How to Clean Your Shower Head

Whether you enjoy a refreshing morning rinse or a relaxing evening soak, your shower head works hard every day. But over time, hard water and daily use can lead to a build-up of limescale and bacteria, especially in areas with hard water, which many parts of the UK experience. 

A blocked or dirty shower head can reduce water pressure and affect your overall showering experience. The good news?  Cleaning your shower head is quick, easy, and doesn’t require fancy products, just white vinegar and a bit of elbow grease.

What You’ll Need:

• White vinegar (avoid brown vinegar, as it can stain)
• Water
• A plastic bag (no holes!)
• Elastic band or string
• An old toothbrush
• A cloth or sponge

How to Clean a Fixed Shower Head

If your shower head is attached to the wall or ceiling:

• Mix your solution: Combine 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water.
• Bag it: Fill a plastic bag with the mixture and secure it around the shower head so the nozzle is fully submerged.
• Soak it: Leave it to soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for stubborn limescale).
• Remove the bag: Carefully take off the bag and discard the solution.
• Wipe and rinse: Wipe the head clean and run the shower for a minute to flush out any loosened debris.

How to Clean a Handheld or Adjustable Shower Head

If your shower head can be removed from the hose:

• Prepare the mixture: Use the same 1:3 vinegar-to-water ratio.
• Detach the head: Twist it off the hose.
• Soak the head: Submerge it in the solution for at least 30 minutes.
• Scrub: Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the nozzles and remove any stubborn limescale.
• Rinse and reattach: Wipe it down and screw it back onto the hose.

Tackling Tough Limescale

If limescale has really built up, try this:

• After soaking, scrub the nozzles with a toothbrush to break up stubborn deposits. Gainsborough shower heads come with rub-clean nozzles, simply rub them with your fingers to dislodge hidden scale.
• Tip the head downward after each use to let excess water drain away, helping to prevent future build-up.

How Often Should You Clean It?

For most UK homes, cleaning your shower head once a month is enough to prevent limescale and keep bacteria at bay. If you live in a hard water area (such as London, the South East or the Midlands), you might want to clean it more often: every couple of weeks, for example.

Keeping your shower head clean helps maintain:

• Consistent water pressure
• A more hygienic shower
• The lifespan of your shower system

At Gainsborough Showers, our shower heads are built for easy maintenance and long-lasting performance. If it’s time for a refresh, explore our affordable and high-quality shower heads, designed to work seamlessly with our full range of electric showers and mixer showers.

Browse online or get in touch with our team: we’re here to help!