Improve the flow of water in your shower and remove unpleasant deposits with simple steps to clean your shower head.
Some tasks on the cleaning list are easier than others. Laundry? Done. A bedroom? Arranged. The bathroom? Almost. The kitchen? Pecked.
Um, did you clean the shower head in the bathroom?
No. Do it now, as minerals can reduce or even clog water flow, and microbes can be released from biofilms into your shower water.
How to clean a shower head with vinegar
Vinegar is a natural solution to a sluggish, dirty, mineral-clogged shower head. It is cheap, easily accessible and safe. Mineral deposits can be softened and dissolved by soaking in a mildly acidic medium such as pure white vinegar. Its natural acidity easily breaks down hard water minerals such as calcium and magnesium. In addition, it is a natural disinfectant.
What you need:
• white vinegar
• a bucket, bowl or pan large enough to submerge the spray head
• an old toothbrush
• microfiber cloth or old towel
Instructions:
1. Remove the shower head with a wrench.
2. Place the spray head in a container and cover it with vinegar.
3. Leave to soak overnight.
4. After soaking, brush the spray head to remove loose deposits. If individual nozzles are clogged, pierce them with a small tool such as a toothpick.
5. Dip the toothbrush in the vinegar and clean the shower arm and connections, including the part in the water supply pipe.
6. Rinse the shower head and hand inside and out to remove minerals. Reattach.
How to quickly clean a shower head with vinegar
If you don't have time to wait overnight, you can try this quick alternative. Follow these steps to quickly clean your shower head with vinegar and a plastic kitchen bag. The procedure only takes about an hour.
What you need:
• white vinegar
• ziplock bag
• rubber band
• an old toothbrush
Instructions:
1. Fill a ziplock bag halfway with vinegar. (If you have a larger spray head, you may need a larger bag.)
2. Wrap a bag of vinegar around the spray head so that any water exits are completely submerged in the vinegar.
3. Secure the bag with a rubber band or zip.
4. Leave on for about an hour to allow the vinegar to break down hard mineral deposits.
5. Remove the bag and brush the spray head to remove stubborn residue.
6. Rinse by simply running water for a few minutes with warm water.
How to clean a shower head with lemon
Maybe you just ran out of vinegar or you prefer to use natural products. Lemons are an alternative that smells fresh and citrusy. The acid in lemon juice quickly removes plaque from shower heads. But be careful: the sugar in lemons can attract ants, and any scraps of peel and pulp left behind can rot and stink. Be extra careful to remove all traces of cleaning.
What you need:
• 1 large lemon
• plastic bags
• rubber band
• an old toothbrush
Instructions:
1. Choose a lemon that is heavy for its size, indicating a lot of juice.
2. Cut the lemon in half with a sharp knife.
3. Use the cut sides to thoroughly clean the shower head, focusing on visible deposits.
4. Wrap a plastic bag with lemon around the spray head. Place the cut sides of the lemons against the faucet.
5. Fasten with a rubber band.
6. Leave for at least an hour.
7. After one hour, remove the bag.
8. Squeeze the lemon to release excess juice on the spray head.
9. Brush to remove mineral deposits, using a toothpick for clogged nozzles if necessary.
10. Rinse by simply running warm water for a few minutes.
How often should you clean it?
Ideally, it should be cleaned once a month to remove mineral deposits. Thoroughly cleaning should be done at least twice a year, preferably every four months.
