You think you have an impeccable bathroom? Think again! An often neglected element could ruin your efforts. Discover how to clean your shower head with a simple, natural and ecological method for a perfect result. Make way for a truly clean bathroom!
The essential supplies for a perfect cleaning
Don't spend a fortune cleaning your shower head. The best cleaning product is probably already in your kitchen.
“Just mix equal parts water and white vinegar for an environmentally friendly and effective cleaning solution,” says Bailey Carson, Handy's cleaning manager.
Why is vinegar the ideal ingredient? Because acetic acid is a solvent that breaks down mineral deposits, which are responsible for clogging the small holes in your showerhead.
How to clean your shower head with vinegar
Follow these steps to get your showerhead back to shiny and clean. Don't forget to congratulate yourself on a job well done, or just enjoy a nice hot shower!
Step 1: Remove your shower head. If your shower head is removable, start by unscrewing it by turning the shower arm counterclockwise. You can also use pliers or a wrench, taking care to protect the finish with a towel.
Step 2: Prepare the cleaning solution. Once the knob is removed, place it in a container filled with the cleaning solution.
Step 3: Immerse your showerhead. If your shower head is not removable, pour the cleaning solution into a plastic bag and tie it around the head with a rubber band. Make sure the showerhead is fully immersed in the vinegar solution.
Step 4: Let it soak. Let your showerhead soak in the solution for several hours. You can start the process before bedtime or right after your last shower of the day.
Step 5: Rinse your showerhead. Once the soak is complete, run hot water for several minutes to remove vinegar residue and debris. If your showerhead is new or you clean it regularly, this step may be sufficient.
Step 6: Scrub with a toothbrush or sponge. If your showerhead was particularly dirty, you may need to add a little elbow grease to make it sparkle. Take a toothbrush or sponge, dip it in the cleaning solution, and scrub the showerhead, focusing on the small holes as much as possible.
Step 7: Dry. This step is optional, but to get the shiniest showerhead possible, wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth after cleaning.
Step 8: Reassemble your showerhead. If you've disassembled your showerhead, it's time to screw it back on by turning it clockwise.
Can you clean a shower head with bleach?
Bleach can damage bathroom surfaces and fixtures. This is why it is not mentioned in our cleaning method. Not only can bleach corrode the metal of your showerhead, but it can also damage the protective coating on the shower tiles and the seal around the showerhead. In addition, bleach is not effective in removing rust stains.
Bleach can also be dangerous to you. “Direct exposure can cause burns and irritation to the skin and eyes, or respiratory problems and lung damage if the concentration of bleach in the air is high,” says Matthew Baratta, vice president of operations at Daimer Industries, a commercial and industrial cleaning equipment company.
To get more cleaning tips delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter.
FAQ
How do mineral deposits build up on my showerhead? If you have hard water, it is more likely that mineral deposits will build up on your showerhead. As Wm. Henderson Plumbing, hard water contains a large amount of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, brass and iron.
How do I know when it's time to clean my showerhead? Cleaning experts have identified five common signs that it's time to clean your showerhead: a drop in water pressure, an irregular spray pattern, strange odors, colored water and visible buildup.
What happens if I don't clean my showerhead? Not cleaning your showerhead when it's dirty can cause all of the operating problems mentioned above. In addition, it can be bad for your health, as a dirty showerhead can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Mold and mildew can also lurk on the showerhead, which can lead to cold-like symptoms, allergies, respiratory problems, digestive problems, and more. So don't wait any longer and take the time to clean your showerhead to enjoy a truly clean and healthy bathroom!
Summary
I am a student and I am part of the editorial staff of thesilverink.com. I have the chance to enjoy writing, however, I also like to discuss all subjects and especially anything related to Science.
