio: 1–2 Tablespoons
  • Optional: Mica Powder or Food Colouring
Purpose: For colour.
Typical Ratio: A pinch
Equipment:
  • Glass or Ceramic Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk or spoon for mixing (gloves are also recommended)
  • Fine Mist Spray Bottle (filled with witch hazel or alcohol)
  • Silicone Molds (muffin tins, half-sphere moulds, or simple puck shapes work best)
  • Air-tight storage container
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Dry Ingredients
In your mixing bowl, combine the Baking Soda, Citric Acid, and the optional Cornstarch and Mica Powder. Whisk them thoroughly to ensure there are no clumps and all ingredients are fully integrated.
2. Add Essential Oils
Add your desired essential oil drops (start with approximately 40 and add more if you prefer a stronger aroma). Mix thoroughly to distribute the scent evenly through the powder. You may need to use your gloved hands to break up any clumps that form.
3. Mist and Mix (The Crucial Step!)
This is the most important part for consistency:
  • Use your spray bottle to lightly mist the mixture with Witch Hazel or Alcohol.
  • After 5-10 quick sprays, mix the powder thoroughly.
  • The Goal: Repeat the light misting and mixing until the mixture resembles damp sand or snow and holds its shape when squeezed tightly in your hand. If it starts to fizz significantly, you've added too much liquid.
(Note: The goal is to bind the powder, not activate the fizz. Go slow with the spray! Alcohol or witch hazel is better than water because they evaporate faster.)
4. Press into Moulds
Press the mixture firmly into your silicone moulds. Pack the mixture down very tightly to ensure the steamer is dense and holds together when dry. You can use the back of a spoon to flatten and compress the top.
5. Dry and Harden
  • Allow the steamers to dry and harden at room temperature in a dry, non-humid location for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Do not put them in the refrigerator or freezer.
6. Store
Once completely hardened, carefully remove them from the moulds and store them in an airtight container (such as a mason jar) away from moisture and direct sunlight. This helps preserve the potency of the essential oils.
This basic recipe is easy to scale up or down, and you can endlessly swap the essential oils to create a steamer for every mood and need!

Making Aromatherapy Accessible in the Bathroom

Shower steamers are a simple yet impactful investment in your daily wellness. By harnessing the power of steam and essential oils, they offer a customisable, on-demand aromatherapy session that fits seamlessly into your busiest days. 
Whether you need a powerful eucalyptus blast to clear your head or a gentle lavender mist to help you prepare for sleep, the right shower steamer can dramatically enhance your physical and mental well-being. Helping you to stop rushing through your shower, you can now start treating shower times like mini-spas.
For further help with choosing the best fixtures and fittings to create the perfect space, book an appointment with The Bathroom Showroom. Experts in all things bathrooms, we can help turn your dream bathroom into a reality.