Underground Journal

How to Clean a Shower Head

Shower heads are used quite often. When water runs through it, it leaves behind small minerals that are dissolved in hard water. These minerals build up inside of the shower head over time. These minerals will eventually block the small holes that allow the water to flow through. The shower head does not need to be replaced, it only needs to be cleaned.

This is how to clean a shower head that can be removed by unscrewing it. Once the shower head has been removed it should be inspected. If the shower head is corroded badly, it will need to be boiled in a solution of half white vinegar and half water. For this method, place the shower head in a small pot and cover with the water, vinegar solution. Let it simmer on the stove for a few minutes. Remove the pot from heat and let the shower head sit in the heated vinegar and soak. If the shower head is not that corroded it can be placed directly into a bowl of pure white vinegar. It should be left for at least an hour to thoroughly soak all of its parts. For both methods, once the shower head has had a little soaking time, it should be removed. An old toothbrush or similar small brush will be needed now to scrub the holes and surrounding parts of the shower head. Once the shower head has been given a thorough scrubbing, rinse it in clean water. It should look and work like it is brand new.

This is how to clean a shower head that can not be removed. The items that are needed will be CLR Cleaner, tooth brush, plastic baggie and duct tape. Pour undiluted CLR into the baggie until it is about half full. Take the baggie and cover the shower head with it. Duct tape the baggie to the arm of the shower head to hold the bag in place. Leave the baggie filled with CLR on the shower head for a good hour. This can also be done in the morning before leaving for work. After the shower head has soaked in the CLR the baggie can be removed. Take the toothbrush and scrub each hole of the shower head. Do this until every inch of the shower head has been scrubbed. Then it is time to rinse. Turn the shower on and let it run for a couple of minutes. It should be completely clean and the water should flow like the shower head is new again.

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