How to Clean a Showerhead

Have you ever looked up at your shower head and noticed a bunch of the nozzles aren't working? I (Steph) installed a new shower head in 2013 when I moved into my house, and haven't thought about it since. Over time I have noticed the water seemed to be coming out harder and was spraying in different directions. It also didn't have the 'rain' effect it once did. I decided it was time to try to clean it! Here's what I did.

Watch the video

how to clean a showerhead, bathroom ideas, cleaning tips, how to, plumbing

You can see many of the nozzles where not spraying water anymore.

I started by mixing a cup of vinegar with 1/3 cup baking soda. The acid in the vinegar reacts with the baking soda to form a strong cleaning agent but vinegar on it’s own would work too.

The reaction between vinegar and baking soda is always fun to watch!

Once they were mixed, I placed the bag over the shower head and attached it with rubber bands. I made sure the mixture came in contact with all the nozzles.

After letting it sit a full day, I removed the bag.

Lastly, I noticed there were still mineral deposits in some of the nozzles so I used a toothpick to clean them out.

As you can see, before, about half the nozzles were working and now all the nozzles are back to working! I could tell a huge difference when I used the shower after cleaning. The water comes out in a rain pattern like when it was new, and it’s a much better experience than it has been. Pretty cool what a little bit of cleaning can do!

For a few more tips on this project visit MotherDaughterProjects.com!

3 of 13 questions

see previous

Tina
on Nov 12, 2018

How do you clean shower wall grout. I’ve tried everything and still have black spots.

3

Answer this
- Stevie Johnson
  on Feb 11, 2019
  
  Black spots that even bleach won't remove obviously aren't mold. You may have a problem we occasionally have here in the desert. I don't remember the name, but it's some sort of mineral that can be found in water. It isn't something that happens often here, but our city water dept sent out a notice telling us to not try to remove the spots as whatever we did would likely cause the stain to be permanent, but to call them if we noticed it on laundry or fixtures & they would deliver a chemical that would remove the spots. You might try calling your city water providor to check if where you live has a similar problem.
  
Allana Hynes
on Jan 22, 2019

I have calcium that is around ,the tub drain. Is there anyway to get it off ?

1

Answer this
- Mother Daughter Projects
  on Jan 25, 2019
  
  I would start with something like Lime Away to see if that will remove it. I have the same kind of water stain in one of my bathrooms, but it appears to be permanent at this stage. Make sure whatever cleaning product you use is safe for the type of bathtub you have--fiberglass, porcelain
  
Carol Douglass
on Feb 28, 2019

why not just remove the shower head, put it in a bowl full of vinegar and let it soak!

1

Answer this
- Cathy Stuckey
  on Mar 17, 2019
  
  my shower head cannot be moved

3 of 57 comments

See previous

Holly Green
on Aug 23, 2018

I will try the pumice stone! Have what I thought was a permanent ring in the toilet too. Thanks!

6
- Toni
  on Aug 23, 2018
  
  They sell them at the dollar store, as well. TRUST ME, you'd be surprised by what you will find there!! Absolutely LOVE shopping at the dollar stores!
  
  7
Susie
on Nov 10, 2018

I can try this solution with soap and water I think it's always better to plunge because it get clogs up farther down than you can see and soap and water is not going to maybe loosen it up.

How to Clean a Showerhead

Resources for this project:

Have a question about this project?

Popular Project Book

15 Decorative Ways Your Family Can Pretty Up Your Patio

Join the conversation

Popular Project Book

25 Fabulous Feather Projects That You Don't Want To Miss

Answer DIY Questions

How to Get Rid of Black Mold in Your Shower Caulking

DIY Cat Deterrent - Stop Furniture Scratching and Urinating on Carpet

How to Clean Your Dishwasher

How To Create An Amazing Faux Shiplap Wall

Dining Table MakeOver

Garden Planter Made From an Old Shed - Upcycle Your Garden Shed

How To Make a Dirty Showerhead Look Like New Again

Installing a Handheld Showerhead

Get Rid of the Lime Scale Ring in the Toilet Bowl

Get Your Carpet Smelling Fresh With This Eco Carpet Freshener

Remove Soap Scum With a Grapefruit and Kosher Salt

How To Clean Your Old Cookie Sheet

4 Surprising Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide

How to Clean an Oven Window

Warning: Are Homemade Vinegar Cleaners Safe for All Surfaces?

Make It Beautiful With Vinegar and Salt!

Natural Weed Killer

The Easiest Rust Remover