{
  "id": 1016502,
  "title": "How often should you actually clean your shower head? My plumber husband reveals his top expert tips",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/how-often-should-you-actually-clean-your-shower-head-my-plumber",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-15T10:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/how-often-should-you-actually-clean-your-shower-head-my-plumber-husband-reveals-his-top-expert-tips"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "My husband, a plumber, has shared his expert tips on cleaning shower heads. One day, I noticed the shower head wasn't expelling water as well as it should, with some holes spraying water in different directions. Concerned, I asked him how often I should clean it. He explained that the waterways in shower heads can easily become clogged with mineral deposits, known as limescale, which reduces water flow. He emphasized that pressure remains consistent, but when some holes are blocked, the flow rate decreases. The frequency of cleaning depends on whether you live in a hard water area; if so, clean it more regularly. If you notice the shower head getting clogged up, that's a clear sign it needs cleaning. He suggested using a cleaner like Viakal or a white vinegar and water solution to clean the shower head thoroughly. However, if cleaning doesn't improve the flow rate, the limescale might be inside, requiring replacement.",
  "summary": "Cleaning your shower head feels like one of those chores you put off, but it definitely shouldn't be. Here's what my plumber husband had to say about how often you should be cleaning it and why.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}