Many homeowners neglect cleaning their shower heads until they experience taking a shower under water that is being sprayed all around them instead of on them! The problem is that several of the water spouts in the shower head have become clogged.

All shower heads require regular maintenance to remove the mineral buildup that accumulates on them with regular use.

Easy Ways To Clean Your Shower Head

The Plastic Bag Method

  1. You’ll need a gallon size plastic bag (like a Ziploc bag) and a rubber band or some type of strong tie.
  2. Fill the bag half way with 50% water and 50% white vinegar or CLR
  3. Place the bag around the shower head so that the shower head unit is fully immersed in the solution inside the bag.
  4. Secure the bag with a rubber band (or any other type of strong tie to keep the bag in place)
  5. Keep this bag up for at least 1 hour (overnight is fine too).
  6. After you remove the bag, wipe down the shower head with a damp cloth.
  7. Turn on the shower head to see if all the spouts have been cleared.
  8. You may need to repeat the process depending on how clogged your water spouts have become.
  9. CAUTION: If your shower head is brass, gold or nickel coated do NOT leave the bag on for more than 30 minutes as it could damage the finish.

The Toothbrush or Scrub Brush Method

  1. If you only have a few clogged spouts then you may be able to just clean the shower head with a toothbrush or a scrub brush.
  2. Use the same mixture of 50% water and 50% white vinegar or CLR.
  3. Scrub the shower head with a used toothbrush or scrub brush.
  4. When you are done, wipe down the shower head with a damp cloth.
  5. Turn on the shower head to see if all the spouts have been cleared.
  6. Repeat if necessary.

Both of these methods should clear out the clogs in your water spouts and give you a nice, clean shower head.

You may also want to use a straightened out paper clip to remove any stubborn water spout clogs, if needed.


If you have any questions about shower heads or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.