Shower heads tend to get dirty over time, affecting the water flow and water quality. Knowing how to clean a shower head properly is essential to ensure the quality of your shower. The clogged shower heads also attract bacterial action, which could compromise your health. It also diminishes the look of the fittings.
Shower heads get clogged and dirty due to different reasons. There are many methods available to clean showerheads. People often go to extreme levels, like using harsh chemicals in the cleaning process, damaging their product. Understanding the basics about what to use and how to use it can save you from these troubles.
How does the showerhead get dirty?
Over time, shower heads get clogged due to the deposition of debris in the nozzles. The overall shine is lost, and it may even get rusty.
Silicon nozzles and ABS shower heads are not perfect either, even though they are less prone to clogging. They also need cleaning to keep the flawless look and functioning, though not very often. Dirt and clog develop from:
- Mineral deposits from hard water and chlorinated water
- Corroded material from supply pipes
- Deposits from degraded rubber, plastic, or metal parts
- Bacterial action on the showerhead
- Mold formation
To prevent these from happening, you need to clean the shower head in regular intervals of time.
How to Clean a Shower Head- The Steps
You can dismantle some of the shower heads, while some cannot be that easy. Use the product manual and proceed according to what it says. Follow the following methods to get your shower head clean and shining.
- Clean the nozzles.
Most showerheads today use rubber or silicone nozzles. They can be cleaned by simply rubbing them. You can use a toothbrush to get the cleaning done quickly. Be sure not to be too rough in the process. Otherwise, you may leave it with scratch marks.
Metallic holes can be a little hard to clean. Avoid using sharp items while cleaning them. Use something like a toothpick if force has to be applied.
- Clean the showerhead- non-detachable showerheads.
Fill some white vinegar in a plastic bag and wrap it around your shower head. Tie it to keep it in place. Leave it like that for a few hours. After that, remove the bag and keep the shower running until all the vinegar is gone. Use this method if the showerhead isn’tisn’t detachable.
If the shower head is made of nickel, avoid using vinegar. Use soap and water or water alone for corrosion-prone surfaces.
- Clean the shower head – non-detachable showerheads.
For a detachable showerhead, this can be done without much menace. Submerge it in vinegar for a few hours. Scrub gently with a cloth or toothbrush if needed. After this, attach it back and run the water until all the vinegar is gone.
If the shower head is made of nickel, avoid using vinegar. Showerheads made with corrosion-prone metals should not be cleaned using vinegar. It is better to clean them using water alone. You can also use mild detergents for this.
- Clean the filter screen
Use the product manual for directions. After removing the showe rhead, reach the filter screen and remove it by gently brushing the filter out. Then run it under water to remove buildup. If the deposits are hard to remove, make use of a toothbrush. Be gentle as much as you can to prevent damage.
- Clean using commercial cleaners
You can also use commercial shower head cleaners suited to your need to clean your showerhead. These can also get rid of limescale deposits. You can use the cleaners recommended, if any, in the product manual.
Things to remember while cleaning shower heads
There are certain things you need to keep in mind before cleaning a shower head. These will prevent some common mistakes that compromise the quality and functioning of your product.
- Never use strong acids or bleaches on shower heads: These could damage the product and destroy the shine and finish.
- Pay attention to the material of the shower head before choosing a cleaner.
- Avoid sharp or sturdy cleaning materials and scrubs to prevent scratches.
- Follow the directions on the product manual and be gentle to avoid breakage.
- Don’tDon’t ditch regular cleaning to prevent the formation of hard metallic scales.
Though simple, these mistakes could adversely affect the life span, finish, shine, and performance of your product. Avoid doing them at any cost.
How often you should clean Shower Heads
Many factors decide how often you should clean your shower head. These includes:
- The material of your shower head
- Quality of water that you use
- Water pressure
Good quality shower heads don’t need regular cleaning. Showe heads made of stainless steel, brass, porcelain, and ABS showerheads might not need frequent cleaning like others. Silicone/rubber nozzles could go a long way without any need to clean.
But ultimately, it is up to you and your specific conditions to determine how often it should be cleaned. When you feel like the shower head’s performance is compromised, that could be an indication to clean it. It is advisable to deep clean it at least once a month.
Filter cartridges should be changed in regular intervals time as mentioned in the product manual. Slacking in this could badly impact the filtration and make the water quality worse. It will also enhance the chance of mineral scale deposition.
Conclusion
Cleaning shower heads make sure that you get the best showering experience with the product. The steady flow of water saves you from spending extra time in the shower. Cleaned filters ensure the quality of water. Regular change of filter cartridges is significant to eliminate mineral contamination. This helps against skin and hair problems. Cleaning is a must to check the growth of bacteria on the shower head. In any sense, regular cleaning is essential to ensure a healthy, relaxing bathing experience.