Waking up to a weak, sputtering shower can be a frustrating start to your day. Over time, mineral deposits, limescale, and other build-ups can clog your shower head, reducing water pressure and affecting its performance.
Thankfully, cleaning your shower head is a simple task that can restore your shower to its former glory.
In this guide, we explain how to clean a shower head using household items like vinegar and lemon juice to ensure it remains in top shape.
Before you get started
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to assess the situation:
- Check the blockages: Take a close look at your shower head to see how severe the blockages are. This will help you decide whether a quick clean or a more thorough approach is needed.
- Identify the material: Determine the material of your shower head. Stainless steel, chrome and plastic shower heads are more delicate and may scratch easily, so it's important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could cause damage.
What you'll need
To clean a shower head with vinegar
- White distilled vinegar or cleaning vinegar
- Heavy-duty plastic bag
- Cloth
- Paper clip or toothpick
- Baking soda
To clean a shower head with lemon paste
- Old toothbrush
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Lemon juice
How often should you clean shower heads?
Cleaning your shower head regularly is a good idea to maintain optimal performance and water pressure. For households with hard water, consider cleaning your shower head every month.
For areas with softer water, a deep clean every few months should be enough.
How to clean a shower head with vinegar: a step-by-step guide
Step 1. Fill the bag with vinegar
Start by filling a heavy-duty plastic bag with white distilled vinegar. You’ll need enough vinegar to submerge the shower head completely.
Step 2. Detach the shower head from the wall (if possible)
If your shower head is detachable, remove it from the shower arm. This makes the cleaning process easier and more effective.
If you have a fixed shower head, don’t worry! Just skip this step.
Step 3. Put the bag over the shower head
Carefully place the plastic bag filled with vinegar over the shower head, ensuring that it is completely submerged in the vinegar.
Step 4. Fasten with a rubber band
Use an elastic band to secure the bag to the shower head. Make sure it’s tight enough to hold the bag in place without spilling the vinegar.
Step 5. Soak for several hours
Let the shower head soak in the vinegar for at least a few hours. For best results, leave it overnight.
The vinegar will work to dissolve the mineral deposits and limescale build-up.
Step 6. Remove the bag
Carefully remove the plastic bag from the shower head and dispose of the vinegar.
Step 7. Run hot water
Turn on the shower and run warm water through the shower head for a few minutes.
This helps flush out any remaining limescale and vinegar.
Step 8. Unclog nozzles manually
Use a paper clip or toothpick to unclog any remaining blockages in the nozzles gently. Be careful not to scratch or damage the shower head.
Step 9. Polish with cloth
Wipe down the shower head with a soft cloth to remove any lingering debris and give it a nice shine.
How to clean a shower head with a lemon paste: a step-by-step guide
If you don't have any distilled white vinegar on hand, you can substitute it for lemon juice and water.
Lemon juice contains acids that will help dissolve mineral deposits. Follow the same directions for lemon juice as you would for vinegar.
If you don't want to wait for the shower head to soak, you can clean it using a paste made from lemon juice, baking soda, and salt.
Step 1. Scrub with DIY paste and toothbrush
Mix lemon juice, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to create a paste. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the shower head with the paste, paying particular attention to the nozzles and other areas with build-up.
Step 2. Run hot water
Turn on the shower and run hot water through the shower head for a few minutes to flush out any loosened deposits and paste.
Step 3. Rinse
Rinse the shower head thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining lemon paste. Wipe it down with a soft cloth for a polished finish.
When to call a JustFix professional
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may encounter issues that require professional assistance. If your shower head is still not working properly after a thorough cleaning, or if you notice more significant issues like persistent low water pressure or leaks, it’s time to call in the experts.
JustFix makes it easy to book a trusted plumber who can diagnose and fix the problem efficiently.
Our teams of Fixers work nationwide to provide you with professionals for fair, fixed prices. When you book online with us, we'll match you with a qualified plumber who can check your shower at a time that suits you.
Schedule your service today and get your shower back to peak performance!
