How to descale a 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 narrows or completely blocks the nozzle openings the water flows through. The result is all too familiar – the shower head stops working properly. Do you have to replace it straight away? Of course not! A thorough descale is all it needs. How do you do it? Read on!

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 dismantling it. Only then will cleaning be effective, and the shower head will work as it should. Otherwise, some parts of the head won’t be accessible for cleaning. So how do you do it?

1. Start by disconnecting the end of the hose from the shower head. While doing this, check the washer at the end of the hose. If you notice any damage or wear, it will need replacing.
2. Next, remove the spray plate from the head, starting by loosening the retaining screw. If the screw cover is hard to remove, use a sharp tool to gently lever it up, taking care not to damage the part.
3. On models with an additional anti-limescale filter located at the bottom, carefully take it out. When reassembling the head, it’s crucial to follow the correct order – pay special attention to the washer, which is vital for proper operation and prevents leaks.

Now that you know how to take the unit apart, you can start cleaning the shower head. You can use shop-bought chemical products, or opt for natural methods, which are far safer.

Descaling a shower head – chemical or natural?

When you buy chemical descalers, you’re getting very powerful products. Remember, though, that in most cases they’re quite aggressive, especially towards the environment. They’re effective, certainly, but sometimes you simply don’t need anything that strong.

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

How to descale a shower head? Use vinegar!

Vinegar mixed with water in equal parts is an effective way to remove limescale. You can submerge the head in the 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 toothpick. Finally, rinse the head thoroughly with warm water to remove any vinegar residue.

Citric acid

Citric acid is an excellent, odourless alternative to vinegar. Dissolve two teaspoons of citric acid in 200 ml of water, then transfer the solution to a spray bottle. Spray the 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

For mould on the shower head, use a paste made from bicarbonate of soda. Apply it to the affected areas, leave for about two hours, then scrub thoroughly and rinse. After removing the bicarbonate, dousing the areas with hydrogen peroxide will create a protective barrier, helping to prevent the mould from returning.

Removing hard water deposits

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

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