After years of use, the shower head or box may become clogged with mineral deposits and must be cleaned. The use of harsh chemicals can damage the box or even interfere with your health. So, it's a good idea to just use vinegar. This article shows you two easy ways to clean boxes with just vinegar and water.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Cleaning the Removable Box
Step 1. Prepare the equipment
One way to clean the box is to remove it from the pipe/hose and soak it in vinegar. If the box can't be removed, or you don't want to remove it, then click here. The removable box can be cleaned using:
- A bucket, basin or other container suitable for soaking the box
- Pure white vinegar
- Used wrench and rag (optional)
- Used toothbrush
- A soft cloth, of flannel or microfibre (microfibre)
Step 2. Remove the box by turning it counterclockwise
If it's hard, try tying the old rag to the base bolt of the box and then turning it with a wrench. Used rags are useful for protecting the surface of the box.
Step 3. Place the box in a container such as a bucket or basin
If possible, choose a container that fits the size of the box. Don't be so big that you don't have to waste vinegar. Small buckets or plastic boxes are okay.
Step 4. Fill the container with enough vinegar so that the entire box can be submerged
The acid in the vinegar can wash away the white mineral deposits on the box.
Step 5. Let the box soak in vinegar for about 30 minutes or even overnight
The more clogged the box, the longer the soaking time.
- If you're in a hurry, and the box is made of metal, soak it in vinegar in a metal container (pan) and then heat it on the stove for 15 minutes.
- If the box is brass, or has a nickel or gold coating, do not soak for more than 30 minutes. If it is still clogged then a box like this must be rinsed first and then soaked again; repeat as necessary.
Step 6. Remove the box from the container and rinse
If it works, the precipitate should look like it's dissolved to the outside.
Step 7. Clean the remnants of dirt with an old toothbrush
Rub especially in the holes where a lot of sediment collects. Rub gently until all deposits and remaining vinegar are clean.
Step 8. Use a soft cloth to polish the box
You can use a microfiber cloth or a flannel. Gently wipe the box until it is dry and there are no water spots left.
Step 9. Put the box back in the pipe or hose
Cover the pipe/hose base bolt grooves with PVC tape (wrapped counterclockwise) then attach the box.
Step 10. Turn on the water in the box for a minute
The point is to push out the dirt that was not rubbed by the toothbrush earlier.
Method 2 of 2: Cleaning the Non-Removable Box
Step 1. Prepare the equipment
Even if the box can't be removed, you can still soak it in vinegar using a plastic bag. Equipment you will need:
- Enough plastic bag to fit the box
- Yarn or rope
- Pure white vinegar
- Used toothbrush
- Soft cloth, of flannel or microfibre
Step 2. Fill half a plastic bag with vinegar
Don't overfill so that the vinegar doesn't spill when the box is dipped in it.
Step 3. Wrap the box with the plastic bag earlier
Hold the plastic bag open under the box. Gently raise it so that the box is wrapped from the bottom and dipped in the vinegar. Be careful not to spill vinegar in your eyes.
Step 4. Tie the plastic bag to the tube/hose with twine or string
The trick is to hold the mouth of the plastic bag tightly on the pipe/hose, then tie the mouth of the plastic bag with thread or rope. Gently remove the handle from the plastic bag, making sure the plastic bag doesn't fall off before completely removing it.
Step 5. Let the box soak for 30 minutes or even overnight
The more clogged the box, the longer the soaking time. If the box is made of brass, or has a nickel or gold coating, do not soak it for more than 30 minutes. If it is still clogged then a box like this must be rinsed first and then soaked again; repeat as necessary.
Step 6. Remove the plastic bag
Hold the plastic bag with one hand, while the other hand unties the string/thread. Be careful not to spill vinegar in your eyes; throw away the vinegar.
Step 7. Turn on the water in the box for a minute
The point is to push out any residual sediment that may still be in the box.
Step 8. Scrub the box with an old toothbrush, then turn on the water again
Rub especially in the dus holes (water outlet holes) which are often the most mineral deposits. Turn on the water again as necessary until no more sediment is pushed out.
Step 9. Turn off the water and wipe the box with a soft cloth
You can use a microfiber cloth or flannel. Carefully polish the surface of the box until it is dry and there are no more water spots.
Tips
- Vinegar can also be used to clean tap water.
- If you can't stand the smell of vinegar, leave the windows/doors open or turn on the fan. You can also mix it with lemon juice.
- If there are spots that don't go away with vinegar, try rubbing them with a mixture of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon white vinegar. But remember, don't use this mixture for boxes where the outer layer is easy to fade as salt can scratch such an outer layer.
- Soaking with vinegar should be applied to boxes made of chromium, stainless steel, or other metal surfaces.
Warning
- If you are installing marble in your bathroom, you have to be very careful when using vinegar. Vinegar can damage marble surfaces.
- Be careful using vinegar on gold, brass or nickel finishes. Materials like this should not be soaked in vinegar for more than 30 minutes.
