How to Clean a Shower Head

Despite regular cleaning, it’s easy for water spots and mineral deposits to buildup on your shower head. So, what’s the best way to clean your shower head? A simple vinegar and water solution and a little bit of time are all you need. Follow these steps to remove buildup, unclog nozzles, and make your shower head look like new.

To ensure cleaning your shower head goes smoothly, gather the necessary cleaning supplies and tools before you get started. You'll need the following items:

• Distilled white vinegar
• Container that fits your shower head
• Toothbrush (a used one is fine)
• Soft cloth
• Toalla
• Plumber's tape (optional)
• Llave inglesa

Removing the shower head from the shower arm makes it easier to deep clean the shower head. In case the shower head or a tool is accidentally dropped, protect your shower floor/bathtub with a towel. Make sure the towel covers the drain as well to ensure that small parts don't fall in.

Follow the steps below to remove your shower head. There are a few things to watch out for along the way, so read through them all before you begin. You can also check out this video for a quick overview.

• Turn the nut that connects the shower head to the shower arm counterclockwise (i.e., to the left) to loosen it and detach the shower head. If you can't untighten the nut by hand, wrap it in a cloth to protect the finish and use an adjustable wrench to loosen. Be sure to hold the shower arm when untightening the nut, so the arm doesn't twist and come loose.
• Heads up! A gasket and screen sit inside the nut to ensure a watertight seal and prevent debris from entering the shower head. They should fit snuggly but be on the lookout to ensure they don't get lost. If you don't see them in the nut, they might be stuck on the end of the shower arm.
• Remove debris (e.g., old tape, rust) from the threads on the shower arm, so the surface is clean and ready to reinstall your shower head. Use a toothbrush if needed.

Mineral buildup on the spray nozzles not only looks bad but can also impact performance, making your shower feel like there is less water pressure. Some shower heads come with special nozzles designed to simplify removal of mineral deposits. Delta^® shower heads with Touch-Clean^® spray holes are a perfect example. Simply rub your finger over the spray holes to loosen and wipe away residue.

Once you've removed your shower head, deep clean it as noted below:

• Fill the container with a 50/50 mix of distilled white vinegar and water. Start with 1 cup of each and add more as needed to cover the shower head.
• Soak the shower head for 30 minutes then gently rub the spray face with a soft cloth or toothbrush to remove buildup.
• Repeat this process until mineral deposits can be wiped away.
• Rinse the shower head with water.
• Wipe it dry with a soft cloth.

Why vinegar? Distilled white vinegar is a common household cleaner, and it's readily available in a variety of stores and online retailers. The acidity in the vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits, but it's not harsh enough to damage the shower head finish or internal components.

Reinstalling your shower head is easy. You'll find the key steps below and can check out our video to see how it's done.

• Apply plumber's tape (also known as PTFE or pipe tape) if desired. Plumber's tape is commonly used for metal-to-metal connections to ensure a watertight seal and prevent leaks between the shower head and arm. Be cautious when applying tape for metal-to-plastic connections. If it increases the diameter of the pipe/arm too much, it may crack the shower head nut. Please keep in mind that tape is not required for most Delta shower heads. 
  
  Here's a tip from DIY experts Mike & Hannah to ensure a good seal: 
  When applying plumber's tape to the threads on the shower arm, wrap it in a clockwise direction. That way it won't unravel when you tighten the connections. Be sure the tape stays on the threads. 
   
• Make sure the gasket and debris screen are in place inside the nut.
• Hand-tighten the shower head onto the shower arm by turning clockwise until the connection is secure. Don't use pliers or a wrench. Those tools make it easy to overtighten, which can cause damage or leaks.
• Check for leaks by turning on the water and looking for droplets between the shower arm and head. If you find a leak, tighten the connection and add more plumber's tape if needed. Be careful not to overdo it. Tightening too much might crack the nut.

Mineral deposits occur when water evaporates from the shower head surface. The best way to avoid them is by simply removing water droplets with a soft cloth after each use. But that's not often a realistic solution in our busy lives. The next best step is to regularly clean the shower head with a damp, non-abrasive sponge (water alone is fine but mild soap is okay, too) and buff it dry with a soft cloth. This method will help prevent water spots and mineral buildup.

When you're ready for a new shower head, another option is to consider a finish that resists mineral buildup and hard water stains. Delta Lumicoat^® finishes have an ultra-sleek surface that repels liquids, resisting water spots and staying cleaner longer. You can easily wipe them clean without cleaners and chemicals.

Abrasive cleaners, sponges, and brushes could damage the finish on your faucet or shower head—and potentially void your warranty. So, be sure to avoid these items when cleaning:

• Abrasive cleaners
• Limpiadores a base de lejía
• Industrial cleaners
• Products that state they remove tarnish and rust
• Products that contain hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, and/or phosphoric acids
• Abrasive sponges and brushes
• Polishes

We hope these tips make it easier to keep your shower head clean. But if you need more assistance, contact your shower head manufacturer for guidance. For Delta products, our award-winning customer solutions team is always ready to help. Call us at 800-345-DELTA (3358) or click the "Chat with an Expert" box on our Contact Us page to connect with our team.