How to Clean Your Showerhead

How to Clean a Removable Showerhead

It's best to remove the showerhead from the shower arm, if possible, for cleaning. This process will also work for handheld showerheads.

1. Remove the Showerhead

   Use a soft cloth to cover the nut or ring connecting the showerhead to the shower arm to prevent scratching the finish. With the cloth in place, use an appropriately-sized wrench or locking pliers to loosen the nut.

2. Place the Showerhead in a Dish

   Place the showerhead in a deep dish or bucket. In another microwaveable bowl or saucepan, pour enough vinegar to completely cover the showerhead. Heat the vinegar until warm to the touch, but it does not need to boil.

3. Soak the Showerhead

   Pour the warm vinegar over the showerhead in the bowl. Be sure the entire head is submerged and allow the vinegar to work for at least 30 minutes.

4. Scrub Lightly

   Remove the showerhead from the vinegar. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn deposits still visible in the nozzle openings. A toothpick, paper clip, the tip of a safety pin, or a sewing needle will help to clear any deposits from the jet holes. This is a good time to remove and clean any filter screens that may be located in the head. If the deposits do not come off easily, repeat the soaking process with fresh vinegar.

   Remove and clean any filter screens that may be located in the head. Take it out carefully with tweezers or needle-nose pliers, scrub with vinegar or liquid dish soap to remove a sticky film.

5. Replace and Rinse

   When the showerhead is clean, replace it on the shower arm. Remove any old plumbing tape and apply new tape around the thread on the shower arm to ensure that there are no leaks and that you have a good seal. Tighten the showerhead first with your hand, then finish with a wrench.

How to Clean a Non-Removable Showerhead

Quite often the showerhead joint is so crusted with mineral deposits that it is impossible to remove it from the shower arm and also makes it difficult to access the screen inside the head. With a bit of patience, you can still give the jet openings a good cleaning.

1. Prepare the Cleaning Bag

   Pour at least one cup of distilled white vinegar into a large heavy-duty plastic bag (a food storage bag is a good choice). Use enough vinegar and a bag that is large enough so the entire showerhead is completely covered.

2. Secure the Cleaning Bag

   Secure the bag to the shower arm with a rubber band or masking tape. If you are using tape, try to keep it away from the metal finishes of the fixture. It can be difficult to remove and may mar the finish.

3. Soak the Showerhead

   Allow the showerhead to soak in the vinegar for at least four hours, but overnight is even better. Cleaning takes a bit longer since the vinegar cannot be heated.

4. Remove the Bag and Lightly Scrub

   Remove the bag and wipe down the showerhead with a soft cloth. If mineral deposits are still visible, scrub the openings with the old toothbrush dipped in some vinegar. Use a toothpick, paper clip, the tip of a safety pin, or a sewing needle to remove any deposits clogging small jet openings.

5. Rinse and Repeat

   Turn on the shower for a few minutes to rinse away any remaining debris. If the showerhead is still clogged, repeat the steps with fresh vinegar.

Tips to Keep Your Showerhead Clean Longer

• Don't scrub too aggressively when cleaning or you run the risk of scratching the showerhead's finish.
• Keep a spray bottle filled with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water in your bathroom so you can spray it on the showerhead's nozzles after every shower. That may cut down on the clogs.
• The bacteria living in your showerhead is normal and typically harmless to your health. But for extra precaution, opt for metal showerheads over plastic models, which bacteria may prefer, and consider a showerhead filter to create healthier water flow.