How to Clean and Disinfect a Shower Head

Short answer: clean a shower head whenever you can see buildup on it, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. The CDC says the same: clean showerheads and faucet aerators whenever you can see buildup, and if needed remove the head and hose and soak them in a solution such as white vinegar.

Sources are at the end.

Why bother

Scale, sediment and soap film build up in spray holes and reduce the spray pattern. There is a health reason too. Research reviewed on PubMed Central reports that bacteria grow in biofilms inside showerheads and hoses, and that some of these bacteria, including members of the genus Mycobacterium, can cause non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infections. The CDC notes that people more likely to get sick from waterborne germs include those 50 or older, with chronic lung disease or a weakened immune system, with conditions such as diabetes, and who smoke or used to. If that is you or someone in your home, keeping fixtures clean and asking your doctor about your specific risk is sensible.

How to clean a shower head

  1. Check the manufacturer's instructions. The CDC says to follow them.
  2. Remove the cartridge and microfiber filter first. This is our own guidance for Aroma Sense heads: vinegar is not meant for the vitamin C cartridge or the filter, so take them out before soaking the head, and put in fresh ones when you reassemble if they are due.
  3. Soak the head and hose in white vinegar until scale loosens. The CDC names white vinegar as an example. Check your finish first, since some coatings should not be soaked for long.
  4. Scrub the spray holes gently with a soft brush or an old toothbrush.
  5. Rinse thoroughly and run the water for 30 seconds before use.

How often

No fixed schedule is set by the CDC, only "whenever you can see buildup." A practical habit is to look at the head each time you replace your cartridge, which pairs the two jobs. See how often to replace.

What cleaning does not do

Cleaning removes buildup. It does not soften your water, and a shower filter does not clean the head for you. If scale keeps returning quickly, your water may be hard (what actually works for hard water). To reinstall, use our five-minute install guide, and browse replacement cartridges and spare parts.

Sources