How to Clean and Descale the Showerhead

Over time, limescale can build up on a shower head and this can cause mineral deposits that may block the nozzles thus reducing water flow and therefore making the shower experience less enjoyable. Limescale buildup is one way to tell you have hard water. However, the cleaning process is easy and descaling it can make the water flow more efficiently and leave you feeling fresh.

To clean your showerhead here is what you will need:

1. White vinegar: natural and efficient descaling agent
2. Baking soda: abrasive cleaner for tough stains
3. Toothbrush or Scrub Brush: for scrubbing tight spaces
4. Plastic Bag or Bowl: soak in vinegar mixture
5. Rubber Band or Twist Tie: secure plastic bag/bowl on showerhead

Descale your showerhead by following these steps:

1. Preparing Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a plastic bag or bowl. For a standard shower head, you would use one cup each of vinegar and water.

2. Removing Shower Head

If possible, remove the shower head from the pipe arm so that it can be soaked and washed well. If your shower head is stationary, skip this step.

3. Soaking The Shower Head

Put your showerhead into a plastic bag or bowl containing vinegar solution.

For Fixed Showerheads

If you didn’t take off the shower head or are unable to do so, just tie down the plastic bag around it with rubber band or twist tie.

Depending on how severe the mineral buildup is, let it soak for several hours or overnight.

4. Scrub And Rinse

Take out your showerhead from vinegar solution after soaking; then gently scrub off any mineral deposit leftovers with toothbrush/scrub brush; especially those nozzles which are hard to reach at.

After you have thoroughly scrubbed the nozzle heads of your showers rinse them under running water to wash off any residue left behind.

5. Stubborn Deposits

In case you come across some stubborn deposits of minerals, mix baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply this paste on such areas and wait for a few minutes before scrubbing and then rinsing.

6. Reassemble And Enjoy

If you had earlier on removed the showerhead, fix it again into position with clamp. Open the tap and take refreshing and rejuvenating bath.

How to prevent future limescale build up on shower head?

Follow these tips below to keep your shower head in good shape as well as delay thorough cleaning sessions:

• Depending on how hard the water is in your area, repeat the cleaning process prescribed above every 1 to 3 months.
• You may also consider upgrading to a filtered shower head that replaces old shower heads; these types incorporate built-in filtration system that prevents scaling besides filtering out chlorine and other impurities as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I clean and descale my shower head?

It is advisable to thoroughly clean and descale your shower head at least 3-6 months depending on how hard the water is in your area as well as its frequency of use.

2. Can I use other household cleaners instead of vinegar?

Vinegar is a natural descaler though there are commercial products meant for descaling or even citric acid solutions that can be used for the same purpose as vinegar. Nonetheless, read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before application as well as follow all safety precautions.

3. My showerhead is still blocked after cleaning, what should I do?

If you have cleaned it completely yet still remains blocked, then perhaps you need another one now.