How to Clean a Clogged Shower Head With Vinegar

Vinegar makes an excellent multipurpose cleaner. In addition to being inexpensive and chemical free, its acidity allows it to cut grease, disinfect and remove buildup. This can be especially useful in the bathroom, where mineral deposits can accumulate inside your showerhead and diminish its efficiency. If you've noticed decreased pressure or erratic spraying, it's time to arm yourself with some vinegar and get things flowing normally.

Things You'll Need

• Inexpensive white or cider vinegar Bowl or pan Heat source Toothbrush Wrench or plastic sandwich bag and rubber bands

Instructions

1. 

   Warm 2 cups of vinegar in a shallow pan or bowl. Remove from heat before boiling and set aside.

2. Use wrench to carefully remove showerhead from plumbing. Locate and remove the sediment screen. Rinse in water to remove all particulates. Return screen to original position in showerhead and completely submerge the entire unit into heated vinegar.

3. 

   Pour unheated vinegar into a plastic sandwich bag if you are unable to remove the showerhead. Place the filled bag over the head and secure with rubber bands. Adjust to insure that the head is completely covered in vinegar.

4. Leave in place 1 hour to overnight to allow the vinegar to penetrate and loosen hard-water deposits. The length of time required will depend on the severity of the buildup.

5. 

   Remove the showerhead from the vinegar and clean the surface of the sprayer with a toothbrush or other soft0bristled brush. Continue scrubbing and rinsing in vinegar until no buildup is visible.

6. Reinstall the showerhead and turn on the water source to remove all traces of vinegar. Check for leakage and tighten as needed. Repeat the procedure if any errant water streams persist.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when attaching the vinegar-filled bag to the showerhead.

References

• Yankee Magazine; Vinegar, Duct Tape, Milk Jugs & More; Earl Proulx; February 21, 2004

Resources

• Showerhead Cleaning Video