When you’re in the shower and the water just isn’t flowing as strongly as it should, there’s no need to call in the plumber. The problem is most likely one of the easiest fixes in your home: you just need to clean the shower head. There are different ways to do it and most require almost no elbow grease. Here’s how to clean a shower head, three different ways.
Check Whether the Shower Head Is Clogged
First, you need to check whether the shower head is clogged. To do this, look closely at the holes in the shower head while the water is running. You may see water coming out of only some of the holes rather than all of them. This means that some of the holes are clogged. You may also see mineral deposits around the holes.
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Check Whether You Can Remove the Shower Head
Some shower heads are removable while others are fixed. It should be easy enough to see what kind you have, but if you’re not sure, check with the manufacturer. Whether or not you can remove the shower head will determine how you’ll clean it.
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Check What the Shower Head Is Made Of
The materials the shower head is made of will determine how you’ll clean it. Some cleaners are suitable only for certain materials.
How to Clean a Removable Shower Head
If your shower head is removable, the way to remove it is usually as simple as twisting it off. Remember to turn off the tap first. You may need a wrench to twist the connecting nut, especially if you haven’t removed the shower head in a long time.
Put the Shower Head in a Container
When you’ve removed the shower head, put it into a container, such as a pot, bucket or bowl. It should be deep enough so you’ll be able to submerge the shower head. If it’s too big, you’ll need more cleaning agent.
Add Your Cleaning Agent
Now, fill the container with enough cleaning agent to cover the shower head. You can use commercial cleaners, but there are cheaper options too. Before you look up how to clean a shower head with bleach, be aware that scientific studies have shown it can actually increase the amount of bacteria in the shower head. Instead, the shower head is also one of the many things you should be cleaning with vinegar.
Let It Soak
If you’re using a commercial cleaner, read the manufacturer’s instructions on how long to soak the shower head for. If you’re using vinegar, let it soak for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. The acid in the vinegar will dissolve the mineral deposits. However, don’t let the shower head soak in vinegar for more than 30 minutes if it’s made of brass or has a gold or nickel finish.
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Rinse and Scrub
When you remove the shower head from the container, first rinse it to remove the mineral deposits. Then take an old toothbrush and gently scrub around the holes to remove any remaining mineral deposits. You can dip the toothbrush in vinegar or baking soda first. Rinse and repeat as necessary.
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Dry, Polish and Reattach
Once the shower head is clean, use a soft cloth, like a piece of flannel or microfibre, to dry the shower head. Rub gently to polish the surface and remove water spots. Once you’re done, reattach the shower head and let the water run for a few seconds.
Alternatively, Use Cola
Another cheap and effective way to clean a removable shower head is with cola. To do this, pour some cola in a bowl. Then dip the shower head in it and rub away the grime with a cloth. Repeat the process until the shower head is clean.
Rinse, Dry and Reattach
Once the shower head is clean, rinse it thoroughly. You don’t want sugary residue to stick to the shower head. Then dry it and reattach it.
How to Clean a Shower Head if It’s Not Removable
Here’s how to clean a shower head with vinegar if you can’t remove it: simply pour vinegar in a small plastic bag that’s big enough to fit over the shower head. Don’t fill the bag all the way; about halfway should be sufficient. Then fit the bag over the shower head and secure it with a piece of string or a rubber band.
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Let It Soak
Leave the bag with vinegar over the shower head for between 30 minutes to overnight. Don’t let a brass or gold or nickel-coated shower head soak in vinegar for more than 30 minutes. At the end of the soaking time, remove the bag and let the water run for a few seconds.
Scrub It
After you’ve soaked your shower head, use an old toothbrush to scrub it. Again, you can dip the toothbrush in vinegar or baking soda first. Pay special attention to the base, where you’ll find most build-up of minerals. Turn the water on for a few seconds to rinse, then repeat the process until the shower head is clean. You can scrub other areas with the toothbrush as well.
Use Baking Soda If Necessary
There are many things you should be cleaning with baking soda and a very dirty shower head is one of them. Simply mix baking soda with a bit of water to form a thick paste. Spread this around the base of the shower head and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes. Then rinse it thoroughly.
Alternatively, Use Oven Cleaner
Another way to clean a fixed shower head is with oven cleaner. Because oven cleaner is harsh on the skin, you may want to wear rubber gloves for this. Also open the windows for ventilation and wear a mask. Spray the oven cleaner directly onto the shower head, let it sit for around 20 minutes and then rinse the shower head thoroughly.
Dry and Polish the Shower Head
Once the shower head is clean and the holes are unclogged, use a piece of soft cloth to dry and polish it. This will remove the water marks and leave the shower head gleaming.
How to Unclog the Holes
Sometimes the mineral deposits clogging the holes require a little more effort to remove. Here’s how to clean a clogged shower head: you’ll need to poke each hole individually.
Unclog the Holes in a Removable Shower Head
If the shower head is removable, unscrew it. Then take a long, thin, sharp object to gently poke through each hole and push out the build-up of mineral deposits and dirt. You can do this from both the inside and the outside of the shower head. A toothpick can do the trick, as will a safety pin. Once all the holes are unclogged, reattach the shower head.
Unclog the Holes in a Fixed Shower Head
If the shower head is fixed, you’ll need to poke through the holes from the bottom. It may be tricky to get a safety pin at just the right angle for this. Instead, you may want to use a straight pin like the ones dressmakers use. You can also use a thin hypodermic needle.
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