How to Clean a Shower Head: Guide

Household chores are never anyone’s favourite task. But having a fresh, clean bathroom is essential. Things like cleaning your shower head, plug, and taps can often be forgotten.  

Our bathrooms can get pretty grubby, and our shower heads can gather all kinds of grime, from limescale to mould. Remember, the cleaner your shower head, the cleaner the water you will be showering in.  

But cleaning a shower head doesn’t have to be tricky. Whether you are looking for tips on cleaning a fixed shower head or how to clean a shower head with bleach, this ultimate guide offers you everything you need to know. Say hello to easy shower head cleaning!  

1. How to clean a fixed shower head 
2. How to clean a shower head without removing it
3. How to clean with baking soda
4. How to descale your shower head

How to clean a fixed shower head using the bag method

Many people avoid cleaning their shower head because it can be tricky to reach when fixed to the wall. Fortunately, this simple soaking method makes the task easy.

What You’ll Need:

• A plastic bag
• White vinegar
• Water
• An elastic band or thick string
• Dish soap (for rinsing)

Steps:

1.  Prepare the cleaning solution – Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in the plastic bag until it’s half full.

2.  Submerge the shower head – Place the bag over the shower head, ensuring it’s fully covered by the liquid.

3.  Secure the bag – Use an elastic band or thick string to hold the bag tightly in place.

4.  Let it soak – Leave the shower head to soak overnight (or for at least a few hours).

5.  Rinse thoroughly – The next morning, remove the bag and pour fresh soapy water over the shower head to rinse away any residue.

Your shower head should now be free of build-up and working efficiently!

How to clean a shower head without removing it 

If you want to know how to clean a fixed shower head but don’t want to soak it overnight, follow these steps for an easier and quicker alternative. 

• Create a mixture of one-part white vinegar diluted into water  
• Fill a spray bottle with the mixture 
• Spritz the shower head until it is covered in the mixture and leave for the vinegar to work its magic for 5 minutes.  

• Once the mixture has had time to soak in, use an old toothbrush, wet sponge, or towel to clean the shower head.  
• Once clean, rinse with clear water until the vinegar is gone.  
• To remove any streaks, dry the showerhead with a clean cloth or towel.  

How to clean with baking soda 

Many store-bought cleaners claim to be the best, but one of the most effective cleaning agents is likely already in your cupboard: baking soda. This versatile ingredient can degrease, remove stains, eliminate odors, and even help unclog drains—making it safe and effective for cleaning shower heads.

What You’ll Need:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Dishwashing liquid
• Warm water
• A medium-sized bowl
• An old toothbrush

Cleaning Process:

1.  Remove the Shower Head (If Possible)

Detach it from the wall for easier cleaning.

Rinse under warm water to remove loose debris.

Check for stubborn grime or mineral build-up.

2.    Make the Cleaning Solution

Mix in a bowl:

•        2 tbsp baking soda
•        ½ cup white vinegar
•        4 drops dish soap

Stir well.

3.  Soak the Shower Head

Submerge it in the solution for 30+ minutes to loosen build-up.

4.  Scrub Gently

Use an old toothbrush to scrub nozzles and crevices.

5.   Rinse Thoroughly

Wash off all residue under warm water.

6.   Repeat if Needed

For tough build-up, soak and scrub again.

7.    Reattach & Test

Secure the shower head back and check water flow.

How to clean a shower head with bleach  

Bleach is also a very popular cleaning product, but you should be aware that it can also be a harsh substance, so it is recommended that you use diluted household bleach. It is also advisable to wear gloves when handling bleach and be sure not to touch your clothes or face when using it.  

To use bleach to clean your shower head, add two cups of water and one cup of bleach to a spray bottle. Once the cap has been tightly secured, you can shake the bottle to mix the ingredients together. Then simply spray your shower head with the solution and let it soak in for around 30 minutes. This is a great option if you can’t stand for long periods as you can leave the mixture to do its magic.  

Once the solution has sat for around 30 minutes you can use a microfiber cloth or toothbrush to wipe down the shower head and remove any mineral residue or limescale. Once you’ve finished, it will look like a brand-new shower head!  

How to descale your shower head 

Limescale is caused when hard water, which is water that contains increased mineral content, evaporates and leaves behind calcium and magnesium. It appears like a chalky substance that crusts around taps and shower heads. It often makes your bathroom look dirty and worn.  

Even if your shower head looks fresh and clean then you should still be sure to clean and descale it on a regular basis. The longer you leave a shower head that is clogged with limescale, the harder it can be to get rid of it. But you don’t always need harsh chemicals to descale your shower head; sometimes, using harsh chemicals can damage it. Therefore, we would recommend that you try using vinegar instead.  

If your shower head is made from brass then you shouldn’t leave it to soak in vinegar for any longer than 20 minutes, otherwise, you may cause permanent damage. You can descale your shower by cleaning it with some distilled white vinegar and a toothbrush to clean away the limescale.  

While cleaning your shower head may sound like a long, difficult and tiring chore, knowing all the tips and tricks makes it a whole lot easier. Whether your shower head is detachable or fixed to the wall, there are a number of methods you can follow to ensure that your shower head looks sparkling clean and is limescale free. But don’t forget to stay on top of maintaining your shower head and you’ll find it a lot easier to keep it clean!