Cleaning

This clever hack shows how to clean a shower head

Have it hygienic and running beautifully in no time!
ensuite with white wall tiles and grey marble floorPhotography: Armelle Habib / Photography assistant: Sara Wilkosz / Styling: Julia Green / Styling assistant: Jade Lee Martin

Cleaning the bathroom is a chore most people want to finish, so it’s no surprise that few people even consider how to clean your shower head. It’s an essential part of keeping your shower hygienically clean and ensuring a steady flow of water. However, with most of the action centred around cleaning the shower screen and brightening the tile grout, it’s all happening at eye level, and the shower head is an easy detail to forget.

Depending on your water quality and where you live, mineral deposits can build up over time with normal use, leaving unsightly marks and clogging your shower head. We’re here to help with our latest bathroom cleaning tip, and the best part is you can avoid harsh chemicals and use things you already have at home!

What’s the best thing to clean your shower head with?

  • White vinegar
  • 1 x sturdy plastic bag
  • 1 x sturdy rubber band
  • 1 x old toothbrush
  • 1 x clean cloth

How to clean a shower head

Prepare your materials and, if possible, remove your shower head from the pipe attachment by unscrewing the thread. If you cannot separate the shower head from the pipe, grab a sturdy step stool and reach up to clean the shower head in place.

Soak the shower head before cleaning for the best results, by simply filling your plastic bag with enough vinegar to submerge and completely cover the shower head and securing it with the rubber band. Leave overnight or for at least one hour to break down any mineral deposits.

Scrub the surface after soaking, by removing the bag with vinegar and rinsing the shower head. Then use an old toothbrush to scrub the surface of your showerhead, getting into the tiny holes (use a toothpick if necessary!), nooks and crannies to remove grimy residue.

Replace the shower head onto the pipe and fix it securely in place. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and wipe clean with a soft cloth. Repeat this process every six months to keep your shower head clean.

Remove hard-to-budge grime by rubbing marks with a paste made from a mixture of bicarb soda and a small amount of water, or try lemon juice for added grunt.

Stubborn stains?

how to clean your shower head
(Credit: Getty images)

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