The Best Handheld Shower Head

Remove and Clean Method

Step 1: Detach the Showerhead

Most showerheads come in two basic styles - fixed and handheld - and the process of removing the showerhead is similar for most brands. To detach a fixed showerhead, which usually attaches to a shower arm or pipe that emerges from the shower wall, protect the fixture from scratches by wrapping a rag around the base of head, the nut connecting the head to the pipe and the pipe. Unscrew the showerhead by gripping the shower arm with a pipe wrench, grip the nut with adjustable pliers and turn the pliers counterclockwise.

For a handheld showerhead, remove it from the holder and wrap a rag around it. Grip the nut connecting the handle to the tubing with adjustable pliers, grasp the handle and turn it counterclockwise to detach the head from the flexible tubing.

Step 2: Clean the Filter

Most showerheads have a filter and once you've detached the showerhead, remove the filter with needle-nose pliers. The filter is typically located in the part of the fixture that attaches to the arm or tubing. Hold it under running water and use a toothbrush to dislodge any mineral deposits.

Step 3: Soak and Clean

Place the fixture in a small bucket and pour enough vinegar in the bucket to cover the top of the head -- make sure the holes or nozzles are submerged. Allow the showerhead to soak overnight. Remove it from the vinegar and gently rub around the holes or nozzles with an old toothbrush to loosen stubborn buildups. Gently poke a toothpick in each hole to break free any remaining mineral deposits. If your showerhead has flexible, rubber nozzles, gently massage them with your fingers to help dislodge the deposits inside the nozzles. Hold the fixture under running water for a thorough rinse.

Step 4: Reattach the Showerhead

Replace the filter and wrap pipe-thread tape around the threads of the shower arm or the flexible tubing, in a clockwise direction. Thread the showerhead onto the arm or tubing, and hand-tighten. Wrap a rag around the fixture and snug up the connection with your tools. Turn on the shower and allow the water to run through the showerhead to blast out any remaining minerals.

Tool-Free Cleaning Method

Step 1: Soak the Fixture

Pour vinegar into a small plastic bag until it is about three-quarters full and slip the bag over the showerhead. Completely submerge the holes or nozzles, and secure the bag to the shower arm with a zip tie or strong rubber band. If you have a handheld fixture, remove the showerhead from the holder and allow it to hang upside down with the head submerged in the vinegar-filled bag. Soak the fixture overnight.

Step 2: Clean and Rinse

Remove the bag from the showerhead. Rub around the holes or nozzles with an old toothbrush to remove any remaining mineral buildup. Gently poke a toothpick in each hole or nozzle and, if your showerhead has flexible rubber nozzles, gently massage them with your fingers, to help dislodge the deposits inside the nozzles. Run water through the showerhead for a thorough rinse.

Removal from Fixed Shower Head

Step 1: Detach the Head

To keep from scratching the fixture, wrap a clean rag around the bent pipe that comes out from your shower's wall -- referred to as the shower arm -- and the connector nut. Tighten a pipe wrench around the arm, and then grip the connector nut with an adjustable wrench and turn it counterclockwise until the head is free from the arm.

Step 2: Remove the Restrictor

Most shower heads have a washer just inside the connector nut, which not only helps provide a tight seal, but holds a mesh filter or screen in place. In most designs, the washer and screen must be removed so you can get to the restrictor. Carefully remove the washer with needle-nose pliers. Turn the head upside down and tap the end against your palm to get the screen to fall out. If it doesn't, carefully remove it with your pliers. The plastic restrictor can now be seen, and, depending on the brand, it might be white, green, pink or red. Pry the restrictor out of the fixture with a flat-head screwdriver.

Step 3: Reassemble the Fixture

Put the screen back into place, and then inset the washer and push it with your fingers to firmly seat it into place. Remove any old plumber's tape from the threads of the shower arm and wrap new tape around the threads in a clockwise direction. Hand-tighten the connector nut onto the shower arm until you can no longer turn the nut. Wrap a rag around the nut and arm, and hold the arm with a pipe wrench; turn the nut another quarter turn with an adjustable wrench.

Removal from Handheld Fixture

Step 1: Locate the Restrictor

Refer to the manufacturer's product information or website to find out where the restrictor is located. Depending on the brand, it may be inside the end of the handle that connects to the flexible tubing or inside the holder that attaches to the shower arm.

Step 2: Detach and Remove the Restrictor

For fixtures with the restrictor inside the end of the handle, cover the connector nut with a rag, and then grip the nut with adjustable pliers. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen and remove the handle from the tubing. To expose the restrictor, remove the washer inside the handle and the filter screen with needle-nose pliers. Pry the restrictor out with a flat-head screwdriver.

For fixtures with the restrictor inside the holder, cover the connector nut and shower arm with a rag. Grip the arm with a pipe wrench and the nut with adjustable pliers. Turn the nut counterclockwise until the holder is free from the shower arm. Remove the washer and the filter screen from the end of the holder with needle-nose pliers. Pry the restrictor out with a flat-head screwdriver.

Step 3: Reassemble the Fixture

Replace the filter screen and washer. Push the washer in with your fingers to firmly seat it into place. Remove any old plumber's tape from the threads of the flexible tubing or shower arm. Wrap new tape around the threads in a clockwise direction. Hand-tighten the connector onto the threads, cover up the nut with a rag, and tighten the nut another quarter turn with an adjustable wrench.