How to Clean a Shower Head and Restore Water Flow

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as stepping into the shower only to be greeted by a weak, sputtering stream of water. The luxurious spray you once enjoyed has been reduced to a disappointing trickle. While you might assume this is a plumbing issue, the most likely culprit is something much simpler: a clogged shower head. Over time, mineral deposits from hard water build up inside the nozzles, blocking the flow and reducing water pressure.

But before you call a plumber or rush out to buy a new shower head, know that a simple, non-toxic solution can have your shower running like new in just a few hours. With a common household item and a few minutes of effort, you can easily restore your shower's water flow and get back to enjoying a perfect shower experience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a shower head and get it back to top performance.

The Best Method: The Vinegar Soak

Distilled white vinegar is a powerful, all-natural cleaner that is highly effective at dissolving the mineral deposits that clog up shower heads. This simple soak method requires minimal effort and delivers maximum results.

What You’ll Need:

• A gallon-sized plastic bag (a resealable one works best)
• Distilled white vinegar
• A rubber band, twist tie, or duct tape
• An old toothbrush or scrub brush
• A cloth or paper towel

The Method:

1. Prepare the Soak: Pour enough white vinegar into the plastic bag to completely submerge the shower head. For a standard shower head, this is usually about 1-2 cups.
2. Attach the Bag: Place the plastic bag over the shower head so that the entire head is submerged in the vinegar. You may need to hold it up with one hand while you use the other to secure it. Use a rubber band or twist tie to secure the bag tightly to the shower arm, preventing any leaks. You can also use a small piece of duct tape for extra security.
3. Let It Soak: For light mineral buildup, let the shower head soak for at least 2-3 hours. For heavily clogged shower heads or very hard water, it is best to leave it to soak overnight. The acetic acid in the vinegar will work slowly to break down and dissolve the deposits.
4. Final Scrub and Rinse: After the soak, carefully remove the bag and discard the vinegar. Use an old toothbrush or scrub brush to gently scrub the nozzles and the face of the shower head. You'll notice that the loosened mineral deposits come right off with minimal effort. Finish by turning on the hot water and running it for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris from inside the head.

What If You Can't Remove the Shower Head?

The vinegar soak method is also effective for shower heads that can't be easily removed from the wall. Simply follow the same steps to submerge the head in a plastic bag filled with vinegar. This hassle-free approach ensures that anyone can easily clean their shower head, regardless of its setup.

How to Deep Clean for a Squeaky-Clean Finish

If you want to go the extra mile for a truly thorough clean, you can temporarily remove the shower head and disassemble it.

1. Remove the Head: Use a wrench or a pair of pliers to gently unscrew the shower head from the arm. Place a towel on the floor of the tub to catch any drips and to protect the surface.
2. Disassemble: Carefully unscrew the faceplate and any other removable parts.
3. Soak and Scrub: Soak all the individual parts in a bowl of vinegar for several hours. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub each piece to remove any remaining grime.
4. Rinse and Reassemble: Rinse all the parts thoroughly with water and reassemble the shower head. Make sure all the gaskets and washers are in the right place before screwing it back onto the shower arm.

Why This Method Works: The Science

The magic behind this simple shower head cleaning hack is the reaction between the vinegar and the mineral deposits. Hard water contains dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. When the water evaporates, it leaves these minerals behind, forming deposits that clog up the shower head nozzles. These deposits are typically alkaline, and the acidic properties of vinegar react with them, dissolving them away.

A Simple Trick to Keep Your Shower Head Clean

Once you have your shower head running like new, you can keep it that way with a little maintenance. A simple trick is to give it a quick wipe-down with a cloth or sponge after each use to prevent new deposits from forming. For long-term prevention, repeat the vinegar soak for a few hours every two to three months to dissolve any new buildup. This simple routine will ensure you have strong water pressure and a clean, functioning shower head for years to come.

By following this guide on how to clean a shower head, you can easily and inexpensively restore your water flow and enjoy a much better shower experience.