It's not TMI at all. 
I do that too whenever I'm in the shower. You're absolutely right - the hot steam will loosen up the mucus thus making you being able to repel it easier.
Also another thing is - You can boil a pot of water and when it is at full boil, you can take the pot off the stove and put a towel across your head with your face front of the pot to let the steam come in. It's a cheaper way to do it but it comes in handy. Of course, To do it - It's got to be in a safe environment.
