Limescale poses a persistent problem throughout the bathroom, but it proves especially frustrating within shower heads, where it restricts water flow and leaves metal fittings looking unsightly. Many homeowners overlook the need to clean inside shower heads, yet moisture and limescale deposits can harbour mould, making regular cleaning every three months essential.
Whilst white vinegar ranks among the most effective natural limescale removers, numerous people avoid it because of its overpowering odour, which becomes particularly unpleasant in confined bathroom spaces. However, cleaning specialists from My Beautiful Bathroom have shared an unexpected alternative for tackling limescale: cola. They explained: “Most cola drinks contain citric acid, tartaric acid, and phosphoric acid, all of which are present in cleaning supplies for bathrooms.
“Cola beverages can be highly excellent at clearing the build-up of limescale and minerals from your shower head, though they might not be as good at making a shine.”
Though it sounds peculiar, cola proves remarkably successful at eliminating limescale thanks to its acidic composition.
Limescale consists of mineral deposits such as calcium carbonate, which form when water evaporates or is heated, gradually accumulating over time.
The acids in cola naturally dissolve these mineral deposits and eliminate stubborn hard water marks, leaving your shower head spotless without resorting to aggressive chemical products.
To use cola to remove shower head limescale, firstly, give your shower head a quick wipe with a damp cloth to loosen any surface grime.
Next, half-fill a plastic or sandwich bag with cola. Position the bag over the shower head, ensuring the nozzles are fully immersed in the liquid. Secure the bag carefully using elastic bands, double-checking it’s firmly tied before releasing it.
Allow the shower head to soak for at least an hour, giving the cola sufficient time to dissolve the limescale. For a thorough clean and to guarantee all limescale is eradicated, leave it to soak overnight.
Once the soaking period is over, remove the bag and use a damp cloth to clean around the nozzles. Your shower should now be spotless, with improved water pressure due to the removal of limescale blockages.
If the idea of using cola seems too unconventional, you can also eliminate limescale with citric acid or even resort to the traditional penny trick for a pristine shower head.
