Have you ever noticed that your shower head sprays less water or sprays it in an odd way? It’s a problem that many of us have, and it’s often caused by a dirty or clogged shower head. For the best water flow and a refreshing shower, it’s important to keep the shower head clean. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to clean the shower head in your bathroom the right way.
With a few easy steps and some common household things, you can get your shower head back to the way it used to be. I’ll show you my tried-and-true ways to get your shower head looking and working like new, from getting rid of mineral layers to getting rid of stubborn dirt. Say goodbye to low water flow and hello to a shower that makes you feel good.
Steps to Clean Your Bathroom Shower Head Easily
It’s not hard to clean the shower head in your bathroom. Here are the steps you can take to successfully clean your shower head:
Step 1: Get the cleaning product ready
First, gather your supplies. You’ll need the same amount of water and vinegar. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to get rid of mineral buildup. Both work well. You can also use a professional descaling cleaner that is made just to get rid of buildup on shower heads.
Step 2: Take the shower head off
Depending on the kind of shower head you have, you may need to unscrew it from the shower arm. Turn off the water source before you try to remove it so that there aren’t any leaks. If you need to, use a tool or pliers, but don’t use too much force or you could damage the shower head or the pipes.
Step 3: Get the shower head wet
Put the shower head in the cleaning solution you made, or put the solution in a plastic bag and tie a rubber band around the shower head. This makes sure that the shower head is completely covered and that the cleaning solution can reach any mineral deposits or buildup and break them up.
Step 4: Let it soak
Let the shower head soak for about 1 to 2 hours in the cleaning solution. The vinegar or descaling cleaner will have enough time to break down the mineral layers and grime during this time.
Step 5: Wipe down the shower head
After letting the shower head soak, it’s time to clean it. Scrub the surface of the shower head gently with a soft brush, like an old toothbrush. Pay close attention to the openings and any cracks or spaces that could have buildup. Use soft, circular motions to get rid of any residue that is still there. You can use a stick or a small pin to carefully remove deposits that don’t want to come off. Just be careful not to damage the shower head.
Step 6: Rinse very well
When you’re done scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the shower head with clean water. Make sure to get rid of any cleaning solution or trash that is still there. Pay close attention to the openings and make sure they are open and unblocked.
Step 7: Put the shower head back on
After cleaning and rinsing the shower head, you can put it back on the shower arm. Line up the shower head with the shower arm and tightly screw it back on. Be careful not to tighten too much, as this can damage the item. Make sure it fits tightly to stop any leaks.
Step 8: Check the flow of water
Lastly, turn on the shower to see if the clean shower head lets the water flow easily. Watch the water flow and how the water comes out of the nozzles. If you spot problems, like low water pressure or water that flows in different ways, you may need to repeat the cleaning process or look into other possible causes.
By following these specific steps, you can clean your bathroom shower head well, getting rid of mineral deposits and buildup and bringing it back to working order. Regular cleaning and care will help your shower head last longer and make sure you have a nice, refreshing shower.
How Often Should I Clean the Shower Head in My Bathroom?
How often you need to clean your shower head depends on a number of things, such as the quality of your water source and how much mineral buildup or residue gets on it over time. Most of the time, it’s best to clean your shower head at least once every three to six months to keep it working well and avoid problems.
If you live in an area with hard water, which has a lot of calcium and magnesium in it, you may need to clean your shower head more often. Minerals from hard water tend to build up on surfaces, like shower heads, which can stop water from flowing and cause clogs. In this case, you may need to clean your shower head every two to three months to keep buildup from happening.
Other things that can affect how often you need to clean the shower include how many people use it, how long and how often they shower, and any problems with the water quality in your area. If your water pressure goes down, the water flows unevenly, or you can see buildup on your shower head, it’s clear that it needs to be cleaned.
Remember that cleaning and maintaining your shower head regularly will not only keep it working well, but will also help avoid problems like clogging, low water pressure, and the growth of bacteria or mould. By cleaning the shower head as part of your regular bathroom cleaning, you can make sure that your showers are clean and fun.
Can I Clean My Bathroom Shower Head with Things I Already Have at Home?
You don’t always have to use professional cleaning products to clean a showerhead. There are many things you can use around the house to clean your shower head and get rid of mineral deposits and grime. Here are some things you can use around the house to clean your shower head:
Vinegar
Vinegar is a cheap and versatile home item that can be used to clean shower heads very well. Its acidic features help get rid of dirt and mineral deposits. Fill a plastic bag with vinegar or a mix of vinegar and water that is the same amount of each. Put the shower head in the solution or use a rubber band to tie the bag around the shower head. Let it soak for one to two hours, then scrub and rinse it well.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can be mixed with other items to make a powerful cleaning paste. Baking soda is known for being a mild abrasive. To make a paste, mix baking soda with enough water or vinegar to make it thick. Put the paste on the shower head, paying special attention to the spots where minerals have built up. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub it well and rinse it well. Baking soda helps get rid of spots and dirt without hurting the shower head’s surface.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural acid that can get rid of mineral buildup and leave a fresh smell. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into a bowl and use a cloth or sponge to soak it up. Rub the cloth or sponge over the shower head, paying special attention to the spots where dirt has built up. Let it sit for a few minutes before you scrub and fully rinse it. Lemon juice not only cleans, but it also helps get rid of smells that you don’t like.
Hydrogen Peroxide
A popular household disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide, can also be used to clean shower heads. It breaks down mineral layers and kills bacteria because of how it oxygenates. In a jar, mix equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Put the shower head in the solution or wipe it down with a cloth that has been soaked in the mixture. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it well and wash it well.
Soap for washing dishes
Since dish soap can cut through grease, it can be used to clean soap scum and buildup from shower heads. Add a few drops of dish soap to warm water in a jar. Put the shower head in the solution and let it soak for about 30 minutes. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the shower head to get rid of any residue. Rinse well to make sure that all of the soap is gone.
A Solution of Salt and Vinegar
A mixture of salt and vinegar can help get rid of mineral buildup that are hard to get rid of. Mix equal parts salt and vinegar in a container until the salt melts. Put the fluid on a cloth or sponge and rub it on the shower head. Let it sit for a few minutes before you scrub and fully rinse it. The roughness of salt and the acidity of vinegar work well together to break down mineral buildup.
Overall, cleaning your shower head with things you already have around the house can be a cheap and green way to do it. Mineral layers, dirt, and soap scum can all be taken off with vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and salt. When you use these items, it’s important to follow the directions, such as soaking, scrubbing, and rinsing well, to make sure your shower head is clean and working well.
Always check the instructions from the maker or talk to a professional if you have specific questions or if your shower head has special cleaning needs. Your shower head will work better and last longer if you clean and maintain it regularly.
FAQs
Can I clean my shower head with bleach?
Bleach can kill germs on surfaces, but it’s not a good idea to use it to clean shower heads. Strong chemicals in bleach can ruin the finish on a shower head and possibly hurt the area around it. Stick to cleaners that are gentler and safer, like vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda.
How do I clean a shower head that has a lot of designs?
For shower heads with detailed designs or patterns, you can gently scrub the nozzles and cracks with a soft toothbrush or a small brush with soft bristles. Be careful not to use too much force, which could damage the design or cause parts to come free.
Can I clean a shower head made of plastic the same way I clean one made of metal?
Yes, you can clean both metal and plastic shower heads the same way. But be careful when you scrub so you don’t scratch the plastic surface. To clean plastic shower heads, change the pressure and use a soft brush or sponge.
Should the shower arm also be cleaned when the shower head is being cleaned?
Even though you don’t have to clean the shower arm every time you clean the shower head, it’s a good idea to look for any buildup or dirt. If you see any blocks or buildup, you can clean the shower arm with a small brush or cloth to make sure the water flows properly.
Can I keep minerals from building up on my shower head by using a water softener?
Yes, putting in a water softener can help reduce the amount of minerals in your water. This means that less mineral buildup will happen on your shower head. It can keep you from having to clean your shower head as often and make it work better overall.
How can I keep my shower head from getting mouldy?
Keep your shower head clean and dry to stop mould from growing on it. Wipe the shower head dry with a dry cloth or towel after each use to get rid of any water. Also, make sure the bathroom has enough air to cut down on humidity, which can help mould grow.
What do I do if the shower head smells bad?
If your shower head smells bad, it could be because germs are growing in it. In this case, you can soak the shower head in a combination of equal parts water, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. This will help kill germs and get rid of any bad smells.
Can I clean my shower head with a power washer?
It’s not a good idea to clean a shower head with a power washer. High water pressure can damage or shake loose parts of the shower head. Stick to soft ways to clean to avoid doing any damage.
How do I clean a shower head I can hold in my hand?
A handheld shower head can be cleaned in the same way as a fixed shower head. Take the handheld shower head off the hose or hanging bracket and soak it in a cleaning solution. Scrub the nozzles and give them a good rinse before putting them back on.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning the shower head in the bathroom is an easy but important thing to do to keep it working well and make sure you have a pleasant showering experience. By following the step-by-step steps, which include making the cleaning solution, taking off the shower head, soaking, scrubbing, rinsing, and putting it back on, you can get rid of mineral deposits and grime. Cleaning your drains regularly, usually every three to six months, helps stop clogs, low water flow, and the growth of bacteria or mould.
Also, vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, or a solution of salt and vinegar can be used as effective and inexpensive options. Make sure to be careful during the process so that you don’t hurt the shower head or the pipes. If you clean and take care of your bathroom shower head, it will keep giving you refreshing showers for many years.
