You would think that showet heads would clean themselves automatically. Unfortunately, that is not true. In fact, it is kind of the opposite. All the water that flows through them carries calcium and minerals and if you live in a hard water area, the amount of those is even higher. Both of those elements build up in the nozzles of your shower head. What is more, the shower creates a warm, moist area between uses and this is the perfect atmosphere for mould growth.
Even though the dirt on your showerhead might not be too obvious, there are several signs you can look out for. If you notice any of these, it is time to give your shower head a good cleaning.
• Water is spraying in different direction than usual
• Some nozzles are clogged and do not spray at all
• Water pressure is lower than usual
• The water flow is not so strong even if the faucet is turned on all the way
• Pink or orange slime can be seen around the nozzles
• There is visible mineral deposit (it can be grey, green or white crust)
How to clean a dirty shower head
If you haven’t cleaned your shower head in a while or never and you experience some of the signs above, make sure you have a spare half an hour and use this method tested by professional cleaners to thoroughly clean it of all mineral deposit, build up and slime.
You will need:
• A deep bowl
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• An old toothbrush
• Dry rags
• Tweezers (optional)
How to clean a shower head in simple steps:
1. Remove your shower head – unscrew it by hand, make sure not to damage it. Shake off any water that might be left inside.
2. Remove the filter screen. Use tweezers to remove it and rinse it under water to remove debris and other grime. Let it dry.
3. Sprinkle with baking soda – sprinkle baking soda on the inside and outside of your showerhead. Gently rub it in with an old toothbrush and set it aside – do not rinse it yet.
4. Soak in vinegar- fill in a bowl with vinegar, place your shower head inside and let it soak for 3-4 minutes. It will fizz and foam, as the baking soda reacts with the vinegar. This action will dissolve most of the build up and grime. Do not let it sit for longer than the recommended time.
5. Rinse – use the toothbrush to scrub it again, then rinse the shower head with hot water inside and out. If some limescale or other deposit is left after rinsing, repeat the previous step.
6. Maintain the cleaning schedule – You only need to clean your shower head once or twice a year or whenever you experience some of the signs we mentioned in the beginning of the article. Use a homemade shower spray to keep mildew and limescale from building up on your shower head.
If you struggle to remove your shower head:
Do not remove your shower head if it seems too hard, since you may damage it. Simply fill a bag with vinegar and place the shower head inside. Tie the bag and let it sit for an hour. After that, remove it and insert a needle or a toothpick in the nozzles in order to unclog them. Finish by wiping the shower head with a rag and run water to rinse everything out.
For handheld shower heads:
If you have a hand held showe head, you can still clean it. If you can’t fit it and its hose in a bowl, use a large bucket, pot or even your bathtub. Submerge them both in vinegar, let them soak in for an hour, then shake off the excess and thoroughly rinse them out.
Tips for cleaning shower heads:
• Never use chlorine bleach when cleaning your shower head. You may cause damage to its gasket or filter screen. What is more, chlorine bleach may cause permanent discolouration to certain metals like brass or stainless steel.
• Run your bathroom fan or open your windows when cleaning your shower head. The bacteria and other deposits that can be found in your shower head may be harmful to human health and cause respiratory problems or skin rashes. In order to protect yourself, either clean it in an open space or use your bathroom fan to prevent bacteria spreading around.
• Rinse thoroughly after each vinegar soaking. You can use vinegar, it is very efficient and will do wonders to your shower head. However, after every treatment, you need to thoroughly rinse your shower head.
• If your shower head is leaking when attached to the hose, use teflon plumber’s tape to stop the leak.
Use this cleaning method regularly to maintain your shower head in a clean and proper working condition. It is enough to do this once or twice a year and will ensure that your shower head is working like new. Look out for the signs that will show you that it is time to give it a good cleaning and follow the instructions in order to prevent damage. Make a DIY shower cleaning spray that will keep mould and mildew at bay. You can use this on your shower head, faucet and sink daily. We hope this article was helpful and you get to enjoy a properly working shower again.