When was the last time you cleaned your shower head? If the answer is ‘never’ or ‘not for a long time,’ then now is the right time to make it your priority.
Over time, our shower heads can become clogged with minerals that build up and block the multiple openings. Eventually, you’ll turn on your shower and be met with just a trickle! This can be true whether you have water from a municipal system, hard water, or well water.
The good news is that regular shower head cleaning can be the answer. Continue reading to learn how to clean a shower head and avoid the hassle and fuss of unwanted clogs.
How to Clean a Shower Head With Vinegar
Whether you want to maintain a clean shower head or need to remove built-up limescale, vinegar can be the answer. Rather than turn to harsh chemicals, you can rely on this pantry essential’s natural acidity. Vinegar can be among the best ways to clean a shower head.
What you’ll need
- Distilled white vinegar
- One plastic food storage bag
- A rubber band or tie
- Baking soda
- A cleaning cloth
- A toothpick
Cleaning method
- Pour distilled white vinegar into your plastic bag, around halfway.
- Immerse your shower head in the vinegar and fasten the bag in place with your tie or rubber band.
- Soak for multiple hours or overnight.
- Remove the bag and pour the vinegar down your shower drain, followed by baking soda to remove soap scum.
- Run hot water through the shower head to flush out mineral deposits.
Do some of the shower head nozzles still look clogged? Unclog them with a toothpick and use dry baking soda on a toothbrush to descale the shower head until no buildup remains.
Note: Avoid using vinegar on nickel, chrome, brass, and gold coatings.
How to Clean a Shower Head Without Vinegar
We’ve all been there – you go to check the pantry for ol’ faithful vinegar to clean something, and you’ve run out! The good news is that you can learn how to clean a shower head without vinegar. In fact, you can learn how to clean a clogged shower head with just two other ingredients: lemon juice and baking soda.
What you’ll need
- A toothbrush
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
Cleaning method
- Form a paste with lemon juice and baking soda
- Dip your old toothbrush into the paste and scrub the shower head
- Run hot water through the shower head
- If possible, take your shower head apart to clean the interior and exterior
- Rinse and reassemble your shower head
Clean the Shower Filter Screen
Even once you learn how to clean a clogged shower head, that doesn’t mean you’re always successful! If you’ve tried the above methods and are still experiencing reduced water output, it’s time to examine your shower filter screen.
What you’ll need
- A wrench
- Needle-nose pliers
- Baking soda
- White distilled vinegar
Cleaning method
- Remove your shower head by turning it counterclockwise. Otherwise, put a rag or piece of cloth over your pliers and unscrew the connecting nut to unscrew the shower head.
- Place the shower head in your sink and run warm water through it to clear away debris.
- Remove the filter screen.
- Dip a toothbrush in a vinegar and water solution (equal parts) to clean the filter screen.
- Run the filter screen under water and wipe it dry. Replace the filter screen annually.
How to Keep Your Shower Head Clean
Shower head cleaning doesn’t have to be a labor-intensive task that takes several hours. It can be fast and easy if you include it as a regular part of your house chores. Simply spray the shower head with a solution of distilled white vinegar and water every week, scrub the nozzle openings with a toothbrush, and run warm water through the shower head.
How to Clean the Rest Of Your Shower
It’s not always just your shower head that needs your attention. Why not clean the rest of your shower for a more enjoyable showering experience? We’ve included some helpful tips below:
How to remove hard water stains from a shower
Hard water stains can make even the cleanest shower look dirty! Fortunately, vinegar isn’t just helpful in cleaning your shower head; it’s also an effective cleaner for removing hard water stains.
- Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution onto the stains
- Let the solution sit for at least 15 minutes
- Scrub the loosened stains with a brush or rag
- Thoroughly rinse the shower
- Still see hard water stains? Repeat the process.
How to clean a shower drain
Clear clogs and let water flow away freely by regularly cleaning your shower drain. Take these steps:
- Remove and clean the drain cover – you can soak it in vinegar to remove buildup and residue.
- Use a drain snake to pull out shower gunk and hair clogs.
- Rinse hot water down the drain.
How to clean shower glass
You can achieve crystal-clear glass in your shower with just a few simple (and regular) actions.
- Wet the shower glass to remove loose dirt and soap scum.
- Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle – add one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.
- Spray the glass and let the mixture sit for a few minutes.
- Scrub the glass with a non-scratch sponge or a microfiber cloth.
- Rinse the shower glass thoroughly.
- If you have stubborn stains, create a baking soda and water paste and scrub the affected areas.
Do You Need Help With Your Shower Head? Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing®
Whether you have blocked nozzles or another shower head issue, such as a leak, Mr. Rooter Plumbing® is here to help. Our expert plumbers can diagnose and repair a range of shower head issues so you can get back to enjoying your showers as soon as possible. Request a job estimate today.
