How to Clean Showerheads
Updated: Feb. 07, 2023A quick soak will make your grimey showerhead shine and is an easy way to know how to clean showerheads.
- Time
- Complexity
- Cost
- A full day
- Beginner
- Less than $20
Remove the showerhead and soak it
Photo 1: Protect the finish when removing the showerhead
Begin this DIY showerhead cleaning project by unscrewing the showerhead by gripping the shower neck with a pipe wrench (as shown), grabbing the nut on the showerhead with the adjustable pliers and turning pliers counterclockwise until the nut loosens. Protect the finishes on the showerhead and wall pipe by wrapping them with a cloth.
Photo 2: Soak the showerhead in vinegar
Open the showerhead holes by soaking the head overnight in a vinegar bath and poking the loosened mineral scale free with a toothpick. Rinse the showerhead in tap water, then reinstall it by applying Teflon tape to the wall pipe threads, screwing it on and tightening it by reversing the technique in Photo 1. Complete the repair by turning on the cold water in the shower and blasting out any remaining mineral gunk to make sure you have a clean shower head.
Over time, hard-water minerals in tap water build up and clog the spray holes in showerheads. Fix this problem by removing the showerhead and cleaning it. Buy a lime removing product to loosen the scale, or soak the head overnight in vinegar (either white or apple cider). Check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website to confirm that vinegar won’t harm the finish.
Carefully remove the showerhead and open the holes using the steps shown in Photos 1 and 2. If the showerhead is too stuck to remove, try filling a plastic bag with vinegar, tying the top of the bag around the top of the showerhead and submerging it overnight in the vinegar. If that doesn’t work, you might want to consider one of these outstanding showerheads that provide a spa-like feeling.
Required Tools for this how to clean showerhead with vinegar project
Have the necessary tools for this how to clean showerhead with vinegar DIY project how to clean a shower head project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
- Pipe wrench
- Pliers
- Rags
Required Materials for this how to clean showerhead with vinegar project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time for this how to clean a shower head project. Here’s a list.
- Vinegar
