Limescale  is a common nuisance in our showers. Chalky deposits tarnish the shine of fixtures, cloud glass screens, and even impede the flow of water from the shower head. Cleaning expert Matthew Harrison at PriceYourJob.co.uk revealed that the best way to descale your showerhead is with vinegar. 

Limescale  is made mainly of calcium carbonate, a hard, chalky deposit left behind when hard water evaporates. Hard water is common in many parts of the UK, from Norfolk, Suffolk and Kent to North Yorkshire,  Nottingham, Northamptonshire, Gloucestershire, and Dorset. It contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. When water heats up or evaporates, these minerals precipitate out and cling to surfaces, forming a white, crusty buildup.

Matthew said that the best way to clean and descale a handheld shower head is with vinegar. First, remove the shower head from the attached hose, being sure to remove the small rubber washer and put it to one side so it doesn’t get lost. 

Then, place the shower head in a bucket or large plastic container and cover it with white vinegar. Leave the shower head to soak in the vinegar for a minimum of 30 minutes - aim to leave it for around an hour, if possible. 

After the soaking time is up, remove the shower head and rinse it with water. Then, use an old toothbrush to remove any remaining limescale. Pay particular attention to the nozzle.

Rinse the shower head again with water and polish it with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. Lastly, reattach the hose to the shower head and then turn the shower on. This will flush out any remaining limescale and leave your shower head looking sparkling clean.

If the shower head is fixed, this may need to be done differently. Matthew says to find a plastic bag big enough to fit around your showerhead and half-fill it with white vinegar.

Place the bag over your shower head until it is completely submerged in the vinegar. Then, use elastic bands or string to keep the bag in place.

Leave the shower head to soak in the bag for a minimum of 30 minutes. Try to aim to leave it for around an hour, if possible. After the soak time is up, remove the bag from the shower head.

Turn your shower on to flush out any limescale deposits that may be left inside the shower head. Repeat the process, if needed, until all of the limescale is completely gone.