Limescale buildup on shower heads is common in hard water areas, but one kitchen item can help remove this unsightly annoyance
Showers may not be as pristine as they seem, with shower heads often being the most neglected areas in the home. This neglect can lead to limescale getting trapped inside the nozzles.
Limescale is a stain that forms when hard water evaporates, leaving behind minerals that harden over time, clog up shower heads and foster more bacteria on a surface. Not only does it make a shower less hygienic, but over time, it will form a tough, crusty layer that is difficult to dissolve, as it cannot be cleaned with standard supermarket sprays.
Bleach is ineffective against limescale, as you need an acidic product to remove the minerals, but other effective solutions like white vinegar can leave behind a potent smell that will linger in a bathroom.
However, George Allardyce, an expert from Royal Bathrooms, has revealed a superior method to deep clean a shower head, by using a bit of lemon juice.
George said: “You may also clean a shower head by using lemon juice, which is a gentle alternative. This method is ideal for someone who does not like a strong vinegar fragrance.”
Lemon juice contains a substance called citric acid, which can break down the minerals that constitute limescale and soften any buildup it has created.
It’s a natural way to clean your shower head, so there’s no need to use a harsh chemical cleaner, and unlike white vinegar, it won’t leave a strong smell behind after cleaning.
How to clean a shower head with lemon juice
If possible, it’s more effective to squeeze fresh lemons for their juice, as the citric acid will be much more potent than bottled lemon juice.
You’ll need three to four lemons to get enough juice, but it’s also perfectly fine to buy a bottle of lemon juice from the baking aisle of any supermarket.
All you have to do is mix equal parts lemon juice and warm water in a basin to create the cleaning solution. For a detachable shower head, simply unscrew it and place it in the basin. Let it soak for an hour.
However, if you can’t remove the shower head, then pour the cleaning solution into a plastic bag. Place the bag over the shower head, secure it with elastic bands, and then leave it to soak for an hour.
Once the time is up, the limescale should now be soft and starting to crumble away. Wipe down the shower head with a cloth and use an old toothbrush to dislodge any debris inside the spray jet holes.
The shower head should now be fully clean, unclogged, and water will flow smoothly, so you can enjoy a refreshing shower without worrying about limescale.
