How to Clean a Shower Head and Get Rid of Mineral Buildup

Showering should be more of an “ahhh” than an “ugh” experience. That’s why you should know how to clean a shower head, as a dirty, clogged-up fixture can make what is supposed to be a relaxing experience the exact opposite. The telltale sign of a shower head gone AWOL is sputtering water. “Limescale buildup in your shower head can reduce the water flow in your shower and even block the nozzles completely,” says Theresa Choh-Lee, brand leader of GROHE, which manufactures complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings.

One of the reasons mineral buildup and calcium deposits happen is hard water. Soap scum and other gunk, like mold and mildew, can further restrict the water flow. This doesn’t mean you have plumbing problems or need to completely replace the clogged shower head. You can get back to a blissful shower and strong water pressure with a painless cleaning hack and a favorite household staple: white vinegar. Since the shower head is one of the the dirtiest yet often neglected areas of your home, work this chore into your cleaning routine. Read on how you can get back to a steamy shower in no time.

What is the best way to clean a shower head?

Don’t wait until your shower head is completely clogged. Clean the fitting regularly with just a little soap and a moist cloth, then rinse off and wipe dry. As you rinse the shower head, Choh-Lee recommends to “sweep the nozzles using your fingers, applying light pressure. Always speed clean while the water is running so that limescale is rinsed directly out of the nozzles.” This method works particularly well for plumbing fixtures made of brass and nickel, which are sensitive to acids and harsh cleaners.

In order to give your shower head a thorough cleaning, you’ll want to make distilled white vinegar the star of your DIY cleaning show. Grab a heavy-duty plastic food storage bag, rubber bands, and a microfiber cloth. You’ll also need an old toothbrush and a paperclip or toothpick for later. (Save the bleach for another day, it won’t fight hard water.) If distilled white vinegar isn’t in your pantry, apple cider vinegar works too. A mixture of one part lemon juice and one part water can also get the job done. 

Fill the plastic bag halfway with the distilled vinegar. Place the bag over the shower head so that it’s completely submerged in the fluid—add more if necessary. Carefully wrap rubber bands around the top of the plastic bag to secure it to the shower head. This might be tricky if the rubber band is too small or flimsy. Tip: Save the quarter-inch-thick bands that hold broccoli together. As a precaution, be sure to close the shower curtain or glass shower doors in case there is a spill should the vinegar-filled bag become loose and drop down. While it won’t harm your tile, it could leave a temporary acidic scent.

Generally it’s a good idea to spray your shower head weekly with a cleaning solution that’s equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. A once-a-month regular shower head cleaning with a paste of baking soda and lemon juice will keep the grime and buildup at bay.

How long should you soak your shower head in vinegar?

The vinegar shower head soak needs to sit for several hours, but at least 4 hours is optimal and 12 hours is even better. That’s why it’s good practice to start this cleaning project either in the morning (right after you shower) or in the evening (that way it has all night). One caveat: Tread carefully with this cleaning hack if your shower head is made from brass. The material shouldn’t be submerged in white vinegar for more than 30 minutes. Skip this cleaning method completely for nickel-coated shower heads, as the shiny finish can get damaged by the acid.