Is your shower nozzle feeling all gross and grubby? Whether it’s just a bit dirty or a full-blown blockage, a cleanup is due. However, if you’re thinking about going with strong chemicals, you might want to try a less aggressive but equally effective option first.
Let’s give your fixture some love and kick things off with a more natural approach using the following two practical methods to spiff up your shower head using vinegar.
The speedy method for a gleaming shower head
If you’re dealing with a smidgen of mineral buildup (or just can’t be bothered to dismantle the whole thing), this method is just what you need.
Step #1. Douse the shower head in vinegar
Grab a plastic bag, chuck in some vinegar, and strap it onto the showerhead with twist ties or a trusty rubber band.
Let it kick back for at least 12 hours. The acidity in the vinegar will interact with the limescale, making those stubborn mineral deposits loosen up for an easy wipe-off.
Warning: If you’re rocking a brass, gold, or nickel shower head, go easy! Keep the soak under 30 minutes.
Step #2. Shower the fixture under the tap
After the wait, the minerals will have loosened up, so release the plastic bag to pour the vinegar down the drain.
Give the shower head a good rinse to wash the residue away by letting some warm water cascade over it. To unclog any water holes, let hot water flow through them for a couple of minutes to flush out any lingering mineral bits.
Step #3. Scrap the grime away
Say goodbye to those last remnants of limescale clinging to your showerhead with a soft brush or an old toothbrush. Focus on those nooks and crannies to get the residue out. Finish it off by drying it using a clean cloth to prevent any water leftovers from staging a limescale encore.
How to give your shower head a deep cleanse
If the mineral buildup is playing hard to get or is disrupting your shower experience, it’s time to roll up your sleeves.
Step #1. Unbolt the shower head
Wrap a cloth around the shower head nut (to keep it dent-free) and use a wrench to loosen it up. Once it’s liberated, handle the fixture with care, as there might be miniature parts inside.
Step #2. Bathe the fixture in vinegar
Time to break down that buildup. Dunk your shower head into a bowl filled with vinegar for at least twelve hours—up to a whole day, depending on the severity of the limescale. Also, don’t forget any parts that were inside the fixture, and let them soak, too!
Warning: For brass, gold, nickel, and chrome-plated shower heads, don’t soak for more than 30 minutes.
Step #3. Descale the shower head
Once the wait is over, take your fixture out of the vinegar bath and let a robust burst of warm water flow through it while upside-down, shaking off the softened limescale.
Now, grab an old toothbrush and give your shower head and any extra parts a good scrub—treat the small parts with care, as they can be a bit delicate. To unclog the water holes, bring in a toothpick or safety pin to nudge out any lingering mineral bits.
Step #4. Rinse and rebuild the fixture
Wave goodbye to any leftover limescale bits by filling a bowl with warm water and giving the shower head a good shake while submerged.
Then, screw it back on, tighten it up, and let hot water flow for a few minutes to bid farewell to any lingering mineral residue inside the holes—oh, and don’t forget to give it a good drying off!
Keep your bathroom and the rest of your home spotless!
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