It’s best to clean your shower head at least once per month. However, a light cleaning each week can help prevent build-up.
The shower head is one of the most-used items in your home. It’s likely used every day, and with time, the holes may become clogged due to mineral build-up. So, have you cleaned it recently?
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Take the following steps to clean your shower head. Do it at least once a month with light cleaning sessions every week. Not only will your shower head look better, but water will also flow better.
1. Fill a plastic food storage bag with a cleaning solution
The first step is to fill a plastic food storage bag or any other plastic bag that won’t tear with a homemade cleaning solution.
The most effective way is to add 1/2 cup of baking soda. Then, slowly pour 4 cups of white vinegar and 1 cup of water. You can also fill the bag with only white vinegar.
2. Submerge the shower head and secure it
Make sure the bag isn’t filled to the top because you’ll need to submerge it. When you’re ready, place the shower head in the bag.
Then, secure it with a rubber band or zip tie. Slowly release the bag to make sure it’s secured. You may need to add extra rubber bands or zip ties. If your shower head is removable, take it off and place it in the bag.
3. Let it soak overnight
For an effective clean, allow the shower head to soak in your cleaning solution overnight. This will give it plenty of time to loosen build-up and leave it looking new. If you aren’t able to leave it overnight, allow it to soak for at least three hours.
4. Remove the bag and run hot water
Once time is up, remove the bag and pour the solution down the drain. Don’t jump in the shower yet because you’ll smell like vinegar. Run hot water for one minute to flush any build-up and excess vinegar.
5. Scrub it with a brush or sponge
Next, use a sponge, old toothbrush, or soft brush to scrub the shower head. This step is essential because it’ll remove any hard build-up and limescale. You can also use a squirt of dish soap for a deeper clean.
When you’re scrubbing your shower head, it’s important to be gentle. The last thing you’d want is to leave it scratched up.
6. Run hot water
After you’ve scrubbed the shower head, run hot water for 30 seconds and rinse the shower head. By this point, it’ll look shiny and all of the mineral deposits will be gone.
7. Make sure each hole is unclogged
Take a look at the holes on the shower head and make sure each one is unclogged. If you see any remaining build-up, use a toothpick, straightened paper clip, or a safety pin to scrape it out. With each hole unclogged, your shower head will flow freely.
8. Wipe it down for a polished look
Since it’ll get wet when you use it, wiping it down is optional. If you choose to do it, your shower head will look brand new. A soft cloth or paper towel is all you need to wipe it down.
If the shower head still smells like vinegar, spray all-purpose cleaner to get rid of the smell. You can also add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil and rub it in.
Regular maintenance
While a deep clean is only necessary once in a while, regular maintenance is crucial. Take a few minutes every week to do a light cleaning session.
This will lead to more time between deep cleanings, and your shower head will constantly look nice.
You can use an all-purpose cleaner or dilute white vinegar in a bottle. Either way, spray the shower head, wipe it down, and run hot water once you’re finished.
With regular cleaning and a deep clean every month or other month, your shower head will flow freely and look great.
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Featured image courtesy of Canva.
About David Em
David Em is the founder of Nola and Luna, the destination for home improvement and decor. He launched Nola and Luna to share DIY how-to’s, inspiration, reviews, shopping guides, and expert advice to help you create a beautiful home.
