Since your shower head comes into contact with hard water, the build-up of limescale is ineventable. Over time, this can cause blockages and affect water flow. Descaling a showerhead can help address these issues and keep your shower free from bacteria or mould. It’s easier than you might think to descale your shower head, by following these simple steps.
How to clean a showerhead
Not all showerheads are removable, so descaling a fixed shower head can be tricky. But with the right products, you can get rid of limescale build-up effectively.
If you have a dual shower, you might want to clean both showerheads at the same time to keep on top of limescale, even if you use one more regularly than the other. Discover why two showerheads are better than one here.
Is your shower persistently dripping after switching it off? Whilst you clean and descale, you can also fix your dripping showerhead.
How to clean a showerhead with vinegar
Before you buy expensive descaling products, try white vinegar. Vinegar is the number one natural cleaning product, making it a simple and affordable way to descale your showerhead. However, malt vinegar isn’t particularly effective and brown vinegar may stain, so white distilled vinegar is best.
To clean a handheld showerhead using vinegar, follow these steps:
- Remove the showerhead from the hose. Be careful not to lose the rubber washer when you do, as this stops water from leaking at the joint.
- Put the showerhead in a bucket or plastic container and cover it with white vinegar.
- Leave it to soak in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes, preferably around an hour. Don’t leave brass shower heads in vinegar for longer than 30 minutes.
- Take the showerhead out of the vinegar and rinse it with water.
- Remove any remaining limescale with an old toothbrush, paying particular attention to the nozzle.
- Rinse again with water and polish with a soft cloth.
- Reattach the hose and turn on the shower to flush out any remaining limescale.
These simple steps will help you clean and descale fixed showerheads:
- Take a plastic bag that is big enough to fit over your showerhead and half fill it with vinegar.
- Place it over the head until it is completely submerged in the vinegar, using string or an elastic band to tie it in place.
- Leave for at least 30 minutes, preferably around an hour. If your showerhead is brass, don’t leave it for any longer than 30 minutes.
- Turn on the shower to flush out any deposits left inside the showerhead.
- Repeat the process if necessary until all the limescale has gone.
Find out how to clean rainfall showerheads here.
How often should you descale a showerhead?
Descale your showerhead around once a month to remove limescale and bacteria. If left untreated, limescale can cause blockages and lower water pressure. You might want to clean and descale your showerhead more frequently if you live in an area with hard water.
The best way to clean a showerhead
Although vinegar can be a highly effective way to clean your showerhead, stubborn limescale might require something more potent. Specialist limescale cleaners are relatively easy to find in supermarkets but take care when using these products. Wear gloves and don’t spray products overhead in case you get chemicals in your eyes.
When it comes to limescale, prevention is often better than cure. The Mira Logic four spray shower head is designed with rub-clean nozzles on the spray face for easy cleaning and limescale removal. Looking for a more affordable option? The Mira Beat four spray showerhead is a great choice, with the same easy-to-clean features.
Still unsure what the best showerhead is for you? Discover the seven different types of showerheads available at Mira.