How to Clean a Shower Head: A Step-by-Step Guide

Unlike everything else in the bathroom, the shower head is not something most people expect to have to clean at all since water runs through it regularly. Although it may not look it, the shower head does require some regular maintenance and routine checkups to appear clean and fully functional without issue. Since shower heads come in many different sizes and designs, we have formulated a step-by-step guide on how to clean shower head for better pressure and an overall cleaner-looking shower head.

• Why Should You Clean Your Shower Head?
• Materials Needed for Cleaning
• Steps on How to Clean Shower Head
• More Tips for Cleaning the Shower Head

Why Should You Clean Your Shower Head?

Since shower heads mostly come in contact with the water running through it, most of what needs cleansing are its buildup of water minerals and sediments. Mineral deposits accumulate over time inside shower heads as it regularly outflows water, which eventually builds up enough sediments that produce blockages in the pores where water is released. This blockage results in a lower pressure water spray and can make showering not as enjoyable.

Materials Needed for Cleaning

• ½ cup of baking soda
• 1 cup of water
• 4 cups of white vinegar
• Plastic bag
• Pitcher
• Rubber bands/ zip ties

Steps on How to Clean Shower Head

1. Examine the Shower Head

The first step in cleaning the shower head is to initially inspect its appearance and identify which areas require cleansing. This includes checking each pore to determine which ones have any blockage that may be affecting the water pressure and flow. Keep in mind the size of the shower head since the needed plastic bag has to be large enough to fully wrap around the shower head.

2. Blend the Cleaner

Using the plastic bag, position it open inside the pitcher so that its interior and edges are covered in plastic. Ensure that the plastic bag is folded around the pitcher’s edges so that it stays upright. Pour the half cup of baking soda into the bag followed by slowly adding the vinegar. Pour just enough vinegar into the bag without it overflowing. Wait for the mixture to completely blend and settle. Then, add one cup of water, which will water down the mixture. In cleaning the shower head with vinegar, the mixture is formulated to effectively clean calcium from the shower head as well as make it appear cleaner.

3. Submerge the Shower Head

Depending on the shower head angle and size, completely submerging the shower head can be different. If possible, try to angle the shower head in a convenient position so that the plastic bag can fit around the shower head and submerge every pore within the mixture. After fitting the bag onto the shower head, secure the bag into place around the neck with a rubber band or tie it with a string/ rope. For handheld shower heads, simply detach the shower head from its mount and submerge it into the bag with the pitcher to keep everything upright and in place. For the soaking duration, let the shower head sit in the cleaner for about half a day or overnight. This will effectively allow the mixture to reach deep within the nozzles and clean lime from the shower head.

4. Clean the Shower Head Exterior

After soaking the shower head and removing it from the bag, position it back into place to test the water flow and determine whether the previously clogged pores were cleared out. If the shower water pressure was low before cleaning it, the newly cleaned shower head might have noticeably higher pressure and stronger water flow.

Gently wipe and clean the exterior of the shower head using a dry cloth or microfiber to remove any excess mineral build-up or remnants on its surface. Solid water spots and any soap remains should be cleansed, and the shower head should be perfectly clean for use.

5. Regular Cleaning Mixture

Regularly cleaning the shower head would be the best way to maintain its cleanliness and prevent any mineral deposit build-ups, which is why it would be a great idea to store some diluted vinegar in a handy container like a spray bottle for easy use. The vinegar is fine without baking soda since it will be used for routine cleaning, which would reduce the frequency of fully soaking the shower head. But if you don’t like the smell of vinegar, there are other methods of cleaning a shower head without vinegar.

More Tips for Cleaning the Shower Head

Regularly cleaning the shower head to prevent any bacterial growth and keeping it looking clean should be planned out as part of a regular cleaning routine with the shower head exterior to be cleaned weekly and its interior cleaned monthly. The following are some additional tips that may help maintain a clean showerhead.

• Avoid using brushes with rough bristles to clean the shower head. Especially since showerheads do not come with scratch-resistant surfaces and designs, a hard-bristled brush is likely to result in scratch marks on the shower head exterior.
• Avoid using bleach as a part of the cleaner. Studies have shown that chlorine bleach only increases the accumulation and growth of bacteria in shower heads. Also, bleach is known to be caustic and even damage the cloth.
• Consider cleaning in a well-ventilated area. Especially with a cleaner containing a strong aroma and fumes, a well-ventilated area is essential since people tend to vary in reaction towards strong smells. In cleaning tight areas with limited space like a small bathroom, it would be recommended to keep open a window or allow some airflow through a ventilation system.

Conclusion

Cleaning a shower head is not something most would expect to clean, but proves to be well worth the effort since it may help improve the showering experience on top of overall bathroom cleanliness. Furthermore, the quick and easy process of cleaning a shower head proves to be no hassle at all, making it no issue as part of a regular cleaning routine. Overall, shower heads are easy to clean and maintain, especially with the help of a readily-made cleaner for calcium deposits.

FAQ about How to Clean a Shower Head