Keep your showerhead flowing freely by removing mineral deposits like limescale.
Showerheads often spray unevenly because their tiny holes have been plugged with mineral deposits.
For water to flow freely, you’re gonna wanna remove these deposits.
Credit:ADAM ALBRIGHT
Understanding how to clean a showerhead is also good for your family’s health.
Wet environments like the one inside a showerhead are breeding grounds for bacteria.
Fortunately, you’re free to descale your showerhead using ahandful of household items.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
To learn how to clean a showerhead, follow one of our two expert-recommended methods.
Both clean your showerhead overnight while you sleep, and one doesn’t even require any tools!
Tools can scratch those delicate finishes, so avoid using them if you’re able to.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Secure Bag with Vinegar
First, slip a rubber band over the top of the showerhead.
Fill a plastic bagwith distilled white vinegar.
Attach the bag to the showerhead by slipping the top edge of the bag underneath the rubber band.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Polish with a soft cloth.
Disconnect Showerhead
Todisconnect the showerhead, unscrew the nut at the shower arm.
Take care not to damage the fixture’s finish.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Use a wrench rather than pliers.
Cushion your tool with a rag while you work to avoid scratching.
Your goal is to rinse loosened debris out through the opening that connects to the shower arm.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
If you’re using any cleaner with strong fumes, be surethe space has proper ventilation.
see to it to not use a hard-bristle brush if your showerhead has a chrome or protected metal finish.
It might be susceptible to scratching and scuffing.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Dismantle and Clean Showerhead
Use a toothpick or safety pin to poke out additional deposits.
Soak Parts in Vinegar
Immerse the showerhead completely in vinegar to dissolve the remaininglimescale deposits.
verify to not soak and clean your showerhead with bleach.
Plus, bleach can be caustic, so it’s better to avoid it.
Instead, for extra cleaning power, scoop afew tablespoons of baking sodainto the vinegar before soaking them.
The natural abrasive will help release clogged passages.
Reattach the showerhead to the shower arm using a wrench.
Protect the fixture’s finish with soft rags or towels while you’re working.
This will help prevent bacterial growth and calcium and lime deposits.
Clean the surface of the showerhead with vinegar as part of yourbathroom cleaning routineevery week.
Dont soak these finishes in vinegar for longer than recommended.
Calcium buildup on a showerhead will look like a white, crusty substance.
Gebert, Matthew J, et al.
