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

Nothing spoils a relaxing shower like a weak, uneven flow of water. If your rain shower head, instead of gently enveloping you in a rainfall, drips like a tired, old tap, it’s a sign it’s time for a proper clean. Limescale that builds up on the nozzles is your bathroom’s most common enemy. Luckily, you can defeat 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 blocked?

The main cause of the problem is hard water — that is, water high in calcium and magnesium. As the water evaporates, a white deposit remains on the surface of the shower head, gradually blocking the nozzles. The result? The water flow gets weaker and weaker, and instead of a relaxing rainfall you get a few measly trickles.

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

How to take apart the rain shower head before cleaning?

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

1. Turn off the water! (Yes, it’s obvious, but it’s worth mentioning.)
2. Gently unscrew the rain 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 use force! If something won’t unscrew, don’t yank it — it’s better to soak it in warm water and try again.

If your rain shower head can’t be taken apart, all is not lost — there are other ways to clean it effectively!

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

There are many effective ways to clean bathroom fittings. You’ve got several ways to restore your rain shower head to full power — and it doesn’t have to mean replacing it! Many cleaning agents that will help you with this problem can be found in your own kitchen. How to remove limescale from bathroom taps?

1. Vinegar — a natural limescale buster

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

• Pour vinegar into a bowl and submerge the shower head in it (if it can be removed).
• If you can’t unscrew it, fill a resealable bag with vinegar, tie it tightly 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 deposit is particularly stubborn, make a paste of 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 widely available.
Minus: this solution requires a bit of scrubbing.

3. Citric acid — for a sparkling clean finish

Citric acid works similarly to vinegar but has a more pleasant smell. Just dissolve a few tablespoons in warm water, submerge the shower head for an hour, then rinse.

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

4. Professional cleaning products

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

Plus: professional cleaners provide quick results.
Minus: they cost more than vinegar or bicarbonate of soda.

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

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

How to prevent limescale build-up?

It’s better to prevent it than fight the problem every now and then, right? Just a few tricks will do:

• Wipe the rain 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 help stop deposits forming.
• Consider installing an anti-limescale filter — if you have very hard water, this could 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 little patience, and your bathroom will regain full showering comfort. Good luck!