When faucets and showerheads are brand new, the water seems to come out easily and smoothly. The water flow and pressure are optimal.
As time passes, however, the water pressure of showerheads or faucets can gradually decrease.
Sometimes tiny holes in the showerhead will make the water spray out in different directions.
As a result, the relaxing experience of taking a steamy shower turns into an annoying one.
This mainly occurs due to clogging or mineral buildup in the faucet or showerhead.
However, cleaning faucets and showerheads without removing them, but with proper care might be the best solution.
Contents
Why Do Faucets and Showerheads Need to Be Cleaned Regularly?
There are many minerals in tap water. As it runs through your faucets and showerheads, the minerals can start building up.
Over time, the minerals become hard and change color.
This mineral buildup will clog your faucets if they’re not regularly cleaned. Eventually, the flow of water will slow down and get sluggish.
This problem occurs even for top-rated shower faucets.
Using a water softener can delay the clogging process as it purifies the minerals out of the water.
However, there can still be some build-up. Therefore, it is essential to keep these elements clean.
How Often Do the Faucets and Showerheads Need to Be Cleaned?
To avoid chemical buildup in faucets and showerheads, it is suggested to clean them once a month.
This can be done without even removing the showerheads.
However, once every three months, the faucets and showerheads require deep cleaning.
Deep cleaning includes removing and cleaning the different parts separately and thoroughly.
Also, if any bathroom renovation process is ongoing at any point in time, it is best to thoroughly clean faucets and showerheads as well during that time.
How to Clean Faucets and Showerheads Without Removing Them
Clean fittings can uplift the entire look of the bathroom. Many hacks can be found for easily cleaning faucets and showerheads.
However, they might not all work. The most suggested one is vinegar.
It actually works well to remove mineral buildup, and the process is fairly easy too.
Things That Are RequiredThings That Are Required
Several things are required to successfully complete the task of cleaning water fixtures in the bathroom. They are as follows.
- White vinegar
- Resealable bags
- Rubber band
- Toothbrush/small cleaning brush
- Clean towel
- Gloves
Step 1: Fill a Bag with Vinegar
The first step is to fill up a resealable plastic bag with white vinegar. The bag needs to be bigger than the faucets or showerheads so that it can fit over it easily.
Step 2: Attach the Bag
The bag filled with vinegar needs to be attached to the faucet or showerhead. Ensuring that the entire shower head is submerged in vinegar is essential. Any areas that are not submerged in vinegar will not be cleaned like the rest.
Secure the bag in place with a rubber band. Afterward, it has to rest for a few hours. It is best to leave it for at least eight hours or overnight.
Step 3: Scrub It with a Brush
Leaving the faucet and showerhead in vinegar might be enough. However, it is best to scrub them a little for better results. They need to be cleaned using a small cleaning brush or toothbrush. This way, the minerals that were stuck in the fixture will get loose too.
The nylon bristles can easily reach and clean the tiny holes in the showerheads and get rid of dirt.
Step 4: Clean and Wipe the Faucet/Shower Head
Once the cleaning procedure is done, let some water run through it. This will wash away any vinegar or mineral buildup. It can be wiped clean as well.
Alternative Ways of Cleaning Faucets and Shower Heads
- Dedicated faucet and showerhead cleaning solutions can be used in the same above to get rid of hard water buildup.
- Lemon juice can be used instead of vinegar. Cut it in half so that the showerhead or faucet is fully covered.
- With lemon, similar to the vinegar method, a resealable plastic bag and rubber band can be used to hold the lemon in place.
- Baking soda can be used to scrub the faucets and showerheads. It also helps to soften the hard buildups. The baking soda needs to be cleaned with water afterward.
To Conclude
In order to have a clean showerhead and a consistent stream of water, cleaning the fittings regularly is mandatory. It takes minimal effort and tools, but the outcome is amazing. There will be a vast difference in water flow once the faucets and showerheads get appropriately cleaned.
Hopefully, you are now all set to clean faucets and showerheads without removing them. If you at any time feel, you need help, we highly recommend you book a handyman for assistance. Good luck!
FAQS
1. How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Faucets and Showerheads?
The faucets and showerheads in the bathroom need to be thoroughly cleaned once every three months. By doing that, there will not be extreme mineral buildup.
2. Can You Soak the Shower Heads in Bleach?
No. Using bleach instead of vinegar can damage the bathroom fixtures. Many faucets and showerheads have a chrome layer that can be damaged with bleach.
3. What Is the Alternative for Vinegar to Clean the Shower Heads?
Vinegar works best for cleaning showerheads and faucets. However, lemon and baking soda can be used as an alternative. However, they might not be as effective as white vinegar.
