Bathing should be more of an “ahhh” experience rather than an “ugh” experience. That’s why you have to know how to clean a shower head , since a dirty and clogged accessory can turn what is supposed to be a relaxing experience into the exact opposite. Lime buildup on the shower head can reduce water flow and even block the nozzles completely,” says Theresa Choh-Lee, head of the GROHE brand, which makes complete solutions for bathrooms and kitchens.
One of the reasons minerals and calcium deposits build up is hard water. Soap scum and other dirt, such as mold, can further restrict water flow. This doesn’t mean you have plumbing problems or need to completely replace a clogged shower head. You can enjoy a comfortable shower and strong water pressure again with a painless cleaning trick and a favorite household staple: white vinegar . Since the shower head is one of the dirtiest and often most neglected areas of your home, it’s best to include this task in your cleaning routine. Read on to learn how you can have a steamy shower back in no time.
What is the best way to clean a shower head?
The shower head shouldn’t be stuck all the way up. Clean the tap often with soapy water and a damp cloth, then rinse and dry. Choh-Lee says to “sweep the nozzles with your fingers while applying light pressure” to clean the shower head. When it comes to parts made of brass or nickel, this method works best because they don’t like acids or harsh cleaners.
Some of the best things you can use to clean your shower head are pure white vinegar and water. Get a cotton cloth, rubber bands, and a strong plastic bag for storing food. After that, you’ll need an old toothbrush and a stick or paper clip. (Do not use bleach today; it does not work on hard water.) Apple cider vinegar will also work if you don’t have pure white vinegar on hand. Another thing that can work is a mix of lemon juice and water.
Put half of the drained vinegar into the plastic bag. Put the bag over the shower head so that it is fully covered in water. If more is needed, add it. To keep the bag on the shower head, carefully put some plastic rubber bands around the top of it. If the rubber band is too small or weak, this might be hard to do. Put the shower curtain or glass doors shut as a safety measure in case the vinegar-filled bag falls and causes a spill. Even though it won’t hurt the floor, it might smell bad for a while.
A cleaning solution made of equal parts pure white vinegar and water should be sprayed on your shower head once a week. A paste made of baking soda and lemon juice should be used to clean your shower head once a month to keep dirt and buildup from getting in.
how to clean shower head with baking soda and vinegar
A simple and natural way to clean your shower head is with baking soda and vinegar. This will get rid of mineral layers and grime buildup. Take the shower head off of the pipe first. Then, mix baking soda and white vinegar together in a bowl or other container until they are equal parts. When the mixture comes into touch with water, it will fizz, which will help loosen dirt and mineral deposits in the shower head. Put the shower head completely in the solution, making sure that all of the holes are filled. If full submersion isn’t possible, you can also put the mixture in a plastic bag and wrap it around the shower head with a rubber band. If the buildup is really bad, let it soak for at least an hour or more, or even overnight. After letting it soak, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub away any dirt or mineral buildup that is still there. Be careful not to hurt the shower head’s finish. Make sure to rinse the shower head well with water to get rid of any baking soda and vinegar residue. A pin or toothpick can also be used to clear out spray tubes that are clogged. Last, put the shower head back on the pipe and turn on the water to flush out any leftover dirt. This natural way of cleaning works well, is good for the earth, and doesn’t cost much. Do this process again every couple of months to keep the shower head clean and germ-free.
How long should you leave the shower head soaking in vinegar?
Soaking the watering can head with vinegar should remain for several hours: a minimum of 4 hours is optimal, but 12 hours will be even better. That’s why it’s good practice to start this cleaning project in the morning (right after you shower) or in the afternoon (so you have an all-nighter). A word of caution: Be careful with this cleaning trick if your shower head is brass. The material should not be soaked in white vinegar for more than 30 minutes. Skip this cleaning method entirely for nickel-plated shower heads, as the shiny finish can be damaged by the acid.
If you don’t feel like submerging the entire head in vinegar, make a cleaning solution of baking soda and lemon juice and scrub it into the surface with an old toothbrush to reach the nozzles. Turn on the hot water tap to make sure all openings are clear… and voila, your job is done.
Read More: How to clean electric kettle without vinegar
How do you deep clean a shower head?
Following a few hours of soaking in vinegar, take the bag off the shower arm and pour the vinegary water down the drain. Scrub the drain, tap, nozzles, and anything else with an old toothbrush and baking soda to get rid of dirt and hard water stains for a double freshening effect.
Let the hot water run for a while to check if the shower head is clean or needs more work. Additionally, rinsing will help loosen and remove mineral layers that have built up inside the shower head. Take a cotton cloth and dry and polish the shower head. Make sure it’s completely clean and shiny and free of limescale.
Ignoring your shower head for years and finding a lot of mineral buildup on it might mean you need to do a more extensive fix. Remove the filter grill first to get a better look. The shower head can be taken off the base with pliers or a wrench. Next, the grate can be separated with needle-nose pliers. After washing it, soak it in vinegar for a few hours on its own. Make sure the water flow is clear by using a descaling product, which is another choice. Reassemble everything and turn on the hot water. That’s all of it. A clean shower head that looks brand new should be yours.
How do you remove calcium deposits from a shower head?
If you also see white, chalky streaks on your shower tile and shower glass door, your shower head likely has calcium deposits, also known as calcium carbonate. While soaking with white vinegar should address this buildup, you may need to invest in a descaler. In this case, unscrew the head of the watering can and place it in a glass container, such as an old mason jar. Fill half the container with the descaler solution and the other half with water. Let it sit for about five minutes. You should see bubbles forming, which means it’s working. Remove Calcium Buildup and rinse it with water.
Conclusion
A easy but necessary thing to do to keep your bathroom clean and germ-free is to clean your shower head. You can get rid of mineral buildup and make sure the water flows properly by using common home items like baking soda and vinegar. Cleaning your shower regularly not only makes it more enjoyable, but it also stops germs and mold from growing. With just a few simple steps, you can keep your shower head clean and working well so that every time you take a shower, you feel refreshed.
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