How to Clean a Fixed Shower Head

Showerheads can accumulate all kinds of gunk. Over time, the shower head’s holes become stuffed up with limescale and rust particles. This affects the flow of water because it has to go around these particles to get through. When you take a shower, this decreases the amount of clean water that gets through.

Here are six methods for cleaning fixed shower heads.

Method 1: Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda

1. Remove your fixed shower head from its hook or holder, but leave it connected to the water pipe.
2. Dilute one part white vinegar and one part water in a bowl
3. Take the mixture out of the bowl, fill a spray bottle halfway with it, and then spritz the showerhead until it’s wet with the solution.
4. Allow 5 minutes for the vinegar to react with all of the gunk.
5. To clean the showerhead, use an old toothbrush. If you don’t have a toothbrush, a wet sponge or towel should suffice.
6. Rinse your fixed shower head with clear water until all of the vinegar is gone.
7. Wipe the fixture dry with a clean towel to remove any streaks.

 

Method 2: Salt and Bicarbonate of Soda

1. Mix equal amounts of salt and bicarbonate of soda in a basin or Ziploc bag. It’s preferable to combine the substances in a bag because it will keep the particles from falling out.
2. Apply this mixture to your fixed shower head with a cloth or sponge and let it sit for 5 minutes. 
3. Scrub with an old toothbrush or another scrubbing tool until the showerhead is clean. Rinse with water and dry with a cloth.

 

Method 3: Salt and Water

1. Mix equal parts of salt and water in a bowl or Ziploc bag. Use more water if you are cleaning multiple shower heads at once. Mixing the ingredients in a bag is better because it will prevent the elements from spilling.
2. Apply this mixture to your fixed shower head with a cloth or sponge and let it sit for 5 minutes. If you are cleaning multiple shower heads, switch out the dirty mixture for freshness every five minutes.
3. Scrub with an old toothbrush or another scrubbing tool until the showerhead is clean. Rinse with water and dry with a cloth.

 

Method 4: Lemon Juice and Bicarbonate of Soda

1. Mix equal parts bicarbonate of soda and water in a bowl or Ziploc bag. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda in half a cup of water.
2. Use lemon juice to dissolve any remaining particles from the fixture. To prepare a solution of three tablespoons lemon juice and one cup water, bring the mixture to a boil in a pan. Avoid employing lemon juice if you have difficult water stains on your faucet because the citric acid in it will make those marks more challenging to remove.
3. Spray your shower head with the lemon and water mixture from the spray bottle while scrubbing with an old toothbrush or another scrubbing tool.
4. When you’re done, run your shower head under the tap to get rid of any extra lemon juice. If there is still dirt on it, mix one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda in half a cup of water and apply it to your shower head with a cloth or sponge.
5. Scrub again until the showerhead is completely clean, then rinse with water to remove any excess bicarbonate of soda. Dry the showerhead with a cloth.

 

Method 5: Denture Tablets

1. Fill a cup or dish to the brim with water and add eight denture tablets. The denture tablets will serve as a degreaser.
2. Gently drop the tablets into the water. To make sure they dissolve, you may have to do this in three separate batches.
3. Let the tablet solution sit for several minutes and remove the showerhead from its mount.
4. Dip a small scrubbing brush into the solution and scrub away at any deposits on the showerhead. If you do not have a small scrub brush, you can use an old toothbrush or nail cleaning brush instead.
5. After thoroughly cleaning the fixture with the tablet solution, pour clean water over it and wipe it clean with a dry cloth.

 

Method 6: Salt and Lemon Juice

This will penetrate the stains and dissolve them. It is a natural method which means you won’t have to deal with any harmful chemicals.

1. Cut one lemon into slices.
2. Fill a container or sink that can accommodate your shower head with hot, hot water.
3. Place the lemon slices into the water.
4. Add salt to the lemon water. One cup of water for each teaspoon of salt is adequate, but you may alter it to taste.
5. Submerge the showerhead in the container and allow it to soak for about an hour or two. If after that time there are still stains that remain, repeat steps 2-5.

After you have cleaned the showerhead with one of these methods, you may notice a difference in water pressure. If this is the case, it means that years of mineral deposits and other impurities have built up on your shower head. 

It is best to clean these out every few months or after heavy use. To do so, repeat one of the above methods.