Steps for Properly Cleaning Shower Heads

Especially during the warm summer, the showers in your home are going to get a lot of usage. These items use some of the most water of any household appliance, and this means they require careful attention and upkeep.

Our plumbers are here to help with that at All Hours Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Heating & Cooling, and one of the most common problem areas when it comes to the shower is the head and nozzle. These are the areas with the most direct contact to streaming water, and they can undergo wear and tear over time. Let’s look at some tips on how to properly clean your shower head to avoid clogs and other problems.

Clean Nozzles

The first step is to clean your nozzles, so long as your shower is a model that comes with flexible rubber nozzles. Use your finger or a small toothbrush to gently massage each nozzle, helping remove any mineral buildups that have been collecting in the area. Neglecting the nozzles could lead to significant clogging issues over a long period of time, even if you do a good job cleaning other areas.

Shower Head

Next, it’s time to soak the shower head itself, which is done in vinegar and can be applied for both removable and non-removable head models. For removable heads, detach the head and submerge it in a full container of white vinegar for a few hours. Once finished, re-attach it and run the water for a few minutes to clear out any remaining vinegar.

For a non-removable head, you’ll need a plastic bag. Fill it with vinegar, and wrap it tightly around the shower head while securing it with an elastic or tape. Leave it for a few hours, and then be sure to still turn the shower on for a few minutes to get rid of any extra vinegar.

Filter Screen

Most filters will be located in the area of the shower head that connects to the pipe, which means you’ll need to know how to remove your shower head to get to the filter screen. You may have to consult a manual or the brand’s website to find this exact location, for some models. Once you have the screen removed, run it under water and use a toothbrush to remove any deposits.

For more information on cleaning shower heads or for any of our other plumbing services, speak to the pros at All Hours Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Heating & Cooling today.