How to Clean Clogged Showerheads

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If you are someone who uses a shower every day, then you would have a pretty decent idea about what showerhead clogs are. The Clogging of a showerhead is the phenomenon of reduced, irregular, or no release of water from the shower due to several reasons.

These clogs are predominantly observed in showers that are made of steel or other metals. They happen usually due to the deposition of minerals inside the shower. There are a few other reasons like the coverage by mildew or when something gets stuck inside the holes of the shower but they are all secondary reasons.

Shower blockages end up making people feel irritated and worried as most of the time they are unable to clean them. I have been through the same problem and this article includes a set of solutions for this problem.

What are the Different Types of Showerhead Clogs?

The following are the main reasons for the clogging of showerheads:

• Continuous deposition of the minerals presents inside water in the taps due to constant usage.
• Rusting of the shower due to the persistent moisture content in the bathroom.
• Waste particles get stuck inside the holes of the showerhead. This usually happens in the case of unclean water.

How to Clean Showerhead Clogs

Here is the most important part of this article and the reason you are here for. Even though showerhead blocks are disgusting and irritating, it is pretty easy to clean them. 

Given below are few simplest ways to clean them:

1. This method is for the cleaning of not-so-tough blocks. All you need to do is, open the showerhead and then first clean it with a dry cloth to remove all the dry contents. Then place it under a heavy and constant flow of water so that the rest of the deposits move due to the pressure. If necessary, this can be done by dismantling the shower entirely. 

2. To remove all the stuck particles from the showerhead holes simply remove the showerhead and pluck the particles using a pin or plunger.

3. For heavy blockage, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and immerse the head in the solution. Make sure that all the holes are inside the solution. After 20-30 minutes either wash it away using hot water or just run the shower on hot. 

Note: You don’t necessarily need to remove the showerhead for this. 

Caution: If you have brass, chrome, or nickel showerheads, don’t keep them in the vinegar solution for more than 30 minutes. This will damage its finish.

Basic Tips to Avoid Showerhead Clogs

Even though showerhead clogging is a not-so-serious problem, a consistent blockage can lead to the breakage of the shower. Hence, believing in the principle of “prevention is better than cure” we can follow some simple tips to avoid them which are as follows:

• Keep the shower dry by wiping it regularly using a dry cloth.
• Wash the shower with hot water regularly by dismantling it.
• Usage of plastic or fiber taps instead of metal taps.
• Usage of bucket water instead of a shower. This method has double benefits. This not only avoids blockage but also helps in saving water.

FAQs

Can you use bleach for cleaning showerheads?

No, you shouldn’t. Scientists have found that chlorine-based products will increase the bacteria present in the showerhead. So bleach is not recommended.

How often should you clean the showerhead?

According to experts, you should clean your showerhead thoroughly at least once a month. But regular cleaning/cleaning once a week is advised if you want to avoid build-up over time.

Or why not just resort to a simple route by not taking a shower often? Sounds like a plan to all the lazy people reading this article. Well, keeping the humor aside, cleanliness should be every person’s priority. Hence, taking a shower every day is important.

Now that brings us to the end of this not-so-lazy article. I hope all of you make use of the information!