Showers are supposed to keep us clean, but if they are not looked after properly, they could be doing the exact opposite. Most people don’t think twice about the showerhead, but it can be a breeding ground for mould, limescale and bacteria.
It only becomes noticeable once the water pressure plumetts or it starts spraying in all directions. But at that point, however, the damage is already done. Bathroom experts at Plumbworld say it should be deep cleaned once-a-month to make sure it never gets to that without breaking the bank – all you need is an everyday kitchen staple.
A spokesperson explained: “Your shower is supposed to keep you clean, but if you don’t maintain your shower head, it could actually be doing the opposite. Regular cleaning keeps bacteria and limescale at bay, ensuring better water pressure, a longer-lasting shower, and a healthier home.”
Here’s everything you need to know about how to make sure your shower heads are cleaned properly. And what you need to do it.
Week one: Build-up begins
Just because it looks clean, minerals from hard water immediately start forming deposits inside the nozzles. Limescale could develop within days, while bacteria and mould spores are already taking hold.
The first step is just a simple wipe with a damp cloth.
Week two: Hello bacteria!
If you’ve left it this long, your shower head has become the perfect home for bacteria to thrive.
Research shows that shower heads can harbour Mycobacterium avium, a bacteria linked to respiratory infections, especially for those with weakened immune systems. You might notice a musty or stale smell and slightly reducted water pressure – here is where the kitchen staple comes in.
What you can do now is give it a quick soak in white vinegar as it is known to kill bacteria and break down first signs of limescale.
Week three: Limescale is taking over
By the third week, mineral deposits would have hardened making them difficult to remove without a deep clean.
Limescale build-up can cause uneven water flow, with some blocked nozzles causing water to spray in all directions. If left untreated, the shower will have to work harder which results in increased energy bills.
All you need to do soak the shower head in a vinegar solution overnight and scrub with an old toothbrush to remove deposits.
Week four: Health hazard alert!
When it comes to a month plus, it could be a little too late.
Studies have found a dirty shower head at this point could contain mould spores (allergies and asthma), legionella bacteria (causes pneumonia), black slime – all of which is noticeable with a stronger smell from the water, a more noticeable drop in water pressure, and the presence of brown or white deposits around the nozzles.
A full deep clean is definitely needed at this point. Especially if serious plumbing problems start to begin. To get rid of the limescale, remove the showe rhead and soak it overnight in a mixture of white vinegar and warm water, or by using a descaling product.
How to clean your shower head properly
1. Remove the shower head (if possible).
2. Soak in a bowl of white vinegar for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for heavy build-up).
3. Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove loosened limescale.
4. Rinse thoroughly and reattach.
For fixed shower heads, fill a plastic bag with vinegar, tie it around the shower head, and leave it to soak overnight.
