If you notice your showerhead losing its spray power or if you have random shower jets shooting in every direction, you probably need to clean your showerhead. Dirty showerheads are usually caused by hard water that leaves mineral deposits that clog the jet openings.
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A simple soak and scrub can clean the mineral deposits in your showerhead in a matter of minutes. Most people use household cleaners, but they are not necessary; vinegar can be a better alternative, and it’s easier on the environment. Consider adding vinegar to your cleaning arsenal. It is cheaper than household cleaners, and it does not harm the environment.
The simple and easy way to clean your showerhead is to remove it from the shower arm and soak it in a container with the vinegar or other natural cleaning products. The showerhead can easily be removed from the arm by using a rag to cover the nut that connects the showerhead and the shower arm. With the rag in place, use a wrench to loosen the nut. Warm up some vinegar in the microwave, and soak the showerhead in it. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the mineral build up off the showerhead. Use a paper clip to clean the clogged spray jets.
It is important to keep an eye on the showerhead you are cleaning, taking into consideration its material. You have to be extra careful if the showerhead has a designer finish such as oil-rubbed bronze, antique copper, or brushed nickel. You do not know how those materials will react to the vinegar. You can play it safe by first wetting a cotton swab with the vinegar and testing it on an inconspicuous area of the showerhead for at least 30 minutes. If you do not notice an adverse reaction, you can proceed to soak the showerhead in the vinegar.
Rinse the showerhead with lukewarm water and reattach it to the shower arm. Cover the nut with the rag once again, and tighten it with a wrench.
After reconnecting the showerhead to the arm, turn the water on to check if it is spraying well. If you continue to notice the same problem, you may have a backed-up shower or some other issue. Call a professional bathroom plumber for assistance.