5 Do-it-Yourself Ways to Clean Showerheads

For most people, there’s nothing too exciting about cleaning the showerhead. It is easily forgotten as part of the regular bathroom chores. It’s counterintuitive that something we use to clean things might itself need to be cleaned. However, because they are used so much, they do need some attention. When mineral deposits and hard-water stains start to build up, not only can the showerhead become unsightly, the nozzles of the showerhead can get clogged, preventing water flow or changing your shower pressure. It isn’t too hard to clean these bathroom fixtures so that they work at maximum efficiency. Here are five ways to turn the chore into a satisfying do-it-yourself trick and get around using harsh, damaging chemicals on your bathroom fixtures.

1. Use a Plastic Bag

White distilled vinegar is often used as a cleaning product for bathrooms, showers, and kitchens. It acts as a mild acid that effectively removes grime and kills bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals. Because of a high level of acidity, vinegar can loosen mineral deposits such as rust, soap scum, and lime, making it a perfect cleaning product for your showerhead.

To begin, find a plastic bag, such as a freezer storage bag with sealed edges, that can fit over the fixture. Fill it 2/3 of the way with white distilled vinegar. Submerge your showerhead and tie the bag over the shower arm with a rubber band or a twist tie so that it remains secure.

Let the fixture soak overnight. After a few hours, you might see grime and minerals flaking off of the showerhead as the acidic fluid begins to work its magic. After the showerhead has soaked sufficiently, simply remove the bag, wipe away residue on the surface, and turn the shower on for a few minutes to flush out any remaining vinegar. This should successfully clean away any spots or rust.

2. Soak in a Container

Again, using vinegar as a cleaning product is a great idea due to the many benefits it has. With a shelf life of about three or four years, it is safe for human contact or even consumption. As long as you avoid mixing vinegar with bleach, this acidic liquid is a biodegradable, eco-friendly solution that can easily clean floors, windows, and plumbing fixtures and appliances.

If your showerhead needs a thorough, deep cleanse, you may need to unscrew the fixture and soak the entire head for an extended period of time. To do this, make sure the water is securely off, then hold on to the base of the shower arm and twist the head counterclockwise. Rotate the fixture until it comes off, then soak the entire showerhead in a container of white distilled vinegar. If your showerhead is older and can’t be as easily unscrewed, research your showerhead brand and learn how to remove the fixture.

Let your showerhead soak for a day or two before reattaching it to the shower arm, then rinse out the nozzles a few times before use.

3. Unclog the Nozzles

Hard water stains are a common problem for areas that have high calcium content in their water. Because showers are used so often, hard water deposits can build up and clog the nozzles on your showerhead. Layers of grime and minerals can prevent your shower from working effectively by covering up the holes and blocking water from leaving the fixture.

A simple way of freeing the holes from constricting buildup is to rub the nozzles with your fingernail. The small action of running your fingers over the jets can free up the grime that is blocking the holes. A cleaning toothbrush works just as well. If the nozzles are still clogged, consider using a toothpick or pin to poke into the spray holes. This will ensure that there is space for water to escape the fixture. Be careful to insert the sharp point into the correct holes to prevent any damage from occurring.

4. Rub with Baking Soda

Baking soda is another ingredient that is used to clean efficiently and safely. This natural deodorizer is a gentle abrasive that can break down grime and dirt. Many people use this product to unclog drains, clean dirty metal, and eliminate musty odors. Baking soda’s versatility makes it ideal for cleaning your showerhead.

To begin, create a scrub paste by mixing baking soda and warm water. Once you get a consistency that is easy to work with, slip on a glove and start applying the paste to the showerhead. Rub the baking soda into the nozzles and on the face of the fixture.

If the showerhead has water spots, stains, or mineral deposits that are hard to remove, consider using a toothbrush to help spread the paste with force. Once you are finished, wipe away the paste and grime with a soft cotton cloth and run the shower to clear out the nozzles. Your showerhead will look shinier and cleaner.

5. Scrub with Lemon Juice

If your shower fixture has a thin layer of buildup, try using lemon juice and salt. The acidic fruit naturally cleans away mineral deposits and the salt creates a handy scrub. Pour some salt on a slice of lemon and scrub away. Of course, rinse the nozzles out by turning on the shower on the hot setting for a few minutes.

Using lemons as part of your cleaning routine has many perks. Because of its antibacterial properties and high acidity, the lemon is a natural cleaner that can clean all kinds of materials such as wood or fabric. The lemony smell lingers, leaving your bathroom with a gentle, fresh scent.

When to Replace a Showerhead

If none of the methods above work for you, consider buying a cleaner that specifically removes mineral deposits such as calcium or lime. However, if that doesn’t remove the grime or stains, you may need to replace your showerhead.

If you live in a location that uses hard water, you may have to replace showerheads more often due to the higher calcium content in the water. A preventative measure you can take is to insert a shower filter. This handy product prevents clogging and stops bacteria or sediment from escaping the nozzles while you shower. These filters are cheap and easy to replace, and they can help you avoid swapping out your showerhead as often. However, these showerhead fixtures should still be cleaned frequently and thoroughly.

Cleaning your showerhead is a chore often overlooked and left off the weekly cleaning routine. It doesn’t have to be tackled often, however, and it doesn’t require any harsh chemicals. By using these methods, you can clear up the fixture, leave it sparkly clean, and even extend the efficiency and lifetime of your showerhead.