How to Clean a Shower Head: Easy Steps to Remove and Wash It

Your shower is more than just a place to get clean—it's an essential part of your self-care routine. That's why upgrading to the Weddell Duo Shower Filter is such a game-changer. Designed to reduce harmful contaminants like chlorine and PFAS, it ensures that every drop of water is safer and gentler on your skin and hair. 

While you wait for your Weddell Duo to arrive, let’s learn how to clean a shower head. These preparation steps will help you get ready for a cleaner, healthier showering experience.

• Adjustable wrench (only if the shower head is stuck)

• A soft cloth or rag

• Plumber's tape (optional, for reinstallation)

• Distilled white vinegar* (if your shower head is stuck)

*Note: Since vinegar is acidic, extended exposure can damage the finish on chrome, brass, or nickel shower heads. To prevent discoloration or corrosion, avoid soaking these finishes longer than recommended.

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Ensure the shower is off before you start. While it’s not necessary to shut off the main water supply, double-check that no water is flowing.
2. Unscrew the Shower Head by Hand: Most shower heads can be unscrewed by simply turning them counterclockwise by hand. Grip the base of the shower head firmly and twist to loosen it.
3. If It’s Stuck, Don’t Force It: If the shower head doesn’t budge, avoid applying too much force to prevent damaging the shower arm. Instead, soak the connection area in distilled white vinegar for 15–30 minutes. You can do this by wrapping a vinegar-soaked cloth around the joint or securing a vinegar-filled plastic bag over it with a rubber band. This will help loosen any mineral buildup.

4. (Optional) Use a Wrench: If the vinegar soak doesn’t fully loosen it, wrap a soft cloth around the shower arm to protect it from scratches and use an adjustable wrench to gently turn the shower head counterclockwise.

5. Inspect the Shower Arm: Once removed, check the threads of the shower arm for old plumber's tape or debris. Clean it thoroughly to ensure a smooth installation later.

Even if your shower head isn’t visibly clogged, routine cleaning can help optimize water flow and improve water efficiency. Over time, even small amounts of mineral buildup can impact the pressure and distribution of water. Regular maintenance ensures that your shower stays in top condition, whether you’re installing the Weddell Duo or simply refreshing your bathroom setup.

• Distilled white vinegar

• A plastic bag

• Rubber band or twist tie

• Small cleaning brush or old toothbrush

1. Prepare a Vinegar Soak: Fill a plastic bag halfway with distilled white vinegar.

2. Attach the Bag to the Shower Head: Submerge the shower head in the vinegar-filled bag, ensuring the nozzles are fully covered. Secure the bag with a rubber band or twist tie around the shower arm.

3. Let It Soak: Allow the shower head to soak for 1–2 hours. If your shower head finish is chrome, brass, or nickel, do not soak longer than recommended to avoid damage. 

4. Scrub and Rinse: Remove the bag and rinse the shower head thoroughly with warm water. Use a small cleaning brush or an old toothbrush to gently dislodge any remaining debris from the nozzles.

5. (Optional) Install Weddell Duo: If you’ve received your Weddell Duo, follow our Installation Guide for step-by-step instructions.

6. (Optional) Reattach the Shower Head: If you’re not installing your Weddell Duo just yet, rewrap the shower arm threads with fresh plumber's tape and screw the shower head back clockwise. Tighten it gently by hand.

It’s important to clean your shower head regularly and before installing a filter.

Over time, calcium, lime, and other mineral deposits can clog the shower head. If these aren’t cleaned out first, the filter may become blocked more quickly, reducing its effectiveness and lifespan.

Shower heads can become home to bacteria, mold, and mildew. Installing a filter on a dirty shower head can trap contaminants inside the filter instead of preventing them from reaching your water.

A clean shower head ensures consistent water pressure. If you install a filter on a clogged or dirty shower head, water flow may be uneven or weak.

Regular cleaning prevents large debris or sediment from reaching the filter, helping it work efficiently and last longer.

Filters are designed to remove fine particles and chemicals. If the shower head is dirty, the filter may struggle to do its job properly.

Do not soak longer than two hours, especially if your shower head is brass, nickel, or chrome. Vinegar can damage the finish on the metal.

Start with soaking to loosen the mineral buildup. After soaking, gently scrub with a soft brush to remove remaining residue. 

Equal parts of vinegar and water is a simple option. You can add some essential oils to the mixture to make it smell a little better!