How To Clean A Shower Head

One place in a home that doesn’t get cleaned often is a shower head. Cleaning a shower head is really important and very simple to do. Learn how to clean a shower head with vinegar. You’ll be surprised by how simple it is to do.

chrome shower head with water coming out.

Getting into the shower and realizing that your once perfectly symmetrical water flow is now lopsided can be a pretty big disappointment. Not to mention the less than desirable water pressure that is about to greet you. Cleaning your shower head will save you money on a new one and restore your old one back to new.

Need to clean other areas of your home?

First Thing First

The first thing you need to determine is if you want to detach your shower head or if you want to clean it without taking it off.

Simple Cleaning

How to Clean a Shower Head Step-by-Step

Soaking the shower head works best on stainless steel, chrome or any type of protected metal.

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Keep the Shower Head Attached Method

To soak your shower head while it remains connected you will need the following supplies:

Start by wrapping the rubber band around once or twice to keep it on the shower head while you get the bag ready.

Another option is to use a binder clip and gathering the plastic bag at the top and securing it with a binder clip (but do this after you add the vinegar.

Place the plastic bag around the shower head and fill it with white vinegar. Slip the top of the bag under the rubber band. Tighten the rubber band sealing the bag on the shower head.

Allow this to soak for an hour minimum. Once you remove the bag, turn on the shower to flush the vinegar out. Use a clean cloth and polish it to remove any water spots on the outside.

Removing the Shower Head Method

This method can be followed whether you took your shower head down or, you have a detachable shower head. You can do this one of two ways: either in a bowl or in a bag. Whichever you choose, fill it with vinegar and place the shower head in it. Let soak for a minimum of an hour.

To clean a shower head this way you’ll need to following supplies:

Plastic bag or bowl
Vinegar
Plumbers tape
Possibly a wrench (only if you can’t remove the shower head by hand)

Once you remove it from the vinegar rinse it off and buff with a clean cloth. Replace the shower head and run the water through it to fully flush it out.

How to clean a shower head with build-up

It doesn’t happen often but, there are times that the vinegar doesn’t clear all of the mineral build-up. If this is the case, it is recommended that you remove the shower head for the best cleaning.

You might also need a small scrub brush to clean the shower head if there’s a lot of build up,.

Rinse Out the Shower Head

Place your shower head under a faucet upside and run a strong stream of water through it. Doing this will rinse out any and all loose particles out of your shower head.

Clean Out the Shower Head

Disassemble your shower head so you can find all of the hidden build up. Once your shower head is apart, use a toothbrush and scrub the mineral deposits with vinegar. If any of the holes are clogged you can use a safety pin or toothpick to clear those out.

Once you have finished scrubbing all of the pieces, keep your shower head dismantled and place the individual pieces in either a bag or bowl of vinegar to soak overnight. After removing the pieces rinse thoroughly with water.

Put the Shower Head Together

Reassemble your shower head. Before you reinstall your shower head wrap the threads with threads with new plumbing tape. Using a wrench you can replace the shower head. Protect the shower head by using a soft cloth between the wrench and the shower head itself.

There is no reason to feel intimidated about cleaning your shower head plus, it will save you money. It is very easy to keep your shower head clean and running like new. If you clean it regularly, the mineral build-ups won’t inhibit your shower head from working properly.