If your water pressure has slowed to a drip or the shower head is suddenly spraying sideways, you might have mineral build-up clogging the jets. Even with a filter, naturally occurring minerals can pile into your shower head to form a calcified blockage. But luckily, there’s a fix. Before you drop the money to swap out your shower head, try this quick method that makes removing build-up and restoring shine easy.
Materials
- Distilled vinegar
- Plastic bag
- Rubber bands
- Clean toothbrush
Prep your shower head
Make sure your shower head is clean of any loose debris or dust. Then, fill a plastic bag, reusable or Ziplock, with distilled vinegar. Fill halfway—you’ll need space to tie off the excess.
Place the vinegar soak around the shower head, making sure the shower head holes are fully submerged before securing with a rubber band. Let sit for 30 minutes if your shower head is plated copper or nickel. If your shower head is made of a solid metal or plastic, you can leave the soak attached for an hour or more depending on the severity of the buildup.
Rinse off buildup
Dump out the vinegar and scrub the shower head with a clean soft-bristled toothbrush, helping to dislodge stubborn sections. Once the shower head is clear of blockages, run the shower with lukewarm water for a couple of seconds to clear out the vinegar. Dry the fixture with a towel for shine.
