How to Descale a Shower Head
A crooked or weak spray means the nozzles are clogged with limescale. One plastic bag fixes it without taking the head off.
What you need
Supplies
- 2 tbsp citric acid
- 500 ml (2 cups) warm water
Tools
- Zip bag or plastic bag
- Rubber band
- Toothbrush
- Toothpick
How to do it
- 01
Mix a citric acid solution
Dissolve 2 tbsp of citric acid in 500 ml (2 cups) of warm water. Warm water dissolves limescale faster than cold.
- 02
Bag the shower head
Pour the solution into a plastic bag, pull it up so the shower head is fully submerged, and secure it tightly around the neck with a rubber band. If the head comes off, you can soak it in a bowl instead.
- 03
Wait about an hour
Leave it for about an hour and the white scale around the nozzles will dissolve. For heavy buildup, add 30 minutes, but do not exceed 2 hours.
- 04
Scrub the nozzles
Remove the bag and scrub the face with a toothbrush. If the nozzles are rubber, press each one with your finger to pop out trapped scale. Clear any blocked holes gently with a toothpick.
- 05
Run the water
Turn the shower on for 1–2 minutes to flush out dissolved scale and citric acid. Check the spray is even; if some holes are still blocked, repeat step 4.
Be careful
- Gold or black plated heads can lose their finish with long acid exposure. Soak for no more than 30 minutes and test a hidden spot first.
- If it is a filter shower head, remove the filter before soaking. Filters need replacing, not cleaning.
- Bleach does not dissolve limescale and corrodes metal, so do not use it.
Malkkeum tips
- For heads with rubber nozzles, rubbing your palm over them after each shower slows buildup.
- Before tipping out the solution, pour it over your bathroom faucet and scrub; two jobs done at once.
Why limescale builds up
Tap water contains dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. Each time the water left inside the shower head dries, a little of those minerals hardens into white limescale. The nozzle holes are tiny, so even a thin layer makes the spray spit sideways or weaken.
If the pressure is still weak
If the spray is still weak after descaling, check the small mesh screen where the head connects to the hose. Unscrew the connection and you will find a round screen that often catches sand or rust flakes. Brush it clean and screw it back. If pressure is still low, the issue may be your home’s water pressure or water heater.
FAQ
Can I use vinegar? Yes. Mix vinegar and water 1:1 and soak the same way. Citric acid is odorless and more consistent, so we recommend it.
