‘Quicker’ method to ‘dissolve’ shower head limescale than using baking soda

It’s easy to see how cleaning the shower head can become an afterthought. Mostly because, unlike dirty bathtubs, shower heads do not readily show you just how filthy they are on the inside.  Mineral deposits, known as limescale , and organic matter build up over time and can clog the holes preventing an even flow of water.  If households are noticing a sudden decrease in water pressure or irregular spray patterns, then it is likely that the shower head could use a good soak.  To remove shower head limescale, all that’s needed is the ‘right household remedy’, according to the bathroom experts at Villeroy and Boch . When it comes to removing limescale, the go-to natural remedies for many are baking soda  or  white vinegar . While these prove to be effective, their methods can be ‘time-consuming’. Limescale can clog the holes of a shower head preventing an even flow of water (Image: Getty) Instead, it is recommended to use citric acid to as this ‘dissolves stubborn limescale’ to give ‘perfect results’. The experts said: ‘Cleaning with baking powder or with vinegar is very gentle on the material, but is somewhat time-consuming. ‘A quicker way is to use citric acid, which can be found in powder form at all chemists. Please always follow the dosage and safety instructions on the packaging.’ Citric acid is a great addition to the list of natural cleaning ingredients as its low pH means it is very acidic so it’s very good for removing things like calcium (limescale), rust, and other minerals.  Citric acid is the quickest way to clean a shower head (Image: Getty) It’s also useful for killing mould and mildew and can be used as a preservative. As citric acid is corrosive, households should therefore make sure to either protect their hands with gloves or wash the rest of the cleaning agent off with water immediately afterwards to avoid skin irritation. To begin with, unscrew the shower head and put it in a bowl of water. The shower head should be completely covered by the water. Next, dissolve a level teaspoonful of citric acid into some cold water and add the mixture to the bowl. Looking for a new home, or just fancy a look? Add your postcode below or visit InYourArea Make sure to move the shower head around in the water so that the acid can get to every part of it. Citric acid is ‘considerably more aggressive than baking powder’, so 15 to 45 minutes should be plenty long enough to ‘completely decalcify the shower head’. After this, rinse the shower head under clear water and let enough water run through it to rinse out the acid left inside. Remember, as citric acid is very aggressive, make sure to spot-test the acid on an unnoticeable part of the head to check it doesn’t damage the material. If it does, households may prefer to use baking powder or vinegar to remove the limescale.