Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Cleaning a detachable shower head
• Method 2 of 2: Cleaning a non-detachable shower head
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities
• Supplies for cleaning a detachable shower head
• Supplies for cleaning a non-detachable shower head

If your showerhead has become clogged from years of accumulation of mineral deposits, it may be time you give it a thorough clean. Instead of opting for harsh cleaning products, which can not only damage the shower head but also harm your health, try vinegar as well. Read this article to learn two easy ways to clean a shower head with vinegar and water.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Cleaning a detachable shower head

1. Gather your supplies. One way to clean your shower head is to unscrew it and then place it in vinegar. If you are unable to remove the shower head or simply don't want to, click here. You need the following items for this method:
   • Bowl, bucket or other container that the shower head fits completely in
   • Distilled white vinegar
   • Wrench or old rag (optional)
   • An old toothbrush
   • Soft cloth made of microfibre or flannel, for example
2. Remove the shower head by unscrewing it counterclockwise. If you have trouble removing the shower head, put an old rag around the connecting nut and then try to loosen it with a wrench. The cloth should be used to prevent shower head from being damaged.
3. Place the shower head in a bowl. Consider using a smaller container that just fits the shower head, this will reduce the need for vinegar. You can also use a small bucket or plastic container.
4. Fill the bowl with enough white vinegar so that the shower head can be completely submerged. The acids in the vinegar will dissolve the accumulated mineral deposits (such as lime) in the shower head.
5. Soak the shower head in the vinegar for 30 minutes or overnight. The dirtier the shower head, the longer you should leave it in the vinegar.
   • If you are in a hurry and the shower head is made of metal, you can put the bowl on the stove and heat the vinegar for 15 minutes. If the bowl is not suitable for use on a stove, you may be able to use a pan.
   • If the shower head is made of brass (yellow copper), or is finished with gold or nickel, remove it from the vinegar after 30 minutes. You can always soak the shower head in the vinegar one more time after you rinse it off.
6. Remove the shower head from the bowl and then rinse it. You should see the mineral deposits swirling from the shower head.
7. Use an old toothbrush to brush away any leftovers. Focus in particular on the holes where the water jets come out, here lime will mainly accumulate. Gently brush away the leftovers using a toothbrush, then rinse the shower head with cold water. Keep repeating this step until all lime residue has completely disappeared.
8. Polish the shower head with a soft cloth. You can use a microfiber cloth or a piece of flannel. Gently dry the shower head with a cloth until it is completely dry and no water marks are visible.
9. Reattach the shower head to the wall bracket. Wrap tape, suitable for bathroom use, counterclockwise around the screw thread attached to the wall bracket, then tighten the shower head.
10. Run the shower for a few minutes. The running water will wash away any leftovers that have not been removed with the toothbrush.

Method 2 of 2: Cleaning a non-detachable shower head

1. Gather your supplies. If you are unable to disassemble the shower head, you can still soak it with vinegar and a plastic bag. This is what you need for this method:
   • A plastic bag that fits the shower head completely
   • A piece of string or a closing strip
   • Distilled white vinegar
   • An old toothbrush
   • Soft cloth made of microfibre or flannel, for example
2. Partially fill the bag with vinegar. Do not fill the bag completely to prevent the bag from overflowing when you place the bag over the shower head.
3. Place the bag over the shower head. Hold the bag under the shower head and open it. Gently raise the bag until the shower head is completely submerged in the vinegar.
4. Secure the bag around the shower head with a piece of string or a zip tie. You can do this by wrapping the top of the bag tightly around the neck of the shower head and then tying it with a piece of string or sealing strip. Then gently release the bag and make sure it doesn't suddenly come loose when you get out of the shower.
5. Soak the shower head in the vinegar for 30 minutes or overnight. The dirtier the shower head, the longer it should soak in vinegar. If the shower head is made of brass, or has a gold or nickel coating, remove the bag after 30 minutes. You can always repeat this step after you rinse the shower head.
6. Remove the bag. Hold the bag with one hand and try to loosen the bag with your other hand. Empty the bag over the drain. Be careful when doing this and make sure you don't get vinegar in your eyes.
7. Switch the shower on briefly and then switch it off again. This will wash away the last accumulated minerals.
8. Using an old toothbrush, brush away any leftovers, then run water through the shower head. Focus in particular on the holes where the water jets come out, where mineral deposits will mainly accumulate. Turn on the shower again to rinse away more residue. Keep repeating this step until all mineral deposits are completely gone.
9. Turn off the shower and wipe the shower head with a soft cloth. You can use a microfiber cloth or a piece of flannel. Gently dry the shower head with a cloth until it is completely dry and no water marks are visible.

Tips

• You can also dab the vinegar on the faucets of the tub to clean them.
• If you don't like the smell of vinegar, you may want to open a window or turn on a fan. You could also add a little lemon juice.
• If there is a stubborn stain on the showerhead that cannot be easily removed with regular vinegar, try treating it with a paste of two tablespoons of salt mixed with one teaspoon of white vinegar. This is not recommended for shower heads with a delicate finish as salt can scratch.
• Soaking a shower head in a bag filled with vinegar works best with shower heads made of chrome, stainless steel, and other metal surfaces.

Warnings

• If your bath or shower is partially marble, be extremely careful with vinegar. Vinegar can damage marble surfaces.
• Be careful about using vinegar on gold, brass, or nickel finishes. Do not soak shower heads made of the aforementioned metals in vinegar for more than 30 minutes.

Necessities

Supplies for cleaning a detachable shower head

• Bowl, bucket or bowl
• Distilled white vinegar
• Wrench and old rag (optional)
• Old toothbrush
• Soft cloth

Supplies for cleaning a non-detachable shower head

• Plastic bag
• Piece of string or closing strip
• Distilled white vinegar
• Old toothbrush
• Soft cloth