As far as plumbing fixtures go, showerheads are relatively cheap, and they’re also very easy to take out and install. That’s why, when showerheads stop functioning properly, many people simply throw them out and replace them with new ones. But if you have a showerhead that you love or you just don’t feel like spending the money on a new one, you might want to try cleaning your showerhead before replacing it entirely. Fortunately, it’s a very easy process. Here’s what to do.


Step 1: Wait until you’re done using the shower for the day, and then unscrew the showerhead from the fixture and lay it on a towel on a smooth surface. Disassemble all the parts. If you think you’re going to have trouble putting it back together, then before you do anything further, lay all the parts out in an orderly configuration that will help you remember where they go, and take a photograph.

Step 2: Fill a small bucket with a mixture of two parts water and one part white vinegar, and immerse the parts of the showerhead in the mixture. Let them soak overnight.

Step 3: After soaking the parts overnight, lay them out on the toweled surface and examine them closely. You may see mineral deposits on some of the internal parts. If so, clean them with a wire brush. If the showerhead has one of those small metal disks that has little holes for the water to travel through, use a straightened paper clip to clear out any mineral deposits in the holes. Also examine the other parts closely for stains or mildew, and use a cleaning solution to get rid of them.

Step 4: After all your cleaning is done, carefully reassemble the showerhead, making sure all the parts are facing in the correct direction. Screw the parts together tightly but not so tightly that the material warps.

Step 5: Apply a few layers of plumbers tape the threads of the shower arm, and then screw the showerhead back on. Let it run for a few moments. Ideally, the showerhead will be running as smoothly and thickly as when it was new. If it doesn’t seem to work properly, carefully take it apart and put it back together again. If this doesn’t help fix it, then you might want to consider buying a new one.