How to Clean a Shower Head

You may have noticed your shower head no longer looks shiny and new. It may have chalky, white calcium buildup on its surface. Or maybe some of the jets are clogged and aren’t working anymore.

The good news? Learning how to clean a showerhead is quick, simple, and doesn’t require special tools. Here’s everything you need to know about showerhead cleaning to restore your shower’s flow.

Plumbing Tips - How to Fix an Old Showerhead | Roto Rooter

Why Cleaning Your Shower Head Is Important

Your showerhead is exposed to minerals, soap residue, and hard water deposits every time you shower. Without regular cleaning, those deposits can:

• Block water flow or clog the nozzles
• Lower your water pressure
• Harbor bacteria or mold
• Cause uneven spray or water shooting sideways

A clean showerhead helps you maintain hygiene habits and makes every shower feel luxurious — even if you aren’t lucky enough to have a steam shower. And if you have hard water at home, it's even more important to stay ahead of buildup with a water softener.

How Do You Know If Your Shower Head Needs Cleaning?

The signs that it’s time to clean your showerhead are usually easy to spot:

• Water is spraying unevenly
• Pressure seems lower than usual
• Some nozzles are completely blocked
• You see white or greenish buildup around the face of the shower head
• Your shower drain is clogged — this could be a sign there’s buildup in your showerhead as well 

Best Way to Clean a Shower Head 

Whether you have a removable or non-removable head, you’ll want to grab these cleaning supplies before you start:

• Distilled white vinegar or showerhead cleaner
• A plastic bag
• A rubber band or twist tie
• An old toothbrush
• Gloves (optional but helpful)

Step 1: Remove the Shower Head

1. Hold the shower arm firmly with one hand, grip the shower head with the other hand, and unscrew it from the shower arm by turning it to the left.
2. If it’s stuck, you can wrap it in a towel and use a wrench or a set of Channellock pliers to twist it off.

Sometimes removing a shower head is difficult due to crusty calcium deposits in the screw threads. If you can’t get it off, you don’t need to force it — you might risk damaging the head and needing to replace it. Just leave it in place, and we’ll cover below how to clean a clogged showerhead without removing it.

Step 2: Soak in Vinegar to Break Down Buildup

1. Place the showerhead in a bowl that is at least as deep as the showerhead is wide.
2. Pour white vinegar (5% acidity is preferred) or showerhead cleaner into the bowl, completely covering the showerhead.
3. Allow the showerhead to soak for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is better for heavy buildup.

Step 3: Scrub with a Toothbrush to Remove Deposits

1. After soaking, scrub the nozzles and threading with a toothbrush. This helps dislodge the remaining residue and opens up blocked spray holes.
2. If you notice tough mineral spots, use a little baking soda for a gentle abrasive boost.

Step 4: Rinse and Re-attach the Shower Head

1. Rinse the showerhead with warm water.
2. Re-attach the shower head by screwing it back into place (turn it clockwise).
3. Turn it as tight as you can with your hand. It is probably unnecessary to tighten it with a wrench, but if you do use a wrench, don’t overtighten it.
4. Run hot water through the showerhead for a few minutes to flush out the remaining debris.

How to Clean a Clogged Showerhead

Clearing a clogged showerhead usually comes down to a little patience and the right combo of soaking and scrubbing. If your nozzles are blocked, use a small needle or safety pin to clear each hole individually. Combine that with a vinegar soak to get the best results. 

How to Clean a Shower Head Without Removing It

If you’re not able to remove your showerhead to soak it in vinegar, you can still give it a deep clean with these steps:

1. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar.
2. Place it over the shower head so it’s fully submerged.
3. Secure it with a rubber band or zip tie.
4. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, then remove and scrub.

How to Clean a Shower Head From Hard Water

Hard water leaves a telltale white, crusty film. The best solution? Vinegar again! It's a natural acid that dissolves calcium and lime scale. You can also add lemon juice for a fresh scent and extra cleaning power.

How Often Should You Clean Your Shower Head?

Aim to clean your shower head with vinegar every 1-2 months, especially if you live in an area with hard water. If buildup is a constant issue, you may want to clean it monthly or upgrade to a water-efficient showerhead designed to resist clogs.

Keep Your Shower Head in Top Shape

Learning how to clean a showerhead isn’t complicated, and regular upkeep can prevent reduced pressure and clogs. The best way to clean your showerhead is by using a vinegar mix every one to two months. Doing so can keep your shower fresh and help your showerhead last longer.

That said, if you’re still facing clogs and hard water issues even with regular showerhead cleaning, you might need help from a professional plumber. Contact Roto-Rooter 24/7/365 for assistance with water quality issues or plumbing maintenance.