How to Clean Your Shower Head (and Why You Need To)
There is nothing better than a proper shower after a long day. But if weak water pressure and uneven jets are preventing you from washing away your problems, it might be time to thoroughly clean your shower head.
Finding out that the item meant to wash you is itself dirty is akin to finding out that you have been drinking from a moldy water bottle. Also, shower heads are one of those appliances that you might consider self-cleaning. (I’m reminded of Nick Miller’s towel-washing logic on New Girl .) This place is easy to miss when you’re busy cleaning loud items like the toilet or sink. However, the shower head deserves the same attention as many other problem areas in your bathroom.
Why you need to clean your shower head
Even though shower heads don’t get dirty by people who constantly touch them, they can still fall prey to mold, mineral buildup, and even bacteria . And if you live in an area with hard water, you’ll almost certainly notice when mineral deposits like limescale can build up and clog holes in your shower head.
When to clean your shower head
Sources vary on how often you need to clean your shower head, but the general consensus on the internet is to use the following soak method about once a month. Otherwise, it’s wise to include a shower head in your regular deep cleaning routine.
Regardless of your existing bathroom cleaning habits, a good indicator that it’s time to remove and soak your shower head is significant weakening or sporadic water pressure, which may be due to the buildup described above.
What you need to clean your shower head
If you can remove it
Fully sliding the shower head is the easiest way to thoroughly wet it. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups white vinegar (or enough to submerge a shower head)
- 1/2 cup baking soda (optional)
- 1 glass of water
- Large container or tub
- Optional: a toothbrush or some kind of cleaning brush.
If you can’t remove it
You can still soak your shower head even if you can’t remove it, but you’ll need the following supplies in addition to those listed above:
- Large plastic bag (which can be put on the shower head)
- Elastic bands or zip ties
Step by step guide to cleaning your shower head
- Remove the shower head. Many are unscrewed by hand, but you may need a wrench to unscrew it.
- Pour vinegar, baking soda (optional), and water into a large bowl or tub.
- Immerse the shower head completely.
- Soak. It’s not a perfect science, so the length of the soak depends on how deep you need it. You can safely leave it overnight, but even an hour or two should help.
- Optional: After soaking, remove any remaining dirt with a toothbrush or scraper.
- Rinse the shower head to remove excess vinegar. Let the water run all the way through so you don’t splash vinegar after you reattach the shower head.
- Wipe with a soft cloth. The remaining vinegar mixture can be safely poured into the sewer.
- Reattach the shower head to the main fixture. Run the shower until the smell of vinegar disappears.
How to clean a non-removable shower head
If you can’t get the shower head out, you can still soak it in a plastic bag.
- Prepare some rubber bands or zip ties around the base of the shower head.
- Pour the vinegar, baking soda, and water into a large plastic bag. Make sure the bag is large enough so that it doesn’t overflow when the shower head is submerged.
- Attach the bag around the showerhead, making sure it is completely submerged in water. Use the elastic bands already installed to secure the bag (using the phrase).
- Follow steps four through seven above.
Note. If you have a brass, gold, or nickel-plated shower head, take it out of the vinegar after 30 minutes, as longer can damage the finish.
Keep your shower head clean
The best way to prevent accumulation is to stay on top. Keep some diluted vinegar (one part vinegar, one part water) in a spray bottle and include a regular shower head in your regular bathroom cleaning routine.
Now enjoy some quality water pressure to celebrate a job well done.