How to Clean a Shower Head Like a Pro

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as stepping into the shower, only to be greeted by a feeble trickle of water from a clogged shower head. I learned this the hard way after moving into my first flat in London, UK where the notorious hard water left my once-powerful shower head dribbling with annoying sideway jets and those unsightly white deposits clinging to every nozzle.  After a bit of Googling and some trial and error, I was able to banish grime and restore the satisfying spray. 

In this blog, I am sharing my tried and tested methods to help you learn how to limescale removal shower heads efficiently. 

What You’ll Need For DIY Shower Head Cleaning

You will need the following items to clean the showerhead. Most of such items are readily available at home or local stores. Alternatively, you can order them online. 

For All Methods:

• White vinegar (5% acidity, £1–£2 at UK supermarkets like Tesco or Asda).

• Lemon juice (an alternative for those who dislike vinegar’s smell).

• Baking soda (for scrubbing).

• Plastic bag or bowl (large enough to submerge the shower head).

• Elastic band or duct tape (to secure the bag).

• Soft-bristled toothbrush (avoid wire brushes to prevent scratches).

• Microfibre cloth (for drying).

• Safety gloves (optional, to protect hands from acidity).

For Stubborn Limescale:

Citric acid powder (£3–£5 on Amazon UK) or any commercial descaler available from the market.

How To Clean a Shower Head with Vinegar In Hard Water

The vinegar shower head cleaning method is a gold standard for effectiveness and eco-friendliness. 

Preparation 

Start the process with preparation. You will need to first turn off the shower head and let it cool before you can start cleaning it. Make sure you have everything ready that will be used during the cleaning process (according to the list provided above)

Disassembly (If Possible) 

Before you clean a detachable showerhead , disassemble it as much as possible.  You will need to detach the shower head if it's detachable. Unscrew it from the use. Use a wrench if it's too tight but avoid applying too much force to avoid damage. In case you are cleaning a fixed showerheads, proceed to the next step. The method of how to clean the showerhead without removing is discussed next. 

The Vinegar Soak

Now comes the actual shower head cleaning process. For a detachable showerhead. Take the bowl of white vinegar and submerge the entire shower head in it. The vinegar should be enough to let it cover all the spray holes.  

Here is what you need to do for cleaning the shower head without removing it. In the case of fixed shower heads simply fill the plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it around the shower head ensuring it's fully immersed. You will need to create a tight seal around the opening of the plastic bag with an elastic band or a string. 

The Soaking Time

How long you should soak depends on the limescale on the shower head. The recommended soaking time for light limescale is around 60 minutes. However, for heavy buildup or hard-to-remove limescale, you will need an overnight soak.  Longer soaking will be more effective in cleaning the showerhead 

The Scrubbing Process

The soaking will loosen up and dissolve the limescale the can be scrubbed off.  Simply remove the shower head from the vinegar and start scrubbing by using an old toothbrush or microfibre cloth to further loosen the limescale. You will need to pay closer attention to the individual spray holes. For stubborn deposits, you can use a pin or needle to gently dislodge the debris. Make sure you don't scratch off the shower head surface. 

The Rinsing Stage

Once you are done with scrubbing, simply rinse the shower head thoroughly with clean running water. It will remove any residues of limescale and vinegar. You may also use warm water for rinsing. 

The Testing Phase

The next step is the reattaching and testing phase.  Simply reattach the shower head if cleaning after removal. Then turn it on and observe the spray patterns. In case you find any holes that are still blocked then simply repeat the scrubbing and rinsing the process.

Cleaning a Shower Head with Lemon Juice Method (Gentle Alternative)

You may also clean a shower head by using lemon juice which is a gentle alternative. This method is ideal for someone who does not like strong vinegar fragrance. Remember this method is only suitable for mild limescale and sensitive surfaces. 

1. Simply squeeze 3-4 fresh lemons (depending upon the size) for the juice and mix it with some warm water. Alternatively, you may use 3 tbsp of bottled lemon juice easily available everywhere in the UK. 

2. Follow the same steps as discussed in the earlier method. De-assemble the shower head if possible and soak or wrap it in this lemon water. 

3. Leave the shower head soaked for at least 2 hours before rinsing it will clean water.

Bonus: This method is preferable for its fresh citrus scent!

Baking Soda Scrub (Quick Fix)

Baking soda scrub can be a quick fix for shower head cleaning especially if surface-level deposits are involved. 

Step-1.  Mix the 4 tablespoons of soda with a little water to create a paste.  

Step-2. Apply the mixture with the shower head onto the surface.

Step-3. Leave the mixture on the surface to let it sit for about 20 minutes. Lastly, you can scrub and rinse the shower head removing all the limescale and residues.  

Commercial Limescale Removers: 

While we have discussed natural ways to clean a shower head, there are a variety of commercial limescale removers available in the market specifically designed for showers. If you are using one of them then ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines carefully.

Preventing Future Shower Head Limescale Buildup

• Regular Wiping: Drying after each use can be an effective way to deal with the limescale problems. So simply wipe down, wipe down the shower head with a dry cloth to prevent water droplets from drying and leaving mineral deposits.

• Soft Water Solutions: Many regions in the UK such as South East England, East Anglia, and the Midlands have very hard water. If you live in any of these areas consider installing a water softener system to reduce limescale buildup throughout your home.

• Filter Shower Heads: Some shower heads come with built-in filters that remove minerals from the water.

• Periodic Deep Cleaning: Even with regular maintenance, a deep clean every month is essential.

Ending Thoughts

So, there you have it! These are the few simple steps you need to take for a sparkling clean shower head.  Remember, regular cleaning is key to a quick monthly maintenance routine to save you from those dreaded deep-clean sessions. If you've tried these methods and they've worked for you, share them in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Question