How to Remove Calcium Deposits From a Shower Head

In This Article

How Often to Clean
Cleaning a Fixed Showerhead
Cleaning a Removeable Showerhead
Additional Tips

Project Overview

Working Time: 10 - 20 mins
Total Time: 4 - 8 hrs

Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $5

Hard water, particularly well water, can cause deposits rich in calcium, magnesium, lime, silica, and other minerals that clog up your showerhead. This mineral buildup can plug the waterway and prevent your showerhead from flowing at full blast.

The same hard water that clogs up your showerhead can leave off-white or brown spots on glass or ceramic surfaces, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens. Sinks, tubs, glass shower walls, and doors are all common places for mineral deposits that create soap scum to collect. Although it's not as problematic as a clogged showerhead, it's still unattractive.

Read on to learn how to prevent and remove the mineral residue gumming up your waterworks and leaving stains on your bathroom or kitchen fixtures.

removing calcium deposits from shower heads — The Spruce / Alex Diaz Dos

How Often to Clean Calcium Deposits on Fixtures

Daily cleaning with a commercial bathroom cleaner or a spritz of distilled white vinegar will keep calcium deposits on the exterior of plumbing fixtures free of deposits and reduce soap scum. However, the interior showerhead should be cleaned as soon as you notice reduced water flow. The frequency is highly dependent on your water supply. If you live in an area with hard water, a bi-monthly cleaning is recommended.

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Equipment / Tools

Adjustable wrench
Bowl or bucket large enough to hold showerhead
Microwaveable bowl or cup
Microwave
Microfiber cloth
Old toothbrush

Materials

Distilled White Vinegar
Toothpick or paper clip
PTFE or plumber's thread sealant tape
Plastic food storage bag
Rubber band or masking tape

How to Remove Calcium From a Fixed Showerhead

Create a Soaking Bag

Pour one cup of distilled white vinegar into a heavy-duty food storage bag. You may need to add more to completely submerge the showerhead. Make sure the bag is large enough to fit over the showerhead.
Secure the Soaking Bag

Use a rubber band or masking tape to secure the soaking bag to the showerhead pipe. It will be a bit heavy so make sure you secure it tightly so it won't slip off.

The Spruce / Jessica Lombardi
Soak the Showerhead

Allow the showerhead to soak for at least four hours. Overnight or longer is better.
Scrub the Showerhead

Remove the showerhead and use an old toothbrush to scrub the fixture. To remove loose deposits from the showerhead nozzles, use a toothpick or a straightened paperclip to clear each nozzle.
Rinse

Rinse the outside of the showerhead with fresh water and allow the shower to run for several minutes at full force to flush out any loose deposits left inside.

How to Remove Calcium Deposits From a Removable Showerhead

Remove the Showerhead

Use an adjustable wrench to remove the showerhead from the pipe. Place a cloth between the wrench and the metal to prevent scratches.
Create a Soaking Solution

Place the showerhead in a bucket or bowl that is deep enough so it can be completely submerged. Heat enough distilled white vinegar in the microwave until it is very warm to the touch. Pour the hot vinegar over the showerhead.
Soak the Showerhead

Allow the showerhead to soak for at least 30 minutes, longer is better.
Scrub the Fixture

After removing the showerhead from the vinegar, use an old toothbrush to scrub away any visible calcium deposits on the face or housing. Use a toothpick, paper clip, or the tip of a safety pin to clear any deposits from the jet holes.

Remove and clean any filter screen that may be located in the head. Take it out carefully and scrub with the old toothbrush. If the deposits do not come off easily, repeat the soaking process with fresh vinegar.
Rinse and Reattach the Showerhead

Rinse each component well and reassemble the showerhead. Reattach the showerhead using fresh plumber's tape to prevent leaks.

Tips to Prevent Calcium Deposits on Showerheads and Shower Stalls

Fill a spray bottle with a solution of equal amounts of distilled water and distilled white vinegar and spray it on the showerhead and shower stall after each use.
Dry off the showerhead after every use.
Use a towel or squeegee to remove water from shower stalls and doors after each use.
Consider adding a water softening system to your home if you live in a hard water area and are frequently affected by clogged fixtures and mineral deposit stains.