HOW TO CLEAN A SHOWER HEAD
If you’ve noticed reduced water pressure from your shower head, don’t assume the problem is your plumbing. Over time, water flow can become inhibited as sediment builds up in the shower head’s nozzles. This can cause inconsistent water pressure even though your plumbing system is still in good condition.
Fortunately, you don’t have to replace a shower head that’s become clogged with sediment. Instead, simply follow this step-by-step guide to learn how you can clean the fixture using a simple process and restore it to like-new condition.
WHAT CAUSES A DIRTY SHOWER HEAD?
Before learning how to clean a shower head, it’s important to know a little about the causes of a dirty shower head.
The buildup of minerals, such as calcium and limescale, causes sediment to form in the fixture’s nozzles. You can usually spot this buildup easily as you look at the head. You’ll see a greenish-yellow crust around the edges of the nozzles. In some cases, this buildup might have more of a whitish color.
The accumulation of these mineral deposits can take a long time to become visible, or it can happen quickly. If you notice sediment buildup somewhat quickly after installing your shower head, you probably have a problem with hard water. A water softener can correct most hard water problems.
Additionally, soap scum can contribute to mineral buildup in the head’s nozzles. Since moisture and humidity are constantly present in a shower, it’s also possible for mold and mildew to form in your shower head. These factors may combine to inhibit water flow and lead to poor water pressure and unsatisfying showers.
HOW OFTEN TO CLEAN A SHOWER HEAD
In addition to knowing how to clean shower head fixtures, you’ll need to know when to clean them.
There’s no hard-and-fast rule regarding when to clean your shower head, so you’ll have to use your own best judgment. Watch for the accumulation of mineral deposits on the head’s nozzles and pay attention to water pressure changes. These factors can indicate that it’s time to clean your shower heads and kitchen faucets.
Following an initial cleaning, you can keep up with the accumulation of mineral deposits by soaking the shower head in white vinegar once a week. Immerse the fixture for a few minutes, then run hot water through it to clear the sediment from the ports.
You can do this to get rid of light mineral deposits as you go through your weekly bathroom cleaning routine.
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CLEANING YOUR SHOWER HEAD
Occasionally, you’ll need to do a more thorough cleaning, which means knowing how to clean a clogged shower head will be important.
Along with providing information about cleaning a removable shower head, the information here will also teach you how to clean shower head without removing it. Make sure you follow the instructions for the specific type of fixture you have in your shower.
Cleaning a Removable Shower Head
The following DIY guide will help you clean a removable shower head and restore water pressure when you need to perform a deep clean.
Once you’ve assembled these items, you’ll be ready to begin cleaning your removable shower head.
How to Clean Hard Water from Shower Head Fixtures
1. Remove the Shower Head by Twisting it off
Wrap the microfiber cloth around the connecting ring or nut between the head and shower arm to prevent scratching as you loosen the head with the wrench or pliers. Unscrew the nut or ring until the head comes loose, then remove it gently.
2. Prepare to Clean the Shower Head
Place the shower head in a deep bucket or bowl. Fill a separate microwaveable bowl with enough distilled white vinegar to submerge the entire shower head. Heat the vinegar in the microwave in 30-second intervals until it’s warm to the touch.
3. Soak the Shower Head in Vinegar
Pour the warm vinegar over the shower head and let it soak for 1 to 2 hours.
4. Scrub the Shower Head
When you remove the head from the vinegar, you might notice that there’s still some mineral buildup in the head’s ports. If the head has a filter screen, extract it using needle-nose pliers and clean it separately by soaking it in vinegar. Don’t forget to replace it once you finish cleaning the head.
Use an old toothbrush to lightly scrub the head. This should remove stubborn stains, but there might still be some mineral deposits in the nozzles. If so, use a paper clip or sewing needle to clear sediment from the ports.
Pro Tip - run your shower head under cold water for 1 to 2 minutes for a final rinse.
5. Replace the Shower Head
When you’re satisfied that the head is clean, simply reattach it to the shower arm. Before proceeding, remove any old plumber’s tape that’s still wrapped around the threads and add a new layer of thread sealant or PTFE tape Screw the head back into place, using the soft cloth to protect the nut.
Once you’re done, turn on the shower. This step is necessary to confirm that your head is tight enough to prevent leaking. It will also let you check the water flow from your newly cleaned shower head.
Cleaning a Non-Removable Shower Head
You can still clean your shower head even if it’s non-removable. Here’s how to successfully eliminate mineral buildup from this type of fixture.
After gathering this equipment, you’re ready to begin.
How to Clean a Shower Head Without Removing It
These simple steps will allow you to clean shower head fixtures and non-removable faucets with ease.
1. Prepare the Plastic Bag
Open your plastic food storage bag and inspect it to ensure that it’s free of holes or tears. When you’re satisfied that it’s structurally sound, fill it with enough distilled white vinegar to completely submerge the clogged shower head.
2. Submerge the Head
Place the head inside the bag, making sure it’s completely immersed in the vinegar. Use the rubber band or masking tape to secure the bag’s opening around the shower arm. If you’re using tape, avoid sticking it to the metal arm or nut since this can make it difficult to remove later.
3. Let the Head Soak
When cleaning a removable shower head, you can heat the vinegar to expedite the cleaning process. Since this isn’t possible with a removable head, you’ll have to let it soak in the vinegar for several hours. If you don’t have the option of leaving it overnight, allow it to soak for a minimum of four hours.
Pro Tip: For an easy and effective way to attach a plastic bag to your showerhead, hold the top of the bag with your non-dominant hand, then use your free hand to stretch a rubber band over the showerhead. Wrap the rubber band around the showerhead 3-4 times, ensuring a tight fit. Finally, release the rubber band from around the pipe, securely fastening the bag to the showerhead.
4. Scrub the Shower Head Thoroughly
After soaking the head, remove the plastic bag and use a soft cloth to wipe it dry. Pay particular attention to hard water stains on the head and in the ports. Use an old toothbrush to lightly scrub away the remaining sediment if necessary.
If there are still mineral deposits in the jets, use a sewing needle or paper clip to clean the edges of each nozzle.
5. Run the Shower
Finally, turn on your shower and let hot water run through the clean shower head for several minutes. Doing so should clear away any loose debris and lingering cleaning solution. If you still see mineral deposits on the head or in the nozzles, repeat the process with a fresh supply of distilled white vinegar.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR SHOWER HEAD CLEAN LONGER
Now that you know how to clean a clogged shower head, you’ll have an easier time preventing buildup from occurring. That said, there are steps you can take between shower head soaks to reduce the frequency of deep clean treatments.
When you do a deep cleaning of your shower head, make sure to brush the head lightly with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the surface. Keep a spray bottle containing a mixture of vinegar and water next to your shower and use it to spritz the shower head after each use. This will go a long way toward keeping the nozzles clear.
When it comes time to shop for a new head, look for a metal shower head instead of one made of plastic or other rough or porous materials. Bacteria and mineral deposits adhere more easily to plastic than to metal. Also, make sure your new head has a filtration screen for cleaner water flow.
USE BAKING SODA INSTEAD OF VINEGAR
Assuming you don’t have white vinegar at home, you can follow the same steps outlined here using apple cider vinegar.
If your cabinets are completely devoid of vinegar, don’t panic — you also have the option of using baking soda as a replacement. Baking soda is another excellent non-toxic, chemical-free substance that’s useful for cleaning shower heads.
Mix some baking soda with warm water in a small bowl, adding just enough fluid to create a thick paste. You can also add a few drops of lemon to the mixture for a fresh scent if you like. Once you’ve got the paste to a good consistency, spread the natural cleaning solution over the shower head.
Leave the baking soda mixture on the head for 15–20 minutes to give it time to erode the mineral deposits and hard water stains. Afterward, use a toothbrush to lightly scrub the head and nozzles. Lastly, run the hot water for a few minutes to flush the baking soda and loose sediment out of the nozzles.
When you’re done, use a soft cloth and warm water to wipe any remaining baking soda off the shower head.
GET YOUR NEW SHOWER HEAD FROM A TRUSTED SOURCE
Whether you’re looking for a new shower head for a bathroom remodel or your existing fixture no longer meets your needs, Vintage Tub & Bath makes it easy to find the perfect replacement.
As a supplier of top-quality bathroom fixtures, we can help you complete your shower upgrade in a timely and budget-friendly fashion. Visit us today to browse our extensive selection of shower heads.
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