Due to the constantly damp environment of the bathroom, the showerhead is often neglected and accumulates a lot of dirt, becoming a breeding ground for many disease-causing microorganisms. Cleaning tips for removing disease-causing bacteria from the showerhead can help you overcome the hesitation and delay of this task.
Cleaning tips for removing disease-causing bacteria from the showerhead
According to the National Institute of Health, there are always Mycobacteria bacteria, a microorganism that causes lung infections, present in the showerhead.
According to New York Post, Dr. Scott Walter, a dermatologist in Golden, USA, advises people to regularly clean their showerheads to avoid skin and lung damage.
These cleaning tips for removing disease-causing bacteria from the showerhead will help protect your skin and lungs. (Photo: Bleach Pray love)
“When you shower, bacteria, yeast, and other fungi will aerosolize and could enter your lungs, affecting your skin and other parts of your body,”
, Walter said.
Here are some simple and effective tips for cleaning your showerhead.
Using white vinegar
White vinegar helps clean disease-causing bacteria from the showerhead. (Photo: Better Homes)
Put white vinegar in a nylon bag, immerse the showerhead, tie the bag tightly and leave it there. Make sure that the entire dirty area of the showerhead is completely submerged in vinegar. Minimum soaking time is 30 minutes, can be left overnight, depending on the dirtiness and water build-up in the showerhead. Note that the longer you soak, the easier it is to clean.
Then, use a toothbrush and floss to clean the entire showerhead. Use a soft cloth to wipe and then turn on the water to push out any dirt that may have been pushed inside during the soaking process.
For large showerheads, where it is difficult to find a large enough bag to soak, or for showerheads directly mounted on the ceiling, you can choose to soak each part in a bag containing vinegar or separate them and soak them in plastic bowls. Alternatively, you can use a toothbrush and vinegar to clean them, then rinse without soaking with vinegar first.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or check the user manual. Some manufacturers may require not using chemicals when cleaning or require disassembly.
Using lemon juice mixed with vinegar
(Photo: Gold Coast Plumbing Company)
A mixture of lemon juice and vinegar can also quickly clean the showerhead. You need to mix 3 tablespoons of lemon juice with 300ml of vinegar, put it in a bag, and tie the bag to the showerhead.
Soak the showerhead in the mixture for a few hours and then use a brush to clean the dirt on the outside. Then, turn on the water for a few minutes.
You can also use baking soda to clean the disease-causing bacteria from the showerhead: Mix a little lemon juice with baking soda to create a mixture and pour it into a bag. Tie this bag to the showerhead and let it soak overnight. In the morning, use a brush to clean the small holes on the surface of the showerhead and then rinse to remove any residue.
Using toilet bowl cleaner
Toilet bowl cleaner can be used to clean the showerhead. (Photo: Charlotte Observer)
Before cleaning the showerhead using this method, prepare gloves, paper towels, and toilet bowl cleaner. Complete the following steps:
– Put on gloves to avoid contact with the cleaning agent; place the paper towel in the box and pour a little toilet bowl cleaner on it.
– Cover the soaked paper towel on the showerhead and leave it for 30 minutes.
– Remove the paper towel, use a brush to clean the surface of the showerhead, and then rinse with water.
Experts recommend applying these cleaning tips for removing disease-causing bacteria from the showerhead once a month to ensure cleanliness, efficiency, and longevity.