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How to Descale a Blocked Shower Head

This guide explains how to descale a shower head in your apartment.

Xena avatar
Written by Xena
Updated over 2 months ago

Over time, limescale can build up in your shower head, especially in areas with hard water. This can reduce water pressure or block the spray altogether. Luckily, descaling it is easy and can be done with simple ingredients you likely already have at home!


Follow the steps below depending on whether or not your shower head is removable ⬇️


1️⃣ If the shower head can be removed:

🧼 What you need:

  • A bowl

  • Hot water

  • Citric acid (or vinegar as an alternative)

  • A cloth

πŸ‘£ Steps:

  1. Detach the shower head from the hose or pipe.

  2. Soak it in a bowl filled with hot water and a few tablespoons of citric acid (you can also use vinegar).

  3. Leave it to soak for 15–30 minutes.

  4. Scrub gently with a cloth or toothbrush to remove loosened limescale.

  5. Rinse thoroughly and run water through to clear out any remaining residue.

πŸ’‘ Tip: You can buy citric acid at most supermarkets or online β€” it’s great for eco-friendly cleaning!


2️⃣ If the shower head cannot be removed:

🧴 What you need:

  • A plastic bag

  • White vinegar

  • A piece of string, rubber band, or twist tie

πŸ‘£ Steps:

  1. Fill a plastic bag halfway with white vinegar.

  2. Carefully place the bag over the shower head, ensuring it's fully submerged.

  3. Secure it in place with a rubber band or string.

  4. Let it soak for a few hours (ideally 2–4 hours).

  5. Remove the bag, wipe the shower head with a cloth, and run hot water to flush any remaining residue.

πŸ’‘ If the smell of vinegar bothers you, add a drop of essential oil (like lemon or eucalyptus) to the mix for a fresher scent!


πŸ“Œ Why it's important

Regular descaling keeps your shower working efficiently, extends the lifespan of the fixture, and helps maintain water pressure. We recommend descaling your shower head once every 1–2 months, especially in hard water areas.



πŸ”ŽStill need help? Contact LifeX Support via the app!πŸ› οΈ

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