Descaling a showerhead – full spray again
Difficulty: Easy · Time: approx. 30 minutes
When the spray gets weaker or single jets shoot off sideways, limescale in the nozzles is almost always to blame. That's not a fault – just a deposit you can clear with household remedies in half an hour.
You don't need expensive special products: household vinegar or citric acid dissolve limescale reliably. If the showerhead unscrews easily, that's simplest; otherwise the bag method right on the hose does the job.
What you'll need
- Household vinegar or citric acid (powder dissolved in warm water)
- Bowl or freezer bag + rubber band
- Old toothbrush
- Cloth
- Warm water
Step by step
- 1
Unscrew the showerhead (if possible)
Unscrew the showerhead from the hose. If it won't turn by hand, protect the chrome with a cloth and use pliers gently. If it won't come off at all, switch to the bag method.
- 2
Mix the descaler
Mix vinegar and water roughly half and half, or dissolve 1–2 tablespoons of citric acid in warm (not hot) water. Lay the showerhead in it so the nozzle face is covered.
- 3
Bag method as an alternative
If the head won't come off, pour the solution into a freezer bag, pull it over the showerhead and fix it with a rubber band so the nozzles are submerged.
- 4
Let it soak
Leave it for 30 minutes up to a maximum of one hour. For heavy limescale you can go longer, but don't leave delicate surfaces sitting in acid overnight.
- 5
Rub the nozzles clear and rinse
Scrub the nozzles with the toothbrush; on rubber nozzles a rub with your thumb is often enough. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, screw it back on and run it briefly – done.
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Upload a photo →Frequently asked questions
- Vinegar or citric acid – which is better?
- Both dissolve limescale well. Citric acid smells milder and is a bit gentler on chrome; vinegar is cheaper and always to hand. Citric acid mixed with hot water can leave deposits on some surfaces – so use warm, not hot, water.
- How often should I descale?
- Every 1–3 months depending on water hardness. In very hard-water areas, descale more often and briefly rather than rarely and for a long time.
- One nozzle stays blocked – what now?
- On rubber nozzles, rub over it with your finger. On hard nozzles, carefully clear it from the outside with a needle or toothpick without widening the opening.