If your shower head is encrusted with limescale, clean it thoroughly by following these simple tips

The shower head is always in contact with water and is prone to limescale build-up. An encrusted shower head will become blocked over time and fail to dispense the water properly. Furthermore, limescale and ambient humidity will also provide perfect conditions for the proliferation of mold and bacteria, posing a health risk.

Fortunately, a dirty showerhead need not be replaced with a new one and can be effectively cleaned. There are various products in your pantry that can help you accomplish this task - read on to find out more:

Clean the shower head without removing it

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If your shower head is fixed or if you don't want to remove it, you can still clean it easily. To remove limescale, the most effective product to use are white vinegar and citric acid. The acidity of these products will dissolve limescale. By adding baking soda, the cleaning power of these products will be intensified.

Get a plastic bag and fill it with 250 ml of white vinegar (or a 20% citric acid solution), add 50 grams of bicarbonate (baking soda) and tie the bag around your shower head, securing it firmly with an elastic band (and ensuring the head is immersed in the mixture). Leave to act overnight, then remove the bag, rinse off with water and dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Deep cleaning of the shower head

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If the shower head can be removed from its housing, you can clean it thoroughly, as follows:

• Remove the shower head from its housing/bracket and immerse it in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar (or in a 20% citric acid solution);
• Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and leave to act for at least an hour (overnight, if necessary);
• Scrub the shower head with an old toothbrush, adding undiluted vinegar if necessary;
• If there is still some limescale residue, use a toothpick to unblock the spray holes;
• If necessary, dismantle the shower head and immerse the individual parts in a solution of vinegar or citric acid and baking soda;
• Dry the shower head thoroughly, reassemble it and place back into its housing.

Carry out this cleaning regularly, at least once a monthly, to ensure your shower head remains limescale-free.