How to descale your shower head – a handful of effective tips. Check it out!

Almost everyone who has a shower enclosure and, of course, a shower head has to deal with limescale. It’s particularly stubborn and annoying in the head itself. It causes the spray holes the water flows through to narrow or block completely. The result is familiar to all of us – the shower head stops working properly. Do you have to replace it straight away? Of course not! A thorough descaling will do the job. How do you do it? Find out!

How to take a shower head apart – a very important step!

How do you clean a shower head? First and foremost, start by carefully and thoroughly taking it apart. Only then will the cleaning be effective, and the shower head will work as it should. Otherwise, some parts won’t be reachable for cleaning. So how do you do it?

1. Start by disconnecting the end of the hose from the head. While doing this, check the washer at the end of the hose. If you notice any damage or wear, it will need to be replaced.
2. Next, remove the grille from the shower head, starting by loosening the retaining screw. If the screw cover is difficult to take off, use a sharp tool to gently prise it up, taking care not to damage the part.
3. In shower head models fitted with an additional anti-limescale filter located in the lower section, carefully remove it. When reassembling the head, it’s crucial to follow the correct assembly order – pay particular attention to the washer, which is essential for proper operation and prevents leaks.

Now that you know how to take this part apart, you can start cleaning the shower head. You can use chemical products available in any larger shop, or natural methods, which are definitely safer.

Descaling a shower head – chemical or natural?

When you buy chemical descalers, you’re getting very strong products. Remember, however, that in most cases their composition is quite aggressive, especially for the environment. They’re effective, sure, but you often don’t need anything that strong.

Choosing natural solutions is a good option for many reasons. They’re not as aggressive, while still being highly effective. You also don’t have to spend much, because you most likely already have what you need. What exactly?

How do you descale a shower head? Use vinegar!

Vinegar mixed in equal parts with water is an effective way to remove limescale. You can submerge the shower head in the prepared solution, placing it in a bowl or a bag to ensure full coverage. After soaking for a few hours, clean the head with an old toothbrush and, if necessary, clear clogged holes with a pin or a toothpick. Finally, rinse the shower head thoroughly with warm water to remove any vinegar residue.

Citric acid

Citric acid is an excellent, odour-free alternative to vinegar. Use it by dissolving two teaspoons of citric acid in 200 ml of water, then transferring the solution to a spray bottle. Spray the shower head with the prepared solution to help dissolve the limescale. This method is particularly useful if you want to avoid a vinegar smell in the bathroom.

Bicarbonate of soda and hydrogen peroxide

If there’s mould on the shower head, use a paste made from bicarbonate of soda. Apply it to the mouldy areas, leave for about two hours, then scrub thoroughly and rinse. After cleaning with the soda, apply or pour hydrogen peroxide over those areas to create a protective barrier, helping to prevent the mould from returning.

Removing hard water deposits

To remove hard water deposits, prepare a thick paste of vinegar, water and bicarbonate of soda. After applying the paste to the affected areas, leave it for about an hour, then scrub the surface of the shower head with a stiff brush or a scouring pad. If you’re worried about scratches, you can use a soft sponge, though it may take a bit more effort.

These are home methods for removing limescale and other dirt from a shower head. You shouldn’t have any major problems with it now. Good luck!