How to Remove Hard Water Stains from a Shower Head

Mineral deposits are the silent killers of water pressure. Over time, the calcium and magnesium found in hard water build up inside the tiny nozzles of your shower head, turning a strong, invigorating spray into a weak, erratic drizzle. It isn't broken; it is simply clogged with stone-like residue that needs a mild acid bath to break down. Done well, this project takes less than five minutes of active labor and requires no specialized plumbing knowledge. By using the natural acidity of common household vinegar, you can strip away months of scale without needing to replace the fixture or scrub away with harsh chemicals. Your goal is to return the spray pattern to its original, full-force state.

1. Loosen and detach carefully. Wrap a cloth around the coupling nut to protect the finish, then use adjustable pliers to loosen the head from the shower arm. Turn counter-clockwise until the unit comes free.
2. Set up your acid bath. Fill a heavy-duty plastic bag with enough white vinegar to fully submerge the head of the shower fixture. Use a bowl or container if the head is too large or heavy for a bag.
3. Fully immerse and seal tight. Place the shower head into the vinegar solution. Secure the top of the bag to the shower arm or the head itself using a heavy rubber band or zip tie.
4. Let vinegar dissolve minerals. Leave the fixture to soak for at least four hours, though leaving it overnight is best for heavily calcified heads. The vinegar will slowly dissolve the mineral bonds.
5. Flush and unclog all holes. Remove the bag and rinse the shower head thoroughly with warm water. Use an old toothbrush or a toothpick to poke out any remaining debris from individual nozzle holes.
6. Reattach with sealed threads. Apply a fresh layer of plumber's tape to the threads of the shower arm. Hand-tighten the shower head back onto the arm, then give it a final quarter-turn with your pliers.