How to clean your clogged shower head?

If your shower head is clogged with years of mineral deposit build-up, it may need a thorough cleansing. Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals which may not only damage your shower head, but may also be harmful to your health, here is a pretty good alternative.

One way to clean your shower head is by taking it off the pipe and soaking it in vinegar. If you are unable to remove your shower head, or if you simply do not want to, Here is what you will need for this method:

• Pot, bucket, or other container large enough to fit the shower head
• Distilled white vinegar
• Wrench and old rag (optional)
• An old toothbrush
• Soft cloth to wipe the shower head.

This is how you do it:

• Remove the shower head by twisting it counterclockwise. If you are having difficulties twisting it, try wrapping an old rag around the connecting nut, and then twisting it with a wrench. The rag will help protect the surface of your shower head.
• Put the shower head into a pot. Consider using a smaller container that just about fits the shower head; this way, you will use less vinegar. You can also use a small bucket or plastic bin. Fill the pot with enough white vinegar to cover the shower head. The acids in the vinegar will help dissolve the white mineral deposits on the shower head. Let the shower head soak in the vinegar for 30 minutes to overnight. The more soiled the shower head is, the longer you will have to leave it in the vinegar.
• If you are in a hurry, and if the shower head is made from metal, you can place the pot on the stove and simmer the vinegar for 15 minutes.
• If the shower head is made from brass, or has a gold or nickel finish, take it out after 30 minutes. You can always give it another vinegar bath once you have rinsed it off.
• Take the shower head out of the pot and rinse it. You should see the mineral deposits flaking off.
• Scrub away any residue using an old toothbrush. Focus on the base where the holes are; this is where the most mineral buildup will be. Gently scrub the brush over any residue and rinse with cool water. Keep doing this until the entire residue is gone.
• Put the shower head back onto the wall pipe. Wrap some plumbing tape counterclockwise around the threaded part of the wall pipe, and then screw the shower head back on.
• Turn the water on in your shower for a few moments. This will flush out any residue that the toothbrush did not get. Use a soft cloth to polish the shower head. Gently wipe the shower head with the cloth until it is completely dry and there are no water spots.

If you cannot remove your shower head, you can still soak it using vinegar and a plastic bag. Here is what you will need:A plastic bag large enough to fit over your shower head

• A piece of string or a twist tie
• Distilled white vinegar
• An old toothbrush
• Soft cloth to wipe the shower head.