Cleaning the Shower Head.

Cleaning a Showerhead

For many of us, a shower is the most peaceful part of the day. It’s that rare moment when you’re truly alone – no demands, no distractions. But a dirty, clogged shower head can ruin this much-needed “me time” by reducing water pressure and leaving you with a less-than-satisfying experience. Fortunately, getting your shower head back in top shape is easy and rewarding with these steps to clean a shower head.

Removing the Shower Head

Before diving into cleaning, a bit of DIY is required—but don’t worry, it’s simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tools:

• Wrench or pliers
• Teflon tape (optional)

Steps:

1. Make sure the water is off, or you might get an unplanned shower!
2. To remove the shower head, remember “righty tighty, lefty loosey.” Turn it left to unscrew.
3. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the shower head, but cover the metal with a washcloth to avoid scratches.
4. If your shower head is attached to a flexible hose, remove the entire assembly for a thorough clean.
5. Take note of how everything comes apart so you can easily reassemble it later.

Removing Gunky Buildup

Over time, minerals like calcium, lime, and rust can build up, especially in areas with hard water. While there are plenty of commercial cleaners that work fast, many contain harsh chemicals that are toxic and can harm you or the environment. Instead, try a natural approach—it’s just as effective, takes a little more time, and is much safer.

Cleaning the Shower Head with Vinegar

White vinegar is your best friend here. It’s a safe, natural cleaner that dissolves mineral deposits without harmful side effects.

Steps:

1. Fill a pot with enough white vinegar to submerge the shower head.
2. Warm the vinegar slightly on the stove (optional, but it helps the cleaning process).
3. Let the shower head soak in the warm vinegar until the mineral buildup has dissolved (usually an hour or two).
4. Rinse the shower head under running water and scrub any remaining spots with an old toothbrush.
5. Don’t forget to clean the mesh filter before reassembling the shower head.

Reinstalling the Shower Head

Once your shower head is sparkling clean, it’s time to put it back. Simply reverse the steps you took to remove it. Before reattaching, wrap the pipe threads with Teflon tape to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks. Be sure to wrap the tape counter-clockwise so it stays in place when you screw the shower head back on.

Keeping the Shower Head Clean

To maintain a clean shower head, give it a full cleaning once a year, or more often if you have hard water. Between cleanings, you can fill a Ziploc bag with vinegar and attach it to the shower head without removing it. Let it sit for a few hours to dissolve any buildup.

With these easy steps, you can enjoy long, luxurious showers with great water pressure, minus the hassle of a dirty shower head!