How to clean a shower head and keep it flowing freely

• The easiest way to clean a shower head is by soaking it in vinegar.
• Vinegar acts as a solvent to remove mineral buildup that collects around the nozzles, typically as a result of hard water.
• A clean shower head is important for your personal hygiene, and can help fix low water pressure.

If your shower cleans you but you don't clean it, that one-sided relationship just won't last.

The gross fact of the matter? If you're not cleaning your shower head regularly, it's highly likely you've got a case of calcium, hard water, and moldy buildup, which eventually leads to clogged nozzles, a decrease in water pressure, or worse, damage to your hair.

To keep these issues at bay, we spoke to Sheryl Milligan, founding member of the American House Cleaners Association (AHCA), for her tips on cleaning this often overlooked area in your bathroom.

What you need

• Plastic food storage bag
• Distilled white vinegar
• Rubber bands, string, twist tie or tape
• Toothbrush
• Non-scratch pad
• Clean cloths
• Scouring powder (optional)
• Dish soap (optional

How to clean a shower head with vinegar

The easiest way to clean a shower head is by submerging it in vinegar, which will unclog the nozzles and remove all the gross buildup and blockage. Use this method when the water flow becomes noticeably weak of if there's visible mold or buildup.

1. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar. If you have a small showerhead, one cup of vinegar should do the trick. Larger shower heads will need more.
2. Submerge the shower head in the bag. Make sure all the nozzles are immersed in vinegar, making any adjustments to the vinegar level as necessary.
3. Secure the bag with a rubber band. Attach the bag firmly to the shower arm. If you don't have a strong enough rubberband, you can use string, twist ties, or tape.
4. Let it soak for a few hours. If there is an excessive amount of grime or buildup, let it soak overnight.
5. Remove the bag and scrub lightly. After carefully removing the bag and pouring the vinegar down the drain, use an old toothbrush to lightly scrub any remaining visible buildup.
6. Run the shower. Turn on the shower to clear the vinegar, plus any remaining mineral deposits, out of the shower head. If applicable, cycle through the different spray settings.
7. Finish by wiping down the entire shower head. After soaking and letting the water run, use a wet cloth to wipe down the shower head, then dry it completely with a dry cloth.

Note: The bag method is popular because it doesn't require you to uninstall the shower head from the shower arm. If you don't mind the extra step, you can also remove the shower head and soak it in a container of vinegar.

What about routine cleaning?

For routine cleaning, use a scouring agent and a little elbow grease. Milligan recommends scrubbing the shower head whenever you notice calcium or hard water buildup.

Sprinkle bleach-free scouring powder on the corner of a wet non-scratch pad and lightly scrub the outside of the entire fixture, adding more powder as necessary. Use a toothbrush to reach tight spaces and take special care around detailing or lettering.

Extra stubborn spots can be tackled by adding a drop of dish soap to the pad. Finish by rinsing completely with a cup of hot water, then dry fully with a cloth to prevent the water from calcifying.

If you find your shower head has constant buildup, Milligan recommends considering drying off your shower head after each use. This will wipe away any minerals that may exist in the water or on the surface of the shower head, keeping them from drying onto fixtures and causing buildup over time.

Quick tip: Avoid scouring agents with bleach or harsh chemicals, as they may cause damage to your shower head's finish. You can make your own DIY scouring powder by making a paste of vinegar, baking powder, and salt.

How often should I clean my shower head?

The AHCA recommends using one of the above methods to clean your shower head monthly in order to ensure longevity and best performance.

You should be soaking your shower head in vinegar every few months, unless you notice any changes in water pressure. At the very least, Milligan emphasizes the importance of cleaning it with the first sign of mold or slime.

Insider's takeaway

With just a few supplies likely already at home, you can have a long-lasting, powerful shower head that doesn't require intensive maintenance. By simply following one of the above methods monthly, not only will your shower and wallet thank you, but your health (bye bye, mold) and hair (so long, calcium) will, too.