In modern home designs, most architects tend to include showerheads in bathroom plans. Many people believe that showering is a cleaner option than bathing. However, a lot of households tend to overlook the cleanliness of their showerheads. Over time, showerheads can easily accumulate dirt, grime, and water stains, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive if left untouched.
Experts have warned about the presence of Legionella, a type of bacteria found in showerheads, which can cause a form of pneumonia if inhaled. This bacteria tends to build up in showerheads and rarely used faucets. Inhaling water droplets containing Legionella can lead to a potentially fatal lung infection if left untreated.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, out of every 10 people who contract this disease, one person dies. Additionally, several studies have indicated that rust particles from iron pipes create favorable conditions for the growth of Legionella.
Showerheads can be a breeding ground for bacteria, often going unnoticed. Photo: TL
As shared by a staff member from the cleaning company ‘Toàn Cầu’, it is essential to clean showerheads regularly. It is recommended to deep clean showerheads once a week and disinfect them thoroughly once a year. For a deep clean, disassemble the showerhead, soak it in a diluted disinfectant solution, and use a brush to scrub away any dirt and grime from the inner membrane.
Easy Showerhead Cleaning with Household Ingredients
Using Toilet Bowl Cleaner
For industrial cleaning, toilet bowl cleaners are commonly used. When cleaning a showerhead, wear gloves to protect your hands from the harmful chemicals in the cleaner. Prepare a pair of gloves, some paper towels, and a toilet bowl cleaner. Pour a small amount of the cleaner onto the paper towels, place them in a box, and soak the showerhead in it for 30 minutes. Then, remove the paper towels and use a brush to scrub the surface clean.
Using White Vinegar
White vinegar is an excellent alternative to toilet bowl cleaners. Apart from being a culinary ingredient, vinegar is also a powerful cleaning agent. Pour white vinegar into a plastic bag or a box, submerge the showerhead in it for at least 30 minutes, and then rinse it with clean water until all traces of vinegar are gone.
Using Lemon Juice and Vinegar Mixture
A mixture of lemon juice and vinegar is also effective for cleaning showerheads. Combine three tablespoons of lemon juice with 300ml of vinegar, pour the mixture into a bag, and secure the bag around the showerhead. Leave it for a few hours, and then use a brush to scrub away any external grime. To remove any remaining dirt, turn on the water for a few minutes.
Additionally, you can use baking soda for effective showerhead cleaning. Mix a little lemon juice with baking soda, pour the mixture into a bag, and secure it to the showerhead to soak overnight. In the morning, use a brush to clean the small holes on the showerhead’s surface, and then rinse it with water to remove any residue.
If your showerhead is clogged due to a blocked water pipe, use a wrench to unscrew the showerhead and check for any foreign objects inside. Afterward, proceed with the cleaning methods mentioned above.