Is the water on your handheld shower head shouting out in various directions? Are the holes in your rain shower head clogged with minerals to the point that almost no water flows? If these are the case, then your shower head needs some serious cleaning. The question is, how?
If you experience any of the two, these tips can help restore the performance of your shower head:
Basic Cleaning Tips
- If your shower head comes with flexible rubber nozzles, remove any mineral buildup by simply rubbing its nozzles using your finger. Alternatively, you can use a toothbrush to gently scrub those nozzles.
- After that, use a vinegar and soak your shower head in it. There are a few ways to do so:
1. Pour some vinegar in a plastic bag then wrap it around your shower head. You can use a tape or a rubber band to make sure the bag is wrapped securely around the head. Leave it for a few hours. Afterward, remove the bag then let the water flow for a few minutes to remove any vinegar that’s left in the shower head.
2. You can also remove the shower head from the pipe and soak in it a container full of vinegar. Leave it for a few hours then reattach it to your shower pipe. Let the water flow for a few minutes to remove any traces of vinegar.
- Clean the filter screen. In this case, you may have to look at the instruction manual. However, if you can’t find the manual, you can visit the shower head manufacturer’s website instead. You can find the filter screen in the part where the shower head connects to the shower pipe.
You’ll have to detach the shower head from the pipe first so you can remove the filter screen. Once it’s been successfully removed, simply run it under water for a few minutes so you can remove any mineral buildup. Use a toothbrush then gently scrub the deposits. After cleaning, place it back into the shower head then reattached the shower head to the pipe.
NOTE: Don’t use a shower cleaner that contains harsh chemicals as it can only damage your shower head. You may use the natural method of using white vinegar or a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda instead.
Advanced Cleaning Tips
If using vinegar isn’t enough to remove all those mineral deposits on your shower head, then you’ll have to do a more advanced and thorough cleaning. Here’s how:
- Detach the shower head from the shower pipe. You can use a wrench to do this. Make sure you don’t damage the fixture’s finish by placing a rag on the head as a cushion before using the wrench.
- Once the shower head is successfully removed, rinse it using a sharp blast of water. Hold it upside down below a faucet. The purpose of this is to remove any loosened debris and flush them through the hole that connects your shower head to the shower pipe.
- Dismantle the head and clean it. If you see any mineral deposits, simply scrub them off using an old toothbrush along with a vinegar to loosen. You can also use a toothpick to remove any deposit lodged in the holes. After cleaning, simply soak the shower head in vinegar overnight. This will help dissolve any remaining mineral deposits. Rinse afterward.
- After the cleaning is completely finished, reassemble your shower head then reattach it to the pipe. Before you do so, wrap a plumbing tape around the shower arm’s threads so you can ensure a tight and secure seal. Use a wrench to reinstall the shower head. As always, make sure you don’t mar the finish by using a rag or towel.
Cleaning a shower head is a fairly easy task which you can undertake on your own. By following these tips, you can ensure a fully functional shower head which can help you save money and even reduce your water bills at the same time.
Leave a Reply