White vinegar and baking soda are a dynamic duo when you need to unclog your shower head. Together, they break down tough mineral buildup, limescale, and grime that block water flow.
A clogged shower head can trap bacteria, which isn’t good for you and your family’s health. That’s why I always rely on white vinegar and baking soda for a deep clean to unclog my shower head. The best part for me? This simple, yet effective method doesn’t require harsh chemicals.
If your shower head is still clogged despite your best efforts, it might be time to call a professional. Sometimes, mineral buildup is too stubborn, or there could be an underlying plumbing issue. If you need expert help, Home Gnome can connect you with a plumber near you.
| Difficulty Level: Beginner Estimated Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour (including soaking time) Cost: Up to $50, depending on the tools you need to buy |
Materials and Tools
Before unclogging your shower head, it’s essential to gather everything you need so you can easily complete the project.
- Plastic bag or bucket
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Rubber bands
- Toothbrush
- Toothpick or paper clip
- Soft cloth
Step 1: Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Start by mixing one part of baking soda with three parts of white vinegar. As soon as you combine them, you’ll notice a fizz. This is what will do the work on your shower head’s limescale, grime, and buildup clogging the water holes.
Read more: Avoid annoying clogs with monthly maintenance. Learn more in our guide on Methods to Clean a Shower Head.
Step 2: Submerge Your Shower Head
If your shower head can be removed from the wall pipe, soak it in a bucket with the cleaning solution. However, for fixed shower heads, it’s best to pour the cleaning mixture into a plastic bag, place it over the shower head, and secure it with a rubber band.
I suggest soaking your shower head for 30 minutes. Make sure to set a timer so you don’t forget to remove it from the mixture.
My Tip: If your shower head finish is chrome, brass, or nickel, be extra careful because vinegar can harm those surfaces. After it soaks for 10 minutes, I suggest checking on your shower head regularly to avoid any issues.
Step 3: Rinse the Shower Head
After your shower head soaks in the cleaning solution for 30 minutes, remove it from the bucket or take off the bag. If you removed your shower head, don’t reattach it to the wall just yet. Use the tap in your sink to run hot water through it for a minute or two to flush out loosened debris from the holes.
However, if it’s still connected to the wall, simply run hot water in your shower for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Scrub the Shower Head
Next, I grab a toothbrush and scrub away any residue. For tougher spots, I like to dip my toothbrush in dry baking soda. It’s such a simple trick, but it makes a big difference.
Read More: 12 Different Types of Shower Heads
Step5: Unclog Each Hole
If some holes are still blocked, I use a toothpick or paper clip to clear them out one by one. After that, run hot water again to flush out anything that’s left. This step makes sure every hole is clear and is flowing like it’s brand new.
My Tip: At this point, run water over your shower head to remove any remaining vinegar and baking soda mixture. If it’s attached to the wall, use a cup or bucket to pour water over it.
Step 6: Reinstall and Wipe Your Shower Head
If you removed your shower head earlier, reinstall it now. Finally, I wipe my shower head with a soft cloth to remove water spots and any leftover residue. This is my favorite part because it gives my shower head such a polished finish.
Read More: Is your shower head beyond the point of no return? Follow our guide to replace it.
Find a Plumber Near You
Clean your shower head every one to three months to prevent it from clogging with limescale, especially if you have hard water. I once lived in a place where the water was so hard that shampoo wouldn’t lather. As a result, I had to regularly use this vinegar and baking soda method to unclog my shower head.
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Main Photo Credit: OleCNX / Adobe Stock Free / License
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