These tips will help increase the water pressure and get rid of harmful bacteria.
How to know when it’s time to clean your shower head
Normally, water flows quickly through the nozzle holes. If the pressure is weak, the sprays fly in different directions and the shower head starts making whistling noises then it is clogged.
Why the shower head is clogged.
The main reason is the hard . It contains a lot of calcium and magnesium. These substances accumulate on the plastic and metal that showerheads are made of. Over time, deposits form around the holes of the diffuser. They prevent fluids from getting through.
How often you need to clean the shower head
It is advisable to clean the dirt at least once a month. This will help maintain a stable water pressure and reduce the number of harmful microorganisms. Researchers at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) have found that mycobacteria that can easily breed inside a showerhead can cause .
How and With What to Clean a Shower Faucet
You can remove limescale with simple remedies. Most likely, you will find them at home.
Vinegar
Method 1
Unscrew the shower head from the hose or pipe. Use a wrench if necessary. Pliers can easily damage or just scratch the fixture.
Run a stream of tap water through the shower head to rinse well from the inside. Wear gloves and clean the shower head with a soft, old toothbrush and . Remove deposits from the holes with a toothpick or pin.
To remove any remaining plaque, place the watering can in a container of vinegar overnight. Then rinse the device and attach it to the hose or pipe.
Method 2
If you can’t remove the shower head for some reason, try another method. Pour the vinegar into a plastic bag, then secure it over the shower head with fishing line, bank rubber bands or wire. The nozzle should be completely submerged in the solution. Here’s how to accomplish this:
After an hour, carefully remove the design and turn on the water to rinse the device. Then wipe it down with a soft cloth.
Coca Cola
This drink contains three acids: citric, tartaric and phosphoric. The acidity of the latter is higher than that found in natural cleaning products. For this reason, Coca Cola copes with the removal of plaque and on plumbing.
To make the shower head sparkle, simply pour the baking soda into a plastic bag and proceed the same way as in the second method with vinegar.
Detergent
Try store-bought household chemicals. For example, Cillit BANG, Mr. Proper, Toilet Duck and Domestos are good. In a plastic bag, combine two cups of hot water with ⅛ cup of detergent. You will have a soap mixture. Fix it on the nozzle according to the instructions from the second method with vinegar.
If the solution you bought is specifically for removing lime scale from plumbing fixtures, proceed as indicated on the label.
Soda
In a bowl, combine ½ cup of baking soda with a little warm water and stir. You should have a mass that resembles toothpaste in consistency. Put on gloves and cover the watering can on the side of the holes. Leave it for 25 minutes and then rinse the outside of the device. To remove any remaining mixture from the inside of the nozzle, turn on the .
Lemon and salt
Cut a slice from a lemon and pour salt on it. Rub the shower head on the side of the holes, and then turn on the hot water for a few minutes.
This method will help if a thin layer of lime scale has formed on the nozzle. will destroy the deposits, and the salt will work as a scrub.
What to do if the water pressure is still weak after cleaning
If you have already tried to remove the scale and the water is still barely flowing, clean the shower hose. There may also be fouling inside it.
If possible, remove the part and put it in a tub or deep container. Soak it in vinegar and leave it overnight. In the morning, rinse and fix it in place.
Everything is more complicated if the watering can is fixed to a fixed pipe. In this case, you will need the help of a plumber.
What mistakes to avoid when cleaning the shower head
To avoid making things worse, take precautions:
- Work in a ventilated area. No matter what you decide to clean the nozzle with: vinegar or household chemicals. The fumes from these products can be harmful if inhaled. To be on the safe side, open a window or turn it on while you’re cleaning.
- Don’t use products with chlorine if you want to get rid of bacteria. CIRES researchers suggest that some microorganisms are resistant to this substance. Also, it’s easy to ruin clothes when you’re cleaning them.
- Do not rub the nozzle with a stiff wire brush. If the device has a chrome finish, it will leave scratches. Choose soft cloths.