How to Clean a Showerhead

Every shower head comes into contact with hard water. Unfortunately, the gradual build-up of limescale is unavoidable, so keeping on top of cleaning your shower head is essential. You will notice if your shower head needs cleaning when you see a chalky substance coated around the nozzles, low water flow/ pressure or if the water only shoots out from a few of the nozzles. Descaling and maintaining the shower head is hygienic and helps the longevity of your shower. Need help figuring out where to start? Have no fear! Showers to You are on hand to explain the most effective and straightforward solutions for cleaning your shower head!

Why should I clean my shower head?

Shower heads can be a breeding ground for bacteria, including potentially harmful ones like legionella. Regular cleaning will help to prevent this growth, ensuring a safer shower experience. Over time, mineral deposits can build up in your shower head, reducing water flow. Cleaning it can help to remove these deposits, improving water pressure and flow. Furthermore, regular cleaning can extend the lifespan of your shower head. By preventing build-up and damage, you can keep your shower head working efficiently for longer.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is not typically harmful to health. Hard water in showers is a common occurrence, and it stems from the source of the water supply. When water travels through the ground, it picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium. This contrasts soft water, which has low concentrations of these minerals.

What happens if I don’t clean my shower head?

Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate in the shower head. This build-up obstructs the water flow, leading to a weak water stream that can compromise the quality of your shower experience. The accumulated minerals and bacteria can also wear down your shower head over time, shortening its lifespan and necessitating premature replacement. We recommend investing in high-quality shower heads like the Aqualisa Replacement Handsets. 

How do I clean a Shower Head?

First things first, you will need to identify which shower head you own. Maybe you have a convenient shower handset attached to a Showerhead Holder? On the other hand, perhaps you have opted for a Fixed Shower Head, firmly anchored to either a wall or ceiling. Not all showerheads are removable, so the cleaning and descaling may be tricky or complicated. Regardless of the particular model gracing your bathroom, gaining an in-depth understanding of your shower head is always advantageous. This knowledge will enable you to comprehend that rub-clean nozzles offer a significantly more efficient cleaning process than traditional nozzles or holes.

You will need:

• White Vinegar
• A bucket or plastic container big enough to hold the shower head
• Baking Soda (Optional)
• Hot water
• Old toothbrush
• Plastic Bag (for Fixed Shower Heads that can’t be removed)
• Cable tie/ string (Optional)
• Microfibre cloth (Optional)

Step One:

Remove the shower head: If possible, unscrew the shower head/ handset from the Shower Arm or Hose. Some shower heads have a rubber washer, preventing water from leaking at the joint. Remember to keep this in mind when you remove the shower head.

Step Two:

Make the solution: We have two solutions depending on how much limescale covers the showerhead. The first one is to leave the nozzles in white vinegar for 30 minutes and an hour. If the finish is Brushed Brass, such as the Nuie Square Minimalist Brushed Brass Shower Handset, do not leave it in the vinegar for more than 30 minutes.

The second is to add baking soda to water until a thick, creamy paste is formed. Using a toothbrush, coat the nozzles in the solution and leave for 30 minutes to break the limescale down.

Fixed Shower Heads: If the head cannot be unscrewed, fill a plastic bag half-full with white vinegar. Submerge the head in the solution and tie it into place with a cable tie or string. Leave for 30 minutes.

Step Three:

Cleaning the Solution and Rinse: After 30 minutes, remove the shower head from the solution you have chosen. Using hot water, a toothbrush and some elbow grease, thoroughly scrub away any excess limescale. Repeat this process until all of the limescale and dirt are removed.

If you have a Fixed showerhead, unclip the plastic bag and scrub the nozzles with a toothbrush until the limescale is removed. 

Step Four:

Reattach the Showerhead: If the handset or showerhead was removed, reattach it and the rubber washer to the arm or Shower Hose. Once the components are securely reassembled, turn on the water supply. This action will effectively flush out any potential deposits accumulated within the nozzles. It’s a simple yet effective method to maintain the cleanliness and performance of your showerhead, enhancing your overall showering experience.

Step Five:

Polish the Showerhead: To achieve an extra layer of shine and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your showerhead, we highly recommend polishing the head with a soft microfibre cloth. This particular cloth stands out for its soft texture and exceptional cleaning capabilities, perfectly suited for ensuring an immaculate condition.

How often should I clean my Shower Head?

Cleaning and descaling your shower head once a month should help prevent a build-up of limescale and bacteria. The bacteria and limescale can cause low water pressure or potential blockages if left untreated. If you live in a Hard Water Area, we suggest cleaning the shower head more frequently than once a month. You can check if you live in a Hard Water Area through Scale Guard’s Map of the UK.

Can I clean my shower head with bleach?

Showers to You do not recommend using bleach as a cleaning solution on any shower head. Some bacteria are resistant to chlorine-based cleaning products, such as household bleach. Moreover, bleach has a reputation for its harsh and toxic properties that can potentially damage our skin. As a trusted provider of quality shower products, we prioritise your safety and well-being. Therefore, we recommend using safer, non-toxic cleaning solutions to maintain your shower heads’ cleanliness and longevity.

Why should I shop for Showerheads at Showers to You?

At Showers to You, we offer a wide range of showerheads, renowned for their convenience and ability to direct water exactly where you need it, enhancing your everyday shower experience. Alternatively, a huge collection of other Shower Accessories is available for your Shower. Contact our knowledgeable team today via email at info@showerstoyou.co.uk, by phone at 01472 242159, or through our online contact form for more information!