Most people are familiar with the irritation of a shower head where the water jets stick out to all sides because the shower head is limescaled. Not only can it be a nuisance when you stand under the shower, it also doesn’t exactly look nice with large scale deposits on the shower head.

Fortunately, there is a simple procedure for descaling the shower head, so you can enjoy showering again without having to worry about limescale deposits.

We guide you on how to descale and clean the shower head using ordinary household vinegar.


Therefore, you must remember to descale the shower head

Although it may seem like an insignificant task, regular descaling of the shower head in the bath is actually of great importance – both for the life of the shower head but also for the overall appearance of your bathroom.

Here are some important reasons why you should descale your shower head regularly:

  • Limescale deposits can gradually block the nozzles in the shower head, which can reduce the flow of water and make your shower less comfortable because the water is not distributed evenly.
  • Limescale on the shower head can cause wear and tear on the shower head, which can lead to leaks, rust and even the need to replace the entire shower head. In some cases, it will even be most optimal to replace the shower head and replace it with a brand new one shower set .
  • When the nozzles are blocked by limescale, it takes more energy to produce the desired water flow, which can lead to increased water and energy consumption.

How do you descale a shower head?

The easiest way to descale your shower head is to use good, old-fashioned household vinegar. Household vinegar is an effective means of removing limescale and cleaning both the shower head and other shower parts, such as e.g. shower sets and shower fittings .

Step-by-step guide to descaling the shower head:

  1. Start by unscrewing the shower head if possible.
  2. Pour household vinegar into a plastic bag or container
  3. Place the showerhead in the plastic bag or container of vinegar so that the entire showerhead and the areas that are scaled are covered in vinegar.
  4. Leave the shower head in the vinegar for a minimum of 3-4 hours – and preferably overnight for optimal effect.
  5. Remove the shower head from the vinegar and check if the scale is gone. If there is still limescale residue on the shower head, you can try to scrub it off with a sponge.
  6. Screw the showerhead back onto the hose and let the water run for a few minutes to make sure all the vinegar and limescale is gone.
  7. After this, the shower head should be free of limescale deposits, and the water jet from the shower should again be uniform.

Doesn’t it work? Try a stronger detergent

Have you tried to descale the shower head with household vinegar, but to no avail? Then it may be necessary to use harsher means to clean the shower head so that it works as intended again.

Here, for example, you can try your hand at some of the strong limescale removers to descale the shower head – but remember to check the instructions for use before trying harsher limescale removers. Always remember to rinse the shower head thoroughly after use.

Also, be aware that not all materials are resistant to special types of chemicals – therefore remember to take the materials in your bath into account so that you are sure that you do not damage the shower head, the fittings or the tiles.


Descaling of brass shower head

Do you have a shower faucet, a bathtub faucet or a brass showerhead that has scaled? Then you must pay attention to the type of descaling agent you use to remove stubborn limescale residues. Brass fittings and shower heads in particular are sensitive to strong chemicals that contain acids or abrasive ingredients.

If you need to clean or descale your brass fitting or a brass shower head, it is therefore a good idea to use milder limescale removers such as vinegar or citric acid.

How to remove scale from a brass faucet or brass shower head

Instead of using strong limescale removers to descale a brass shower head or fitting, you can use either citric acid or vinegar. They are gentler on brass and still effective in removing stubborn scale.

To descale your brass shower head with vinegar, simply follow the same procedure as described above. Remember to rinse thoroughly afterwards with water so that you are sure that both the brass fitting and the shower head are free of limescale residues.

Read also: Our guide to descaling faucets .

Remember: Not all materials tolerate limescale remover

When you remove limescale in the bathroom – whether you need to descale the shower head, the fittings or your bathroom tiles – it is important to be aware that not all surfaces can be treated with limescale remover.

Surfaces that do not tolerate limescale remover:

If you want to remove limescale from these surfaces, you should instead use products that have been specially developed for descaling this particular type of natural stone.

It is important to always read and follow the instructions on the packaging and any perform a test on a small area to ensure that the descaler does not damage either the tiles or the fixture.

If you are in doubt as to whether a descaler is safe to use on a particular surface, you should always try a milder descaler first.

How to prevent limescale in the bathroom

Limescale in the bathroom can be frustrating – luckily there are several ways you can remove stubborn limescale deposits.

One of the best ways to keep scale off the faucet and shower head is to wipe away the water with a dry towel after each shower. In this way, you prevent the water from getting stuck and depositing as lime deposits. Also read our guide on how to remove limescale from the tiles in the bathroom .

Find everything for the bathroom at Focus Plus

On our webshop we have a large selection of floor tiles and wall tiles for the bathroom, including the ultra-popular lava stone tiles. Of course, we also sell washbasin fittings , bathroom mirrors and wooden bathroom furniture of the highest quality. If you have questions about one of our products or are thinking about renovating the bathroom or the kitchen, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone, just as you are always welcome in our Showroom in Indre By where there is always coffee on tap.