Are you tired of taking a shower and feeling like the water isn’t coming out as strong as it used to? Or maybe you’ve noticed that the water is coming out in a weird pattern.
Well, fear not! I have a simple and natural solution that will have your shower head looking and functioning like new in no time.
All you need is a lemon and some water. Yes, you heard me right - a lemon!
Just lately I noticed how grimy my shower head had become. I wondered how effective a simple lemon could be to get it sparkling again. And I was amazed at how effective it was!
I love cleaning with lemons. Check out this page for all my posts on things you can clean with them. For example, did you know you could clean out your kettle very effectively with a lemon?
Lemon juice is a natural and effective way to remove mineral buildup and grime from your shower head. It’s also a great alternative to harsh chemicals that can damage your shower head and harm the environment.
Before we start. Here’s what my shower head looked like before I started cleaning it. Pretty bad. I’m a bit embarrassed I let it get so gunked up.
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Why clean your shower head?
Over time, mineral buildup, sediment, and other deposits can accumulate in your shower head, leading to reduced water flow, unpleasant odors, and even the growth of harmful bacteria.
Here are a few reasons why you should make cleaning your shower head a regular part of your cleaning routine:
1. Improve water flow
If you’ve noticed that your shower head isn’t putting out as much water as it used to, mineral buildup could be to blame.
Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can leave behind deposits that clog up your shower head and reduce water flow.
By cleaning your shower head regularly, you can remove these deposits and get your water flowing freely again.
2. Eliminate odors
If your shower head has a funky smell, it could be due to the buildup of bacteria and other microorganisms inside.
This can be especially common in areas with hard water, which can create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.
Lemon juice can help eliminate these odors and keep your shower smelling fresh.
3. Prevention
They say prevention is better than a cure!
Regularly cleaning your shower head can prevent limescale buildup. It also means you can use more gentle cleaning methods, such as using lemon juice.
What you’ll need
Cleaning a shower head with lemon juice is a simple and effective way to get rid of mineral buildup and keep your shower head working at its best.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Lemon juice. Lemon juice is a natural acid that can help break down mineral buildup and other grime on your shower head. You can use fresh lemon juice or bottled lemon juice, whichever is most convenient for you.
- Rubber gloves. Rubber gloves will help protect your hands from any harsh chemicals or hot water during the cleaning process.
- Old toothbrush. An old toothbrush is great for scrubbing away any buildup on your shower head.
- Toothpick. A toothpick can be used to clean out any small crevices or holes in your shower head that the toothbrush can’t reach.
- Plastic bag such as a Ziploc. Having a small plastic bag handy will allow you to soak the shower head in the lemon juice without needing to use a mountain of lemons!
Now that you know what you’ll need, let’s get started on cleaning your shower head with lemon juice!
How to clean your shower head with lemon juice
Step 1: Remove the shower head
The first step in cleaning a shower head with lemon juice is to remove the shower head from the pipe. This will allow you to clean the shower head more thoroughly and ensure that all the mineral buildup and deposits are removed.
To remove the shower head, you can use a wrench or pliers to loosen the nut that connects the shower head to the pipe.
Mine simply unscrewed, you might be able to do the same, so it is worth trying that first.
Step 2: Soak the shower head in lemon juice
Once you have removed the shower head, the next step is to soak it in lemon juice.
You can use fresh lemon juice or bottled lemon juice for this step. Fill a plastic bag with lemon juice and place the shower head inside the bag.
As my shower head was so dirty, I used the juice of two lemons and then added some water until the shower head was submerged in the lemony water.
Let the shower head soak in the lemon juice for at least 30 minutes. I gave mine an hour.
Step 3: Scrub the shower head
After soaking the shower head in lemon juice, use an old toothbrush or a toothpick to scrub the shower head and remove any remaining mineral buildup, sediment, or calcium deposits.
Be gentle while scrubbing to avoid damaging the shower head.
You can also use a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda to create a paste that can be used to scrub the shower head.
I found that the brown stains simply wiped off easily with a microfiber cloth.
Step 4: Rinse the shower head
The final step is to rinse it thoroughly.
Rinse the shower head with water, making sure that all the cleaning solution is removed from the shower head before reattaching it to the pipe.
Here’s how my shower head looked after I finished cleaning it with nothing more than a couple of lemons!
Alternative cleaning methods
As much as I love using lemon juice to clean my shower head, not everyone may have it readily available in their kitchen.
Fear not, my friends! There are other alternative cleaning methods that can get the job done just as effectively.
Vinegar
Vinegar has similar cleaning properties to lemon juice as they are both acids, which means they can dissolve hard water deposits and break down grease and grime.
Simply soak your shower head in one part water to one part distilled white vinegar and then rinse.
CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover
If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn mineral deposits, CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover is a great option. This powerful cleaner is specifically designed to dissolve hard water buildup, mineral deposits, and scale.
To use this method, simply apply the CLR solution to your shower head and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse the shower head thoroughly with water afterward, and you should notice a significant improvement in water flow and pressure.
Bleach
If your shower head is simply grimy and isn’t clogged up with limescale, then bleach will work for you.
To use this method, mix one part bleach with ten parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto your shower head and let it sit for a few minutes.
Rinse the shower head thoroughly with water afterward, and make sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling bleach.
Preventative maintenance tips
Now you know how to get your shower head spotless, how do you keep it that way? Prevention is key!
Here are a few tips to keep your shower head clean and functioning properly:
Use a shower head filter
If you have hard water, a shower head filter can be a lifesaver. Hard water contains minerals that can build up in your shower head over time, leading to reduced water flow and pressure. A shower head filter can help to remove these minerals before they have a chance to build up.
Wipe down your shower head regularly
A quick wipe down with a damp cloth or sponge can go a long way in preventing mineral buildup and mildew growth. Make this a part of your regular cleaning routine to keep your shower head looking and functioning like new.
Use lemon juice or white vinegar
Lemon juice and white vinegar are both great natural cleaners that can help to prevent mineral buildup and mildew growth. Simply mix equal parts lemon juice or white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray your shower head and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. You can also use this spray to clean your whole shower.
Avoid harsh chemicals
Harsh chemicals can damage your shower head and cause it to deteriorate over time. Avoid using undiluted bleach or other harsh cleaners on your shower head, and opt for natural cleaning solutions instead.
Check for leaks
A leaky shower head can lead to water damage and mold growth in your shower, so it’s important to check for leaks regularly. If you notice any leaks, be sure to fix them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
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