How to remove limescale from a shower head and taps
A shower that sprays sideways or chalky crust round the taps is limescale. A mild acid such as white vinegar or citric acid dissolves it. Here's how to do it without damaging your fittings.
- Time
- 30 minutes plus soaking
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Low cost
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- White vinegar or citric acid powder Search Amazon for citric acid powder
- Bowl or plastic bag and elastic bands
- Old toothbrush
- Soft cloths or microfibre cloths Search Amazon for microfibre cloths
- Rubber gloves
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Safety first
- Don't use acids (vinegar, lemon, citric acid, limescale removers) on marble, granite or other natural stone. They etch the surface.
- Never mix limescale removers with bleach or other cleaners.
- Don't use wire wool or abrasive pads on chrome or glass. They scratch.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Check what your fittings are made of
Vinegar and citric acid are fine on most chrome and ceramic surfaces, but acids can damage natural stone such as marble or granite, and some coloured or special finishes (brushed brass, matt black, gold-effect). Check the manufacturer's care instructions, and test on a hidden spot if unsure.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Shower head: soak it
If the shower head unscrews from the hose, take it off and soak it in a bowl of diluted white vinegar (or warm water with a spoonful of citric acid) for an hour or so. If it won't come off, fill a plastic bag with the solution, put it over the head so the nozzles are submerged and hold it in place with elastic bands.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Scrub the nozzles
Scrub the nozzles with an old toothbrush. Many shower heads have soft rubber nozzles: rub them with your thumb to push scale out.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Rinse and run the shower
Rinse the head in clean water, refit it and run the shower for a minute to flush out any loosened bits.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Taps: wrap and wait
For light scale, wipe the tap with a cloth dampened with vinegar, leave it a few minutes, then rinse. For crusty build-up, wrap a vinegar-soaked cloth round the tap and secure it with an elastic band, then leave it for up to an hour. Unscrew the aerator at the end of the spout, if it has one, and soak that too.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Rinse and dry
Rinse everything with clean water and buff it dry with a soft cloth. Drying stops new water spots forming straight away.
Tips
- Wiping taps and shower screens dry after use is the easiest way to stop scale building up.
- A squeegee on the shower glass after each shower makes a big difference in hard-water areas.
- Lemon juice works too, and smells nicer than vinegar.
When to call a professional
If your shower is still weak after descaling the head, the problem may be the shower valve or electric shower unit. Use a plumber, or an electrician for an electric shower.
Questions people ask
How often should I descale my shower head?
Whenever the spray becomes uneven. In hard-water areas that may be every month or two.
Is vinegar safe on chrome?
Diluted vinegar is generally fine on chrome for short periods. Rinse it off and dry afterwards. Check the manufacturer's care guide for special finishes.
Would a water softener help?
A water softener reduces scale throughout the house. It's a bigger investment, so get advice from a plumber or your water company.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- Which?: things you shouldn't clean with vinegar (which.co.uk)
- Homebase: how to clean a shower head (homebase.co.uk)
- Candy: removing limescale in the home (candy-home.com)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-remove-limescale-from-a-shower-head-and-taps/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.