How to Clean the Showerhead

Make your shower work again like new by cleaning away the mineral deposits.

Showerheads need regular cleaning to keep the water flowing through them properly. Hard water running through the home's plumbing pipes contributes to calcification on faucets and showerheads. Instead of replacing unsightly fixtures, clean them and save money.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pot
• White vinegar
• Sponge or rag

1. Fill a pot with white vinegar. A cheap, store brand of vinegar works fine to clean showerheads.

2. Unscrew the showerhead from the wall or stall fixture. The showerhead will probably be full of water, so hold it upside down to let the water drain into the shower stall or bathtub.

3. Dunk the showerhead into the pot of vinegar so the dirty, calcified part (where the water comes out during a shower) is completely submerged.

4. Place the pot on the stove and heat the vinegar. Stop the heat when the liquid approaches the boiling point. Let the showerhead soak for about six hours, allowing the vinegar to cut through the mineral deposits. Vinegar is acetic and will eat away the mineral deposits.

5. Remove the showerhead from the bowl of vinegar. Let the vinegar drain through the holes. Scrub the surface with a sponge or rag.

6. Take the pot of vinegar to the bathroom and dip the rag into the vinegar. Wipe the shower fixture with the rag to clean it before installing the clean showerhead.

7. Screw the clean showerhead back in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the vinegar to wipe down shower walls, and to spruce up faucet handles and spouts.

References

• The Tolman Guide: Cleaning Tips -- Vinegar