Are you looking for ways to clean your shower head? Then chances are you are experiencing weak water pressure in the shower. Weak water pressure is a common problem many homeowners experience due to mineral buildup. What causes this buildup? Over time, hard water builds up minerals such as calcium and magnesium and leaves these behind once the water has evaporated. As a result, the minerals will create a chalky, white substance called limescale.
When limescale accumulates in the shower head’s spray holes, the holes become narrowed and the water pressure decreases. In addition, soap scum adheres to the surface of the shower head, and moisture in the fixture creates the potential for biofilm to grow. Depending on the quality of your water, this could occur anywhere from a few months in areas where the water is particularly “hard,” to years in areas where the water is relatively “soft.”
Most people use a combination of vinegar and scrubbing to clean their shower heads. In most cases, this is the simplest and most effective solution.
The Plastic Bag and Vinegar Solution (Does Not Require Removing the Shower Head)
Step 1. Place enough white, distilled vinegar into a plastic bag to completely cover the shower head.
Step 2. Put the bag over the shower head.
Step 3. Securely attach the bag to the shower head with a rubber band.
Step 4. Allow the bag to sit for 30 minutes to an hour. If there is significant buildup, let it sit for 24 hours.
Step 5. Remove the bag and run hot water through the shower head for at least 10 to 15 seconds.
Step 6. Use an old toothbrush to remove any remaining residue.
Vinegar works well as a descaler because of the mild acid content, which breaks down mineral deposits so they can be rinsed off. Cleaning your shower head with vinegar is essentially breaking down limescale so it can be rinsed off.
Using vinegar is safe for most chrome and stainless steel finishes; however, do not let the vinegar soak too long on brass, gold, or oil-rubbed bronze finishes, as the acid content of the vinegar can cause some of these finishes to lose their shine.
In many cases, the above process will be enough to descale a shower head and restore even and powerful spray patterns. If you still notice the nozzles are clogged, simply rub them with your fingers or brush them lightly.
Remove and Deep Clean the Shower Head
If after soaking your shower head the pressure is still low, you may need to perform a deeper cleaning.
To remove your shower head, simply turn it counterclockwise and use a wrench if needed. Make sure to place a cloth around the wrench to protect the finish.
Next, disassemble the shower head to see if there are any removable parts. If you find any, soak them in a bowl of vinegar for 1 to 2 hours.
Once you’ve soaked the removable parts, take a toothpick or needle and clean out the individual holes of the shower head.
Finally, rinse the shower head with plenty of water and reattach it to your shower arm. If you find that your shower head has loose threads, you may want to apply some plumber’s tape to the threads to ensure it stays secure and does not leak.
Removing your shower head gives you the opportunity to get rid of internal sediment that a surface soaking may not be able to reach. Many modern shower heads have silicone nozzles that make it easy to remove mineral buildup by simply rubbing them with your thumb.
Baking Soda and Vinegar for Tough Buildup
While baking soda itself cannot break down limescale, it can enhance the effectiveness of scrubbing.
To use baking soda and vinegar together:
First, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste.
Second, apply the paste to the shower head surface.
Third, scrub the shower head gently with a toothbrush.
Fourth, follow with a vinegar soaking.
The chemical reaction caused by the baking soda and vinegar may aid in releasing grime, but the majority of the descaling is done by the acid content in the vinegar. This method is best used for removing obvious surface buildup that is difficult to remove with soaking alone.
Descaling Products
In extreme cases of hard water, commercial descaling products can be beneficial. These products are specifically designed to remove mineral deposits, including calcium and lime.
When using commercial products, please follow the manufacturers’ instructions closely. Never use harsh acids or bleach on your shower heads, as they can damage finishes and internal components. While commercial products are generally more effective than household vinegar, they are usually more expensive.
When Should You Clean a Shower Head?
Shower heads located in areas with hard water should be cleaned every 1 to 3 months to prevent significant buildup. In areas with softer water, cleaning every 6 months is usually sufficient.
You should clean your shower head sooner if you notice decreased water pressure, irregular spray patterns, or white residue building up on the surface. Performing routine cleaning on your shower head will greatly increase the likelihood that you can remove mineral buildup before it becomes a major problem.
Preventing Future Build Up
Keeping your shower head free of mineral buildup requires minimal effort. Simply wiping your shower head with a dry cloth each week will help eliminate surface buildup. Additionally, running hot water through the shower head for a minute after cleaning will help wash away any loosened debris.
If you live in an area with extremely hard water, you may want to consider investing in a water softening system to minimize mineral buildup. Also, purchasing a shower head with silicone spray nozzles will make it easier to descale your shower head with simple rubbing.
Ultimately, understanding how to clean a shower head is largely a matter of controlling mineral buildup before it develops into a major problem. Vinegar is currently the most cost-effective and reliable method of removing limescale buildup from shower heads. If mineral buildup is severe, removing and soaking the entire shower head fixture provides a more thorough cleaning. By performing simple maintenance tasks regularly, you can maintain proper flow in your shower and extend the life of your shower head fixture
