Mineral (like Limescale) and rust buildup on a shower head are pretty common, especially if you live in an area where hard water is supplied through the line. These buildups can damage the aesthetic of your shower head and the rust can stain your skin and clothes.
However, cleaning the shower head isn’t hard. You can easily clean your shower head with common household items. This article will try to provide you with simple but effective cleaning hacks that you can use at home to keep the head of your shower running.
We’ll also share some pro tips on how to clean a shower head effectively using a range of ingredients. Let’s get started right away.
If you have a shower not flowing with enough pressure then there are higher chances of clog formation, and this will call for cleaning. A shower head will randomly spray water when holes are plugged with deposits.
To regain the water flow pressure, you will need to remove or reduce the material deposits. Here are some procedures to follow while cleaning your shower head. The good news is, you can do this without using any tools.
How to Clean a Shower Head With Household Items
The first step is to figure how bad the blockage is on the head of the shower. If the tiny holes are still clear and water still flows from it, then you don’t need to remove the showerhead. If you have enough built upon the head of the shower, or you probably have cleaned the shower without removing the head, and still experiencing pressure issues, then a complete removal of the head from the shower arm will be recommended.
If your shower head is made from stainless steel, chrome, or has a metal protection, then it is advisable to use the non-removal technique first; if the problem persists then, you can advance further to unplug the entire shower head. It is best to avoid the use of tools since most times; it leads to scratch on delicate finishes.
Cleaning a Shower Head without Removing It
If you want to skip the step of removing your shower head or probably don’t know how to go about it, no need for worries; you can remove the deposit using this cleaning hacks. All you need to use is a band, bag (plastic bag), and some quantity of vinegar.
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Protected Bag with Vinegar
You will need to slip the band at the top of your shower head. Loop the entire rubber band by allowing it to go round the arm of the shower. Do this either twice or thrice for more durability. Fill up the bag with some white vinegar. Now attach the plastic bag directly to the shower head by attaching the upper part of the plastic bag below the band.
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Wait and then Rinse
Wait for an hour or two, now take off the plastic bag and turn on the shower. Clean off the surface with a soft fabric.
Deep Cleaning a Shower Head
If the mineral deposited in the holes is stubborn for vinegar, then you will have to take off the head and carry out thorough cleaning.
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Remove the Showerhead
If you want to disconnect the head of the shower, then you will need to unscrew the nuts that are used for it attachment. While doing this, it is vital to carry it out with caution to avoid damages on the surface of the fixtures. We recommend using a wrench since it appears more effective than most pliers. All tools should be handled and appropriately kept to avoid scratches and stains on the wall.
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Rinse and clean the Showerhead
Blast water across the head of the shower while holding the head upside down directly to your faucet. Your aim here is to rinse out all forms of debris via the opening that runs across your shower arm. If you observe more deposits on the surface, try to use vinegar with a toothbrush to scrub off the debris; doing this will help loosen the surface.
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Disassemble and Clean the Showerhead
Use a safety pin or toothpick if the head still has additional deposits. (If the head of your shower is made from a pliable plastic nubbin, then you can use your finger to take out calcium deposits.)
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Soak the Parts in Vinegar Overnight
Ensure the head of your shower is wholly immersed in vinegar, this will help dissolve the entire limescale deposits on the head of the shower. For more cleaning power, add two to three tablespoons of soda (baking soda) in the apple cider vinegar you intend using. Then soak the head in the solution. The clogged will be removed by the natural abrasive. Now rinse and clean with a fabric.
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Reassemble and Reinstall Your Shower head
Before taking a further step, you will need to wrap a plumbing tape across each thread on the shower arm; this will help ensure a perfect seal. Now fix the head of the shower back. Turn the arm of the shower with the aid of a wrench tool. While carrying this out, use the soft fabric to protect your home fixture.
To ensure steady water pressure and restrict the growth of harmful bacteria, you will need to clean the head thoroughly; this can be done on a minimum of once a month.
Here are some few tips you can adhere to while cleaning the shower head:
- Avoid the use of bleach: when cleaning with bleach, it has been proven scientifically that the production of harmful bacteria will increase. Aside from this, bleach is caustic and can ruin clothes. So the best you can do is avoid it.
- Avoid the use of hard brush: if you have a chrome head or finished metal protected shower head. It is advisable to use a soft brush to avoid scuffing and scratching the surface.
- Work with your windows and doors opened. Carry out your activity in a well-ventilated environment, if the cleaner you’re using has a strong fume — cleaners like vinegar or other forms of cleaning product. Although our reaction to fumes varies, some are allergic to it while others are not. However, it is important to carry out these activities when your ventilation fan is on while you open your bathroom windows.
Mildew-covered surfaces
Before carrying out these steps, you will need to open your doors and windows, then use the spray cleaner meant for tile. Now you will need to clean the shower thrice; doing this will help reduce the fume. Prevents the cleaner from drying on the surface of the head before cleaning it. Spray the section, cover the tub and tile and then allow it for a couple of minutes. Now spray the second time and allow it to soak before cleaning.
Using a wet scrubbing sponge, you will need to clean the first part; doing this with wide strokes. Rinse the cleaned area with a cup of water. Once you’re done with the first section, spray the head for the third time and then rinse it thoroughly. If there are still stains on the surface, mix water with bleach. Now use the mixture to soak the head for a few minutes. After that, turn your shower on and allow it to self-rinse for a couple of minutes.
Clogged drain
Use a trusty plunger while clearing out each blockage that is stock to the pipes and drains. This can also be used on showers too. All you will need to do is to take off the cover. If you didn’t get a desirable result, then proceed with the use of chemicals. If the use of chemicals didn’t solve the issue, then it’s time to consider the assistance of professionals.
Shower Head Cleaning Tips
No matter the type of shower head you have, be it rain, a low flow, a handheld or an LED shower head, here are some tips to use to make the shower a bit relaxing.
- Add Herbs
You can hang eucalyptus leaves at the top of your shower head. This will create an aroma when the shower steam falls on it. Adding herbs to your shower walls add some great benefits to you.
- DIY Shower Disks
You can make a DIY shower disk. Since they can dissolve and add Vicks into the shower, it will help clean the showerhead and relieve you of many stress you have to through to make it happen.
FAQs
Q. How Do You Remove Limescale from A Shower Head?
Use a plastic bag and fill it up with vinegar, then tie the bag on the showerhead using a rubber band. Ensure the area affected is covered in the vinegar. Allow the mixture for a couple of hours; this will cause the vinegar to react with the clogged shower head.
Q. What Is the Fastest Way to Clean a Shower Head?
Use water and white vinegar to create a balanced solution then empty the mixture in a plastic bag. Afterward, hang the bag around the head of your shower and ensure the holes in the shower are totally immersed in the mixture. Doing this will help with clogged shower head.
Q. How to Clean A Shower Head With Calcium Deposits?
Use a bag filled with white vinegar, tie the plastic bag over the head of the shower, while doing this make sure the affected area is immersed in the vinegar. Allow for a few hours and clean the showerhead with a fabric.
Q. How Do You Remove Mineral Deposits from A Shower Head?
Use vinegar and allow the showerhead in it for sometimes. Make sure the affected area is immersed in water. Clean up the mixture from the head of your shower after two to three hours.
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