Limescale builds up slowly in your shower head. That's why you often only notice it when your shower has been less pleasant for weeks. Recognise one of these five signs? Then your shower head is probably full of limescale. Fortunately, it's usually fixed within an hour.
1. The spray goes in all directions
Are jets coming out at an angle, or is water spraying against the wall instead of on you? Then some spray holes are half blocked. The water looks for another way out and comes out crooked. This is usually the first sign.
2. Less pressure, even with the tap fully open
Does the stream feel weaker than when the shower head was new? As the holes clog up, less water can get through. Do other taps in your home also have low pressure? Then it's probably not your shower head.
3. White crust around the spray holes
Take a close look at the front of your shower head. Do you see white or grey rings around the holes? That's limescale left behind when water droplets dried. Layer by layer, it turns into a hard crust.
4. Switching spray modes feels stiff
Does your shower head have several modes? Limescale can also get into the mechanism. Is the dial hard to turn, does it no longer click into place, or does it get stuck between two modes? Then it's time to descale.
5. You see limescale elsewhere in the bathroom
White spots on your shower screen, tiles or tap are a good clue. Where limescale is visible, it's usually in your shower head too. Find out how hard your water is in our guide to water hardness by province.
The quick test: rub the nozzles
Does your shower head have rubber or silicone nozzles? Turn on the shower and rub your thumb over the nozzles. Does white grit come out, or do more jets suddenly start flowing? Then there was limescale inside. With silicone nozzles, this alone often removes a large part of it.
What can you do about it?
Soak your shower head in cleaning vinegar or dissolved citric acid for 30 to 60 minutes. Then scrub the holes with an old toothbrush and rinse well. Can't get the head off? Tie a bag of vinegar around it. The full step-by-step guide is in removing limescale from your shower head.
When is replacing it the smarter choice?
Is the stream still weak or crooked after descaling a few times? Are nozzles cracked, or is limescale deep inside the mechanism? Then a new shower head is often the quickest solution. When choosing a new one, look for silicone nozzles: you can rub limescale off them with a finger. All Besjaar shower heads have them. Looking for a simple replacement? The Besjaar Luxury Hand Shower with 3 settings is a good place to start. You can fit it yourself in a few minutes, see replacing a shower head in 5 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I descale my shower head?
With soft water, every two to three months is usually enough. With medium or hard water, once a month is better. Descale as soon as you notice one of the five signs.
Can you descale a shower head without removing it?
Yes. Fill a plastic bag with vinegar, pull it over the shower head and secure it with an elastic band. Make sure the nozzles are under the vinegar and leave it for 30 to 60 minutes.
Is limescale in your shower head harmful?
No, limescale isn't harmful to your health. It mainly causes lower pressure, a crooked stream and a shower head that looks less nice.
Besjaar makes shower heads and filters for Dutch bathrooms, from Assen. Better water, every day.