How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom Showerhead
Your bathroom showerhead still needs regular maintenance to look and work like new. Even though it may seem that it should clean itself. Sure, it mostly comes into contact with water and soap, but a good cleaning can help prevent hard water buildup and prevent soap scum from taking over.
Some of the most common minerals you can see in your bathroom showerhead that builds-up over time are limescale, calcium carbonate, and even rust which causes water clogging. It obstructs the little holes that the water comes out of, which can weaken the pressure or even stop it altogether. The American House Cleaners Association (AHCA) recommends cleaning your showerhead monthly for optimal longevity and performance.
Read through this article, and learn the steps needed to clean your showerhead deep. It’s time to scrub those micro-jets and improve your shower game!
Inspect Your Bathroom Showerhead
Look at your showerhead up close and conduct a water flow test. There are two common factors to consider when doing the test. First is water pressure. Turn on the water and evaluate the pressure coming out of the showerhead. Water pressure should be solid and consistent. Weak pressure indicates that the showerhead could be clogged, or there might be a blockage in the piping system.
Second, is the spray pattern. It should be even and not skewed to one side; an irregular spray pattern indicates an obstructed showerhead. Always remember that when cleaning the showerheads, fully submerge those blocked holes in the cleaning agent.
Mix the Cleaning Agents
Before we get your hopes up, always be cautious when dealing with cleaning products. These chemicals have serious risks when not handled properly. Holly Burgess, Technical Lead, NFPA, wrote that even mixing common household chemicals like bleach and vinegar creates a chlorine gas. She added that mixing these incompatible hazardous products will be risky, creating vapor that could cause an injury. It is safer always to wear latex gloves and eye protection.
Vinegar and baking soda are among the most common natural cleaning products in any kitchen. Now that you have taken the first step, safety, take the gallon-sized plastic bag and put it inside the pitcher with the open end up. Fold the edges of the bag around the outside of the container to keep it stable. Put in 1/2 cup of baking soda. Pour the vinegar into the load slowly, and watch it bubble. Only pour a little, or it will overflow. Add vinegar until mixed, then add 1 cup of water to dilute it.
Submerge the Showerhead
Cleaning a showerhead can be tricky due to its size and angle. To properly clean it, angle the showerhead and submerge all water jets in the cleaner before securing a bag around the neck. If your showerhead is removable or two-in-one, additional steps are required to soak all the jets. Consider washing the handheld attachment separately in a bowl on the shower floor. Use a zip tie or rubber band to secure the bag, but consider the bag’s weight if you have a small showerhead. Pour the remaining cleaning solution onto the bathtub or shower floor for additional cleaning. Let the showerhead soak in the cleaner for 6-8 hours or overnight to achieve the best results.
According to an author in Wirecutter, soaking the showerhead in a cleaning solution for an extended period, ideally overnight, yields the best results. It allows the cleaner to have prolonged contact with mineral deposits and buildup, softening them and making them easier to scrub away. It also dissolves buildup inside the showerhead, which makes the cleaning process effective and efficient. Always remember to follow the instructions for the specific cleaning solution.
Clean Showerhead Surface by Wiping Away Mineral Deposits
To unclog the jets in your showerhead, remove the bag and pour the liquid down the drain. Then, turn the water back on to check if the jets are open. If it has low water pressure before cleaning, you’ll notice a significant improvement. Use a dry clean cloth to wipe down the mineral buildup and residue from the showerhead. It will help your showerhead be free from any soap residue and hard water spots and ready for immediate use.
Routine Cleaning
A simple diluted vinegar solution in a spray bottle is adequate for routine bathroom cleaning. Baking soda is not necessary. To prevent buildup and reduce the frequency of deep cleanings, spraying and wiping down the showerhead during regular cleaning is recommended.
How Often to Clean a Bathroom Showerhead?
House Digest proposed that cleaning your shower head depends on your water pressure. High-pressure water may cause mineral or limescale buildup, requiring more frequent cleaning. Your home’s water type mainly determines the frequency of cleaning, but other factors play a role. If you have hard water with many dissolved minerals, you may need to clean your shower head weekly due to nozzle clogging.
Always watch for clogged jets and address them promptly. Regular cleaning can prevent the need for extensive cleaning sessions.
Deep Cleaning Your Bathroom Showerhead is Worth the Effort!
Don’t let a dirty showerhead ruin your shower experience! Take the time to clean it deeply and enjoy a refreshing and clean shower every time. Inspect and clean your bathroom showerhead regularly to maintain its appearance, functionality, and water flow. Avoid mineral deposits and buildups by cleaning your showerheads frequently. The frequency of regular cleaning could be weekly or monthly, depending on the water pressure and hardness.
If you have noticed indications of severe damage, refrain from DIY. Call the professionals to avoid further damage to the entire bathroom. Feel free to contact FAC Remodeling if you have concerns about your bathroom, and we’ll get you covered.
By staying attentive to any clogs or changes in water flow and addressing issues promptly, you can maintain a clean and functional showerhead for years to come. Start today and follow our tips on how to deep clean your showerhead.
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