If you’re struggling with a decrease in water pressure or irregular spray patterns, it is likely that your shower head could use a good clean. Limescale-ridden shower heads are often overlooked when cleaning the bathroom, primarily because, unlike grimy bathtubs, they don’t visibly display their internal filth.
Limescale and organic matter, known as mineral deposits, accumulate over time, potentially blocking the holes and disrupting the water flow. If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure or inconsistent spray patterns, it’s likely that your shower head needs a thorough clean.
To eliminate limescale from the shower head, all you need is the “right household remedy,” according to bathroom experts at Villeroy and Boch.
Why Citric Acid Is the Best Choice
While many people turn to baking soda or white vinegar for natural limescale removal, these methods can be “time-consuming.” Instead, citric acid is recommended as it “dissolves stubborn limescale” for “perfect results.”
The experts stated: “Cleaning with baking powder or with vinegar is very gentle on the material, but is somewhat time-consuming. A quicker way is to use citric acid, which can be found in powder form at all chemists. Please always follow the dosage and safety instructions on the packaging.”
Citric acid is an excellent addition to the list of natural cleaning ingredients due to its low pH, making it highly acidic and effective at removing substances like calcium (limescale), rust, and other minerals. It’s also beneficial for eliminating mould and mildew and can serve as a preservative.
How to Use Citric Acid to Clean Your Shower Head
- Prepare the Shower Head: Unscrew the shower head and put it in a bowl of water. The water should completely cover the shower head.
- Mix the Solution: Dissolve a level teaspoonful of citric acid into some cold water and add the mixture to the bowl.
- Soak the Shower Head: Allow the shower head to soak in the citric acid solution for 15 to 45 minutes. Citric acid is “considerably more aggressive than baking powder,” so this should be plenty long enough to “completely decalcify the shower head.”
- Rinse Thoroughly: After soaking, rinse the shower head under clear water and let enough water run through it to rinse out the acid left inside.
Safety Precautions
As citric acid is corrosive, make sure to protect your hands with gloves or wash the cleaning agent off with water immediately afterwards to avoid skin irritation. Additionally, because citric acid is very aggressive, always spot-test the acid on an unnoticeable part of the shower head to ensure it doesn’t damage the material. If it does, you may prefer to use baking powder or vinegar to remove the limescale.
By using citric acid, you can quickly and effectively remove limescale from your shower head, restoring water pressure and ensuring a more pleasant showering experience.
