How to descale a rainfall shower head and restore full flow? Here’s how!

Nothing spoils a relaxing shower quite like a weak, uneven stream of water. If your rain shower head, instead of gently cocooning you in a rain-like spray, is dripping like a sad, old tap, it’s a sign it’s time for a proper clean. Limescale build-up on the nozzles is the most common enemy in your bathroom. Thankfully, you can beat it easily! We’ll show you how to descale your rain shower head so it works like new again. Have a look below!

Why does a rain shower head get clogged?

The main culprit is hard water — that is, water high in calcium and magnesium. When water evaporates, a white residue is left on the surface of the shower head, gradually clogging the nozzles. The result? The water flow gets weaker and weaker, and instead of a soothing rainfall you’re left with a few measly dribbles.

If you don’t want to keep replacing your shower head, it’s worth knowing how to tackle it. Time for a mission: descaling your rain shower head!

How to take your rain shower head apart before cleaning

Not every rain shower head needs dismantling, but if you have a model with a removable head, it’s worth doing to clean it thoroughly. How?

1. Turn off the water! (Yes, it’s obvious, but worth saying.)
2. Gently unscrew the shower head — if it’s fixed in place, skip this step.
3. Check the nozzles — on some models they can be removed separately.
4. Don’t force it! If something won’t budge, don’t yank it — soak it in warm water and try again.

If your rain shower head can’t be taken apart, no worries — there are other ways to clean it effectively!

How to descale a rain shower head? Tried-and-tested methods

There are plenty of effective methods for cleaning bathroom fittings. You’ve a few ways to get your rain shower head back to full power — and it doesn’t have to mean replacing it! Many of the cleaners that will help are right there in your kitchen. How to remove limescale from bathroom taps?

1. Vinegar — a natural limescale buster

Vinegar is one of the classic home remedies for removing limescale and deposits. How to use it?

• Pour vinegar into a bowl and submerge the shower head (if it can be removed).
• If you can’t unscrew it, fill a zip-lock bag with vinegar, tie it snugly around the shower head and leave it for a few hours.
• Afterwards, rinse the shower head with warm water.

Plus: an effective, inexpensive, eco-friendly way to clean.
Minus: vinegar has a distinctive smell, but it dissipates quickly.

2. Bicarbonate of soda — for tougher cases

If the build-up is particularly stubborn, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, then apply it to the shower head. After 30 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Plus: bicarbonate of soda is safe and easy to find.
Minus: this method requires a bit of scrubbing.

3. Citric acid — for a sparkling clean finish

Citric acid works similarly to vinegar but has a nicer scent. Simply dissolve a few tablespoons in warm water, soak the shower head for an hour, then rinse.

Plus: citric acid is natural and pleasantly scented.
Minus: it may be less effective than vinegar on heavier build-up.

4. Commercial descalers

If home methods don’t do the trick, reach for ready-made descaling products. Choose ones that don’t contain harsh chemicals — after all, this is something that comes into contact with the water you use every day.

Plus: commercial descalers work quickly.
Minus: they cost more than vinegar or bicarbonate of soda.

Cleaning the nozzles in your rain shower head — thorough limescale removal

Whichever method you choose, after descaling it’s worth brushing the nozzles with a toothbrush or a needle to get rid of any residue that may be deeper inside. Then turn on the water and flush the shower head through to make sure nothing is left inside.

How to prevent limescale build-up?

Prevention is better than fixing the problem every so often, right? A few simple tricks will help:

• Wipe the shower head once a week — a quick wipe with a damp cloth is enough.
• Soak it in a vinegar solution once a month — preventative cleaning will keep build-up at bay.
• Consider installing an anti-limescale filter — if your water is very hard, this might be the best investment.

A quick clean and your rain shower head is as good as new!

Now you know how to descale your rain shower head and get it working like it did on day one. All you need is vinegar, bicarbonate of soda or citric acid, a bit of patience, and your bathroom will be back to full comfort. Best of luck!