Are you tired of weak water pressure and uneven spray from your shower head? It might be time to give it a deep clean! Mineral deposits and grime can build up over time, hindering your shower experience.
But don’t worry, reviving your shower head’s performance is easier than you think. With just a few simple steps and common household items, you can have a sparkling clean shower head in no time.
1. Gather Your Materials
Before you begin tackling that grimy shower head, get the necessary cleaning supplies: Distilled white vinegar (or a commercial shower head cleaner), plastic bag (large enough to fit your shower head), rubber band or twist tie, old toothbrush or soft-bristled cleaning brush, and cloth or sponge.
2. Preparation
If your shower head is removable, detach it for easier cleaning. Otherwise, proceed with it attached. Fill the plastic bag with enough distilled white vinegar to completely submerge the shower head.
3. Secure the Bag
Place the shower head inside the bag and secure the opening tightly with a rubber band or twist tie. The shower head should be fully immersed in the vinegar.
4. Soak
Allow the shower head to soak in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for heavily mineralized shower heads.
Note: If you have well water, soaking the shower head in a solution like CLR might work even better to remove hard water deposits.
5. Scrub
After soaking, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to scrub the shower head gently. Pay attention to the nozzle holes and any hard-to-reach areas.
6. Rinse
Thoroughly rinse the shower head under warm running water to remove any vinegar residue and loosened mineral deposits.
7. Reattach (if necessary)
If you detached the shower head for a deeper clean, now is the time to carefully reattach it. Teflon tape may be necessary if there is no o-rings to prevent leaks.
Ensure the threads align properly and hand-tighten it securely to the shower arm. Avoid overtightening, as this can damage the connection.
8. Run Water
Once the shower head is back in place, turn on the shower and let the water run for a few minutes. This will help flush out any lingering vinegar solution, loosened mineral deposits, or debris from within the shower head and its nozzles.
9. Wipe Down
With the shower head sparkling clean on the inside, it’s time to address the exterior. Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe down the surface of the shower head. This will remove any water spots or residue, leaving it looking polished and new.
10. Repeat (if needed)
If your shower head was heavily soiled or hasn’t been cleaned in a while, you might find that one round of cleaning isn’t quite enough. In this case, don’t hesitate to repeat the entire process, allowing for a longer soak in the vinegar solution if necessary.
With these 10 easy steps, you’ve taken the first step towards a more enjoyable shower experience. Regular cleaning not only enhances the look of your bathroom but also improves the functionality of your shower head.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.