Blog>How-To Guides>How to clean a shower head and remove limescale
Last updated: 25 August 2023
How to clean a shower head and remove limescale
Forgetting to clean your shower head is easily done, but there are actually many reasons why it's important to keep it clean.
Mineral and bacteria build up on your shower head can not only reduce water flow and give you a rubbish showering experience, but these factors can also be a source of skin irritation.
Also, a lovely clean shower head definitely looks and smells a lot better! Follow these steps to get your shower head looking brand new again.
How to clean a shower head
Proper show head maintenance involves giving it a basic clean at least once a month. This is a simple process that virtually anyone can do themselves. Follow these steps to freshen up your shower head:
1. Rinse the shower head
Turn on the shower for a few moments to get the shower head wet, then turn it off again.
2. Prepare cleaning solution
Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of washing up liquid.
3. Wipe down
Dampen a cloth in the soapy water and wipe down the shower head to remove as much grime as possible.
4. Brush the nozzles
Use an old toothbrush to clean the nozzles. Dip it in your cleaning solution and scrub the nozzles to remove any stubborn grime.
5. Rinse
Rinse off the soap and any loosened debris, then give the shower head another wipe.
6. Dry and test
Dry the shower head with a towel to prevent water spots, and turn on the shower to test the water flow and see your newly pristine shower head in action.
For best results, we recommend hiring a professional cleaner.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
How to remove limescale from a shower head
When shower heads accumulate mineral build-up, they need more than a basic clean. Follow these steps to deep clean your shower head and get rid of any limescale:
1. Rinse the shower head
Turn on the shower for a few moments to get the shower head wet, then turn it off again.
2. Prepare cleaning solution
Removing limescale requires a stronger cleaning solution. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and also a spoonful of baking soda if the mineral build-up is particularly severe.
3. Soak
Place the bag over the shower head and secure it with a rubber band. Allow it to soak for between 1 to 3 hours while the solution dissolves and loosens the limescale.
4. Remove bag and rinse
After soaking, remove the bag and run the shower for a moment to flush out any loosened material. Give it a good rinse to remove any leftover vinegar and baking soda.
5. Scrub
Scrub the nozzles or holes in the shower head to remove any remaining deposits.
6. Rinse again
Give it a final rinse to remove any remaining residue.
7. Dry and test
Dry with a towel to prevent water spots and take your newly cleaned shower head for a spin! You should see significantly improved water flow.
How to change a shower head
If your shower head is beyond saving, or you simply fancy a replacement, follow these steps to change it correctly:
1. Unscrew the shower head
Most shower heads can be unscrewed by hand, but you may need a wrench. Loosen and remove the shower head.
2. Clean the threads
Clean the threads and washer with a cloth to remove any rust or grime.
3. Attach the new shower head
Fit the new shower head by turning it counterclockwise on the shower arm. You may need a wrench to tighten it further, depending on what type it is.
4. Test for leaks
Turn on the shower to make sure the new shower head works properly and watch out for any leaks.
If you fancy something exotic for your shower head replacement, check out this article on how much rain showers cost.
For best results, we always recommend hiring a professional. Simply enter your postcode below to find a quality plumber near you.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job