Limescale gathers in so many places around the bathroom, one of which is shower heads.
Shower heads are a crucial part of the bathroom that requires regular descaling to prevent blockages and maintain water flow. Descaling your shower head can also help keep it free from bacteria and mould.
However, not all shower heads are removable, making descaling a fixed one a bit of a challenge.
But with the right product, “you can get rid of limescale build-up effectively”, says cleaning expert Kerry Hale at Mira Showers.
She suggested: “Before you go out and buy expensive descaling products, try white vinegar. Vinegar is the number one natural cleaning product, making it a simple and affordable way to descale your shower head.”
However, she warned that malt vinegar isn’t as effective and brown vinegar may stain, so white distilled vinegar is the best choice.
If you have a dual shower, it’s advised to clean both shower heads simultaneously to manage limescale, even if one is used more frequently than the other.
To clean a handheld shower with white vinegar, first remove the shower head from the hose – be careful not to lose the rubber washer as this prevents water leakage at the joint. Place the shower head in a bucket or plastic container and cover it with white vinegar. Leave it to soak for 10 to 20 minutes.
To deal with a clogged-up shower head, start by giving the shower head a good rinse after removing it from the vinegar bath. Grab an old toothbrush to specifically target any stubborn limescale around the nozzle.
Give it another water rinse and buff it to a shine with a soft cloth before you reattach it all back together, then run the shower to banish any last traces of limescale that might be lurking.
As for those fixed to the wall, find yourself a plastic bag roomy enough for your shower head and fill it halfway with vinegar.
Immerse the head fully in vinegar by fastening the bag with string or elastic. Leave it soaking just as long before turning on your shower to clear out leftover deposits.
Cleaning guru Kerry swears by descaling shower heads about “once a month” to stop limescale and bacteria.
She warned: “If left untreated, limescale can cause blockages and lower water pressure. You might want to clean and descale your shower head more frequently if you live in an area with hard water.”
