How to Clean Lime Deposits From Shower Heads

Taking a shower with poor water pressure can be very frustrating. Sometimes this weak water flow is caused by low water pressure. However often it is from lime build up in your shower head. This build up occurs because minerals and sediment that are present in water collect in the mesh screening and water holes inside the shower's head. The material starts to solidify, causing a solid substance that is similar to concrete. The only way to restore your shower head to its original working condition is to take some time to thoroughly clean it and remove the lime build up.

Things You'll Need

• Wire brush
• Toothpick or paper clip
• Old toothbrush
• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Water
• Bucket
• White vinegar
• Lime remover
• Rubber gloves
• Soft cotton cloth
• Silicone grease

Instructions

1. Remove shower head from the faucet. Many shower heads simply twist off the metal faucet pipe. However, some will require a wrench. Other models may have a small screw securing the head in place.

2. In a bucket, create a mixture of three parts hot water to two parts vinegar. Immerse the shower head in the bucket. Soak it for several hours.

3. Remove the head from the bucket and scrub it with a wire brush. In order to remove build up from water holes, use a toothpick or straightened paper clip. Use a toothbrush for hard to reach areas.

4. Re-soak shower head in the vinegar and water solution. If it remains soiled after a second soaking, you might need to use a stronger lime removing cleaner.

5. Put on rubber gloves. Mix lime cleaner and water according to the package directions. Soak the head in the lime cleaning solution and repeat the cleaning steps used for the vinegar and water cleaner.

6. Apply silicone grease to the connection threads on the shower faucet pipe opening and inside of shower head. Reattach the head to the fixture. Run water to ensure that the shower head is secure and leak free.

Tips & Warnings

• Make careful note of how the shower head was disassembled. This will help you reassemble once the cleaning is completed. If your shower head is significantly soiled, it might require several hours to soak. Because of this, it is best to clean it after everyone has had a chance to bathe for the day. In order to keep shower head lime free, Use this cleaning method once a year.

• Lime remover can be highly toxic and cause extreme skin irritation. Never ingest this substance. Additionally, if the substance comes in contact with your skin, you will need to rinse area immediately.