How to Clean a Shower Head

Shower heads require routine cleaning to operate at full capacity. Over time water and soap residue can build up and block the holes through which water passes. The slime that develops in a shower head prevents the chlorine in the water from flushing out irritants and organic matter.

Mineral deposits in the water supply like limescale can clog the shower head’s tiny holes. The hot, humid environment of a shower is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, mold and germs.

Regular cleaning of the shower head to keep the holes and jets clear and functioning normally can improve the bathing experience.

Cleaning your shower head often requires little more than a simple white vinegar solution. This method works particularly well for a light cleaning to remove soap scum and organic matter. 

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Distilled white vinegar
• Large plastic food storage bag
• Cable ties or tape

Follow these steps to give the shower head a light cleaning:

• Pour about one cup of distilled white vinegar into a large plastic food storage bag.
• Place the food storage bag filled with vinegar over your shower head so it is submerged in the liquid. Use a zip tie or tape to secure the bag in place. Double check to make sure the whole shower head is submerged.
• Leave the bag in place overnight or for about eight hours. Remove the bag and turn the hot water on at full pressure to remove remaining deposits.

More stubborn and problematic mineral deposits like limescale can be cleaned effectively with a little effort. 

You will need these supplies to get rid of difficult-to-clean buildup in the shower head:

• Cleaning cloth
• Pliers
• Wrench
• Bowl
• Distilled white vinegar
• Needle or paper clip

The first step is to carefully remove the shower head:

• Wrap your shower pipe with a rag or cloth and use pliers to hold it in place. This will keep you from scratching or damaging the pipe and your shower head and give you the leverage you need.
• Use a wrench to loosen the nut that connects the shower head to your feed pipe. Once loosened, you can use your hands to unscrew the shower head completely.
• Check the threaded interior portion of the shower head and remove any debris with your finger. You can also flush this area with water.
• Remove the filter screen inside the shower head with a pair of needle nose pliers. You can easily clean this by rinsing it with water or using a cleaning brush and all-purpose cleaner or dish soap for stubborn, sticky debris.
• Place the shower head in a bowl of warm distilled white vinegar. Make sure the shower head is completely submerged in the vinegar. Let it soak overnight.
• Use a needle or straightened paper clip to open any holes in the shower head that are still blocked by mineral deposits.
• Reinstall the filter screen and put your shower head back in place. Run the shower at full water pressure for a minute or two to clear any remaining debris. Use a shower cleaner and shower scrubber to rinse the surrounding tile.