How to Clean and Descale Your Shower Head

Quick answer

Detach the shower head, soak in white vinegar for 30–60 minutes (30 minutes for brass), scrub nozzles with a soft brush, then rinse and run the shower to flush loosened scale. For fixed heads, bag the head with vinegar instead. Repeat for heavy limescale; use a non-abrasive commercial descaler if needed.

1) Why regular cleaning matters

Scale narrows internal channels and blocks nozzles, which reduces flow and makes spray patterns uneven. Routine descaling restores pressure, improves hygiene, and prolongs the life of your shower head.

What you’ll need

• White vinegar (distilled)
• Soft toothbrush or small nylon brush
• Microfibre cloth
• Rubber band or string (for fixed heads)
• Clear plastic bag (for fixed heads)
• Non-abrasive commercial descaler (optional)
• Protective gloves (chemicals only)

2) Clean a hand-held shower head (step-by-step)

1. Detach the shower head
   Unscrew the head, keeping hold of the washer. If it’s stuck, wrap with a cloth to protect the finish and use gentle leverage.
2. Soak in white vinegar
   Submerge in a container of white vinegar for 30–60 minutes (30 for brass).
3. Brush the nozzles
   Gently loosen residue with a soft toothbrush; avoid pins or needles that can damage silicone jets.
4. Rinse and polish
   Rinse thoroughly, polish with a microfibre cloth, re-fit the washer, and reattach the head.
5. Flush through
   Run hot water for 30–60 seconds to clear loosened limescale from internal channels.

3) Clean a fixed shower head (no removal)

1. Bag the head
   Fill a clear plastic bag with white vinegar and secure around the head using a rubber band or string.
2. Soak
   Leave for 30–60 minutes (30 for brass finishes).
3. Rinse & test
   Remove the bag, run the shower to rinse, and repeat if heavy limescale remains.

4) How often should you descale?

If you’re in a hard water area, aim for a monthly deep clean and a quick weekly wipe of the nozzles. This maintains pressure and spray quality.

5) When vinegar isn’t enough

For stubborn build-up, use a non-abrasive commercial descaler. Wear gloves, ventilate the room, and follow the label. Never mix chemicals. Avoid overhead spraying to protect eyes and skin.

6) Finish cautions

• Brass & gold: Limit vinegar contact to 30 minutes; rinse promptly.
• Matte black & brushed finishes: Avoid abrasive pads and strong alkalis; use microfibre only.
• Silicone nozzles: Rub-clean with your thumb to dislodge scale—no pins.

Smarter maintenance with Showery

Want fewer deep cleans? Consider Showery easy-clean shower heads with rub-clean jets, including the EcoFlow 2.0 for simple, fast upkeep.

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