The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Shower Head Fresh and Clean
Your shower head is an essential part of your daily routine, providing you with the refreshing streams of water that help wake you up, relax you, and keep you clean. But over time, minerals and soap scum can build up, affecting the water flow and even impacting your skin and hair health. Keeping your shower head clean isn’t just about maintaining a steady water flow; it also ensures that your shower is a safe and hygienic space.
Ever wondered why shower heads get dirty and how to clean them effectively? Here’s Optum’s top tips to keep your shower head in great condition.
Why Does Your Shower Head Get Dirty?
Shower heads, especially those in areas with hard water, tend to accumulate mineral deposits over time. These deposits come from the calcium and magnesium in the water, which can clog the tiny holes in your shower head. In addition to mineral buildup, soap scum, mildew, and bacteria can also gather in and around the shower head. Over time, these contaminants can affect the water flow, make your showerhead look dingy, and even lead to skin irritation.
How Often Should You Clean Your Shower Head?
Ideally, you should clean your shower head every month to keep it in good condition. If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to clean it more frequently—every couple of weeks. Regular cleaning will help maintain the quality of your water flow and ensure that you’re not exposed to any unwanted bacteria or mould growth.
The Best Ways to Clean Your Shower Head:
Luckily, cleaning your shower head doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few methods to keep it sparkling clean:
- Vinegar Soak: The Natural Cleaner
White vinegar is an excellent and natural solution for removing mineral buildup, soap scum, and other debris from your shower head. Here’s how you can do it:
- Soak it in vinegar: Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and attach it to the shower head using a rubber band or string. Make sure the shower head is fully submerged in the vinegar.
- Let it sit: Leave the shower head to soak for at least an hour, but preferably overnight. The vinegar will break down mineral deposits and other gunk.
- Scrub: After soaking, take a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) and scrub any remaining residue.
- Turn on the water: After soaking, turn on the water for a minute or two to rinse out the vinegar and any loosened buildup.
2. Baking Soda Paste: For Stubborn Grime
If vinegar alone doesn’t do the trick, you can add baking soda to the mix for extra power. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that can help remove stubborn buildup.
- Make a paste: Mix equal parts of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the surface of the shower head and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Scrub: Use a toothbrush to scrub the paste into the holes of the shower head. This will help loosen any mineral deposits and soap scum.
- Rinse: Once you’ve scrubbed away the grime, rinse the shower head thoroughly with water.
3. Lemon Juice: For a Fresh Scent and Clean Shine
Lemon juice is another natural cleaner that can help remove mineral deposits and add a fresh scent to your shower. The acidity of lemon juice works similarly to vinegar, but it’s also great for brightening up the surface.
- Soak the shower head: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl or plastic bag. Submerge the shower head in the juice and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Scrub and rinse: After soaking, scrub with a toothbrush and rinse with water.
Preventative Tips to Keep Your Shower Head Clean Longer
While cleaning your shower head regularly is important, there are a few things you can do to keep it cleaner for longer:
- Install a water softener: If you live in an area with hard water, consider installing a water softener to reduce the mineral buildup in your pipes and shower head.
- Dry the shower head after use: After each shower, use a towel to wipe down the shower head. This will prevent moisture from lingering, which helps reduce the growth of mould and bacteria.
- Keep your shower clean: Regularly clean the rest of your shower to prevent soap scum and mildew from building up near the shower head.
A clean shower head doesn’t just help maintain water flow; it also helps create a healthier, more hygienic environment in your bathroom. By using natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, you can keep your shower head in excellent condition without using harsh chemicals. Remember to clean it regularly and take steps to prevent future buildup, and you’ll be enjoying a refreshing shower every day!
Contact us at Optum if you would like further advice on water softening and filtration in Queenstown, Wanaka and surrounding areas.
Call Us: 03 443 5718
Email: admin@optum.co.nz