How to Clean Your Shower Head in a Few Easy Steps
Taking a nice, hot shower is one of the great simple joys in life. But if your water stops flowing freely, the mere idea of showering might stop you cold! Luckily, there's a quick and easy fix for improving your water flow and pressure: All you have to do is clean your shower head! If you've never done this before, it may seem like a daunting task. But we can tell you how to clean a shower head in just a few easy steps. It really is so simple—we promise!
When shower heads fail to provide strong, constant water pressure, it's often because the tiny holes are clogged with sediment built up from tap water, bacteria, and mold. If this sounds gross...that's because it is! You should deep clean your shower head at least once a month to remove mineral deposits like limescale. Limescale not only slows water flow and reduces water pressure, but it can also serve as a breeding ground for health-threatening bacteria. To ensure that you and your family are showering in the cleanest possible conditions, follow the directions below. And for more on how to clean overlooked spots in your home, check out our 35 best spring cleaning tips.
You’ll need:
A gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Distilled white vinegar
A rubberband
A clean toothbrush
Baking soda
How to deep clean your shower head.
Some methods call for removing the shower head, but we promised you this would be easy—so let's do it the easy way! Start by filling a gallon-size plastic bag with vinegar. Place your shower head in the bag and secure the bag to the shower arm with a sturdy rubber band or some heavy-duty tape or string. Make sure that the entire shower head is submerged in vinegar, adding more if necessary.
What kind of vinegar do you use to clean a shower head?
Distilled white vinegar is one of the best natural cleaners out there. This nontoxic cleaning marvel kills some household bacteria, dissolves hard-water deposits, and cuts through grime. It's also colorless so it won't stain surfaces. Plus, it's affordable, and you're likely to have it on hand in your pantry whenever you feel the need to clean your shower head.
How long should you soak your shower head in vinegar?
Let your shower head soak for a few hours. If there is an excessive amount of buildup, you should soak it overnight for best results.
When you're ready, remove the bag and use a clean toothbrush to scrub away any remaining buildup or residue, if necessary. Then, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface of the shower head.
How do you remove limescale from a shower head?
If the limescale buildup is really bad, you may want to go the extra mile (with minimal effort). To tackle stubborn deposits, simply add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the vinegar before soaking your shower head. The natural abrasive will help open clogged passages.
It's as simple as that! Now, we can appreciate that this may not be your favorite activity, but it's totally worth it. By following this easy how-to, you'll be singing in the shower in no time!
