Omar Khalid
Plastic shower heads are more susceptible to mould growth than metal fixtures, so it's important to know how to keep them clean. Over time, water and soap residue can build up and block the holes in your shower head, preventing the chlorine in the water from flushing out irritants and organic matter. This build-up can include mineral deposits like limescale, which can clog the shower head's tiny holes, as well as bacteria, mould and germs. To clean your plastic shower head, you can use a simple white vinegar solution, or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Monthly or when clogged |
| Tools | Plastic bag, vinegar, baking soda, rubber band, wrench, microfiber cloth, mild cleanser, bowl, safety pin, paper clip, pliers, rag, water, toothbrush, lemon juice |
| Steps | 1. Identify clogged holes. 2. Mix vinegar and baking soda in a plastic bag. 3. Submerge the showerhead in the solution. 4. Secure the bag with a rubber band. 5. Soak for 30 minutes to overnight. 6. Remove the bag and turn on the water to flush. 7. Polish with a soft cloth. 8. If needed, remove the showerhead and use a wrench to unscrew it. 9. Remove debris and flush with water. 10. Clean the filter screen with water, a cleaning brush, or an all-purpose cleaner. 11. Reinstall the filter screen and put the showerhead back in place. |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the type of shower head and the severity of blockage
Before you begin to disinfect your plastic shower head, it is important to identify the type of shower head you have and the extent of the blockage.
Shower heads come in a variety of types, including fixed, handheld, rainfall, and dual. Some shower heads are fixed and cannot be detached from the hose, while others are handheld and can be easily separated. Rainfall shower heads may be detachable, so it is worth checking before you start cleaning. If you have a dual shower, it is recommended to clean both shower heads simultaneously to prevent limescale buildup.
To determine the severity of the blockage, turn on the water and observe the water flow. If the water is spraying in different directions, the pressure is lower than usual, or there is minimal water coming out, there is likely a buildup of minerals or soap residue in the shower head.
If the blockage is not severe, you may not need to detach the shower head for deep cleaning. However, if the water flow is highly restricted and the buildup is significant, you might need to remove the shower head for more effective cleaning.
By assessing the type of shower head and the extent of the blockage, you can choose the most appropriate cleaning method to disinfect your plastic shower head effectively.
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Prepare a vinegar solution
To disinfect a plastic shower head, a vinegar solution is often all you need. This simple method is effective at removing soap scum and organic matter, as well as mineral deposits like limescale.
You will need a plastic bag, some distilled white vinegar, a rubber band or twist ties, and a soft cloth. Some sources suggest adding baking soda to the vinegar to create an extra powerful cleaning solution.
First, fill the plastic bag with vinegar. Be careful not to overfill the bag, as you want to avoid spillages. You need enough vinegar to completely submerge the shower head. If you are using baking soda, add this to the bag first, and then slowly pour in the vinegar.
If your showerhead is still attached, slip a rubber band over the top of the showerhead and loop it around the shower arm so it's tight on the water pipe. Attach the bag to the showerhead by slipping the top edge of the bag underneath the rubber band. Ensure the whole fixture is immersed in the vinegar.
Let the shower head soak for at least 30 minutes, and up to eight hours for very dirty showerheads. Then, remove the bag and turn on the water to flush out the vinegar solution.
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Soak the shower head in the solution
Soaking your shower head in a vinegar solution is an effective way to disinfect it. This method works well for removing light build-up, such as soap scum and organic matter. It is also useful for dissolving limescale deposits. Before you begin, it is important to identify how bad the blockage is. If the water flow is restricted and the buildup is severe, you may need to remove the showerhead for deep cleaning.
To create the vinegar solution, pour distilled white vinegar into a plastic bag. You can also add an equal amount of water to the vinegar. Place the bag over the showerhead, ensuring that it is completely submerged in the liquid. Secure the bag in place with a rubber band, zip tie, or tape. Double-check that the entire showerhead is immersed. Leave the bag in place for several hours or overnight. If you have a brass, gold, or chrome showerhead, do not leave it in the solution for longer than 30 minutes, as this could damage the finish.
After soaking, remove the bag and turn on the water to flush out any remaining vinegar. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub away any remaining softened build-up. If there is still buildup, you can repeat the process. For extra cleaning power, you can add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the vinegar before soaking.
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Remove and rinse the shower head
To remove and rinse your plastic shower head, start by turning off the water supply. Place a bucket or a large bowl under the shower head to catch any drips or spills. You can also close the shower curtain or door to contain any spills within the shower.
Next, use a wrench to loosen the nut that connects the shower head to the feed pipe. Be sure to cushion your tool with a rag to avoid scratching the fixture's finish. Once it is loosened, you can use your hands to unscrew the shower head completely.
Now, you can begin the rinsing process. Hold the shower head under a sharp blast of water, running it upside down underneath a faucet. You can also use a mild bathroom cleanser or a diluted vinegar solution for this step. Ensure that you thoroughly rinse all the nooks and crannies of the shower head, paying close attention to the threaded interior portion and the filter screen.
If your shower head has a lot of build-up or mineral deposits, you may need to manually dislodge the softened build-up by manipulating each rubber nozzle with your finger. You can also use a toothpick or safety pin to poke out additional deposits. For more stubborn blockages, a wet toothbrush or a cleaning brush can be used to scrub away any remaining residue.
Finally, dry the shower head with a soft cloth or towel before reattaching it to the feed pipe. Make sure to wrap new plumbing tape around the threads of the shower arm to ensure a good seal. Tighten the connection with a wrench and test for any leaks by turning on the water supply.
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Reinstall the shower head
Once you are satisfied that your shower head is clean, it's time to reinstall it. First, wrap new plumbing tape around the threads of the shower arm to ensure a good seal. Then, use a wrench to reconnect the shower head to the shower arm. Be sure to cushion your wrench with a rag to avoid scratching the fixture's finish.
Next, run a sharp blast of water through the shower head by holding it upside down underneath a faucet. You can also turn the hot water on at full pressure to remove any remaining deposits.
Finally, replace the filter screen inside the shower head. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to secure it in place. Now your shower head is clean and ready to use!
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic shower heads are more susceptible to mould growth than metal fixtures. To clean your plastic shower head without damaging it, you should avoid using abrasive sponges or bleach. Instead, use a mild bathroom cleanser, such as a vinegar solution or a lemon juice paste.
To make a vinegar solution for cleaning your plastic shower head, fill a plastic bag with distilled white vinegar. Attach the bag to the shower head by slipping the top edge of the bag underneath a rubber band wrapped around the neck of the shower head. Ensure that the entire fixture is immersed in the vinegar. Leave the bag in place for several hours or overnight.
To remove mineral deposits from your plastic shower head, you can soak the shower head in vinegar or use a combination of vinegar and baking soda. First, identify the blocked holes in your shower head. Then, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and baking soda, and attach it to your shower head. Make sure that the blocked holes are completely submerged in the solution.
Shower heads should be cleaned monthly to rid them of built-up minerals and bacteria. However, the frequency of cleaning may vary depending on how hard your water is. If you have very hard water, you may need to clean your shower head more often.
