Bring Shine Back To Your Grimy Shower Head With This All-Natural Product

Showers are meant to be relaxing, but they can quickly become frustrating when you're faced with just a trickle of water, or worse, water spraying in all directions except on you, all due to limescale clogging the nozzles. Luckily, there's an easy fix for this grimy problem, and it might just be sitting in your pantry or cleaning cabinet: citric acid. This all-natural product is a simple yet effective solution for pesky limescale deposits that's causing your shower's low water pressure!

Because citric acid is a mild acid, you can use it to effectively remove hard water stains, perform mild descaling, and even disinfect and clean because it kills molds, mildew, and bacteria. This disinfecting property is particularly beneficial for cleaning blocked shower heads, which are the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and germs. By using citric acid, you not only clear away the limescale blockages but also maintain the hygiene of your shower head, ensuring a cleaner and healthier shower experience.

Before starting, make sure you wear eye protection, a mask, and gloves. While citric acid isn't caustic, it can still irritate the eyes, skin, and mouth. If you're using a detachable shower, remove the shower head. Prepare enough solution, and pour it into a container that is deep enough for the shower head to be submerged completely.

Dissolve two tablespoons of citric acid powder in a bowl full of a liter of hot but not boiling water. If you need more, you can put three-fourths of a cup of citric acid in one gallon of water. Leave the shower head completely soaked for at least an hour. Use a toothbrush to dislodge loosened limescale deposits. Rinse the shower head with clear water before returning it, and run water through it to wash out the residual solution.

For non-detachable showers, fill a plastic bag with a solution and secure it into the shower head with a rubber band. Make sure the shower head is fully submerged. After removing the bag, use a toothbrush to scrub away any loose debris and run hot water to wash away any remaining dirt and solution.

Before using citric acid to fix a clogged shower head, it's essential to ensure it's safe for the material. Conduct a spot test with the solution on a less visible part of the shower head to check for any adverse reactions. If you notice any damage, switch to a milder cleaner like baking powder or vinegar.

After descaling your shower head, regular maintenance is critical. A weekly clean using the solution, combined with gentle scrubbing of the nozzle openings with a toothbrush, can keep limescale at bay. 

Another effective preventive measure is to install an exterior shower head filter. These filters come with multiple layers to trap impurities like sediment, rust, sand, and other minerals. Positioned between the waterline and the shower head, they help keep the nozzles clear, ensuring a consistent and clean water flow.