Clean Mineral Deposits in Shower Heads
Hard water can come from wells or your city or county water supply. The unfiltered water results in red stains or a whitish film that clings to sinks and shower heads. Over time, mineral deposits may clog the openings in shower heads, turning your high pressure into small dribbles of water. Clean mineral deposits from shower heads with an acid cleaner. Does this Spark an idea?
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Mineral Deposits
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Hard water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium that remain stuck to shower heads after the water has evaporated. These mineral deposits appear as hazy or cloudy stains over the surface of shower heads. You may also notice a change in water pressure as the deposits clog the openings in the shower head. Cleaning the deposits with soap and water cannot remove tough mineral stains from surfaces.
White Vinegar
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Harsh chemicals may remove mineral deposits, but a more natural alternative is white vinegar. The acid in white vinegar breaks down the mineral deposits, allowing you to clean and unclog the shower head. Spray a hefty dose of the white vinegar directly on the shower head and into the water openings. Let the vinegar work for 20 minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth.
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Stubborn Mineral Deposits
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If you have a thick layer of mineral deposits, you may need to soak the shower head in white vinegar. Do this by filling a quart freezer bag with the vinegar. Place the bag around the shower head so it is completely covered with the vinegar. With a large rubber band, secure the bag to the shower head and allow it to soak for two hours. After removing the bag, wipe the loosened mineral deposits away.
Reducing Mineral Deposits
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Filtering water before it reaches your shower head removes the minerals and reduces the deposits they leave behind. A full home water filtering system or water softener may prove to be a costly alternative, however, so putting up with cleaning the mineral deposits may not seem as bad. Regular cleaning of the deposits keeps them from becoming a difficult chore.
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References
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- Photo Credit Shower image by Semfamily from Fotolia.com
