How to Clear a Plugged Showerhead with Vinegar

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Hard Water

“Hard” water is really water that has an overabundance of some mineral, usually either iron or calcium.  When “hard” water dries in a showerhead it can collect in the little holes and really plug them up over time.  But, this doesn’t mean that you need to throw away your showerhead.  Just clean it up as good as new with vinegar. 

A Green Solution

Vinegar contains a weak acid that is unlikely to harm the human skin.  This weak acid and other chemical compounds in the vinegar combine with the minerals left behind by “hard” water and lift them right off the chrome or brass.  Vinegar will not harm the finish of chrome or brass because it does not react chemically with these materials.  Also, vinegar quickly breaks down in the environment, unlike many harsh chemical cleansers, so it’s a perfect green solution!

The Process

Personally, I do this once a month for both of my showerheads, but depending on the overall hardness of your water you may need to do it either more or less.  First, take a plastic bag (no holes please!) large enough to fit completely over your showerhead.  Then find a twist-tie.  Fill the bag with full strength vinegar, put the bag over the showerhead and tie it around the showerhead with the twist-tie so that the holes in the showerhead are completely submerged in vinegar.  Let sit for fifteen minutes.  Untie the bag from around the showerhead and reuse the vinegar (mix it with lemon juice for especially good cleaning) and you’re done.  Next time you take a shower the water will smell like vinegar for a couple of minutes, but you won’t mind.  The showerhead will work like it was brand new!!!

Happy Cleaning!!!

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