Many people do not realise that showerheads need to be cleaned to get rid of limescale, a crusty substance made up of minerals left behind when water evaporates. Limescale traps bacteria inside a showerhead, which can lead to mould growth, horrible smells in the bathroom, and less hygienic shower water. 

However, Sara Zenner, a DIY expert and founder of Bitz N Giggles, has shared the best way to clean a clogged showerhead without a pricy cleaner. Sara said, “If yours looks anything like mine, I'm here to let you know, there's hope. Don't go running to the store just yet to buy anything new. Let's try this first.” 

How to properly clean a showerhead

You will need:

• 240ml of white vinegar
• 80g of baking soda
• 60ml of lemon juice 
• Plastic bag (either a shopping bag or sandwich bag)
• Rubber bands
• Scrubbing brush or old toothbrush

It may seem strange to use kitchen ingredients, but white vinegar is one of the best items for cleaning bathrooms. It contains acetic acid, which can break down the minerals in limescale. 

White vinegar is also antibacterial, so it will help sanitise your shower after removing the limescale and any mould. 

Baking soda is a natural degreaser, so it can remove any soap scrum that has built up in the showerhead and help clean away any other grime inside. 

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which helps remove tough limescale deposits. It also has a fresh, clean scent that acts as a deodoriser and makes your bathroom smell lovely after cleaning. 

Sara said: “Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice are effective and eco-friendly cleaning agents that can help remove mineral deposits and grime from your shower head.

"They're also safe for the environment, and they won't leave behind harsh chemical residues that could be harmful to your skin or the environment.”

Instructions

To begin with, place the baking soda in the plastic bag, then add the white vinegar and lemon juice to make the homemade solution.

Secure the plastic bag on your showerhead with rubber bands to hold it in place. Make sure to double-check that the rubber bands are properly fastened to prevent leaking or dripping. 

Then, simply leave the solution for a few hours to allow the cleaning agents to break down the limescale and other stains. 

Once the time is up, take the plastic bag off the shower. Fill a small container with warm water and use a small scrubbing brush to rinse the baking soda residue from the showerhead. 

If there is any remaining limescale, it should easily be wiped away once you rinse it with warm water. 

Sara said: “After taking these simple steps, you should see a pretty, shiny, shower head.”