Your Guide to Shower Heads: The Best Styles, How to Clean Tips & Tricks

A well-maintained shower does more than look good:

• Prevents build-up of lime scale, soap scum and mould.
• Helps water flow freely and avoids blockages or poor spray.
• Preserves the finish of tapware, showerheads and glass surfaces.
• Extends the life of your shower components and avoids costly repairs.

By staying on top of maintenance, you avoid ugly discolouration, musty smells, slow drainage and more.

Quick routine steps you should do every week to keep things under control:

• Rinse down walls, tray/floor and glass screen after each use to remove soap residue and easy-to-clean-off deposits.
• Wipe down the glass screen with a squeegee or a soft microfiber cloth to reduce water spots.
• Check the showerhead, if spray looks uneven or weak, it may need cleaning.
• Give the drain cover a quick visual check and clear any hair or debris from the grate.

Once a month, give your shower a deeper clean focusing on the less visible parts:

• Walls and tray/floor: Use a pH-neutral cleaner suitable for your tile or stone type. Scrub grout lines gently with a soft brush to remove built-up dirt and prevent mould.
• Shower screen/glass: Use a glass cleaner or a vinegar-diluted solution (for non-acid-sensitive surfaces) to remove mineral deposits and soap film.
• Showerhead & Taps: Wipe down with a gentle, non-abrasive cloth and mild cleaner. Avoid harsh acids or scourers that damage the finish.
• Silicone and seals: Inspect the silicone junctions at wall/tray, glass panels and around the mixer. If you see discolouration (black spots, mould) or cracking, treat or reseal as needed.
• Drain trap and waste: Remove the cover, rinse off hair and residue. Follow with a safe drain-clearing method if water is draining slowly.

The showerhead is a prime culprit for poor flow or dirty water spray. Here’s how to keep it optimal:

• Turn off water to the head and detach (if possible) following manufacturer instructions.
• Soak the head in a warm solution of vinegar + water (equal parts) for 30–60 minutes to dissolve lime scale.
• Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) to gently scrub the nozzles and face of the head.
• Rinse thoroughly and reinstall. Turn water back on and run for 1–2 minutes to flush any loosened deposits.

Tip: If you live in a hard-water area, consider doing this every 3-6 months rather than waiting for poor flow to begin.

Here are frequent shower issues and how to prevent or correct them:

• Lime scale buildup on glass, taps or showerhead: Use a gentle acid-based cleaner or vinegar solution, but always test on an inconspicuous area first and rinse well.
• Soap scum film on walls: Use a specially formulated bathroom scum remover and scrub with a non-scratch sponge. Then rinse and dry.
• Mould or mildew in silicone joints: Apply a bleach-based (or oxygen-based) mould cleaner, rinse, then treat with a mould-inhibiting sealant. Consider re-siliconing if the joints are compromised.
• Slow drainage: Clear out hair and residue from the trap. Use a safe enzyme-based drain cleaner (if your plumbing allows) and consider installing a fine hair catcher cover.
• Corroded finish on tapware or showerhead: Avoid harsh chemicals (chlorine bleach, strong acids). Use mild cleaners and polish finishes gently. For special finishes like brushed gold or matte black, follow the manufacturer’s specific care instructions.

Once or twice a year, carry out these deeper maintenance steps:

• Remove shower screen panels (if possible) to clean the bottom track or frame and ensure the seal remains watertight.
• Inspect and clean behind the mixer and wall join (for wall-mounted units), checking for any signs of leakage or soft wall surfaces.
• Check the grout condition: if grout lines are cracked or missing, re-grout to prevent water ingress behind tiles.
• For stone walls: reseal according to manufacturer recommendations (typically every 12–24 months).
• Check showerhead arm and fixings: tighten any loose screws, inspect for corrosion or movement, replace any worn washers or O-rings.

• Weekly: Rinse, squeegee glass, wipe down tapware, check flow & drain.
• Monthly: Deep-clean walls/tray, shower screen, tapware, inspect silicone.
• Every 3-6 months: Clean showerhead internals, flush flow.
• Annually: Grout reseal, track/mixer inspection, reassess finishes.

Using a consistent schedule ensures your shower remains hygienic, efficient and visually pristine, maximising comfort and extending the life of your bathroom investment.