There’s a Hidden Filter in Your Shower Head, and It’s Probably Dirty.
Removing layers of limescale, soap scum, and rough pink film from your shower head will not only provide you with sweet before and after photos, but can also noticeably improve your overall shower experience. After all, who doesn’t want better water pressure?
But what if you go through your normal cleaning process of soaking and scrubbing, and then turn on the shower and find that the water pressure has not improved and the water stream is still inconsistent and splashing? Before you rush out to buy a new shower head, try removing the one you have and cleaning the mesh filter hidden inside. That’s right: Even if the outside of your shower head is spotless, there may be a small round mesh covered in mineral deposits that is interfering with your shower experience. Here’s how to find it and clean it.
Where to find the mesh filter inside the shower head
Technically, this hidden filter is located between the shower head and the water pipe sticking out of the shower wall. But even if you have to remove the shower head to replace it or clean the outside, you may not notice the small mesh that is there. Or maybe you saw it but thought it was part of a flow limiter (it’s not). For reference, flow restrictors are about the same size as strainers, but instead of a small round piece of mesh, they are a small round piece of usually blue or green plastic with a slightly larger hole and/or holes.
To find the filter mesh, remove the shower head. Sometimes you can just turn it counterclockwise by hand and it will come right off. If not, cover the part that connects the shower head to the pipe with a rag, then use a wrench or pliers to turn it counterclockwise until the shower head comes loose. The filter mesh must be inside. If you have a detachable shower head, the filter screen is likely located inside the connecting piece at the end of the hose attached to the water pipe.
This is what mine looks like:
How to Clean a Showerhead Filter Mesh
Look inside the shower head; If there are any loose mineral deposits or debris, throw them in the trash.
Next, remove the filter mesh. If you can’t remove the screen with your finger, try pliers. But if it doesn’t work right away, leave it where it is and do your best to clean it in place.
First, rinse the screen with warm water. Next, use a toothbrush to remove any dirt, followed by a toothpick or sewing needle to clean out the tiny holes in the mesh (if necessary). If dirt and mineral deposits still remain, soak the screen in a small cup filled half with warm water and half with white distilled vinegar or warm water with a pinch of citric acid for 10 minutes and then try again. If you are unable to remove the screen from your shower head, add a few drops of your solution of choice, let it sit for a minute, then use your toothbrush again, then a toothpick or needle.
Here’s mine, before and after cleaning:
Repeat the process until the screen is as clean as possible, then put it back in and reattach the shower head. If you have previously used plumber’s tape on the pipe threads, remove it and any residue from the threads (grooves) on the end of the water pipe. Replace it with new plumber’s tape, then screw on the shower head. ( The May Lifehacker post has more detailed instructions if you need them.)