There’s a Hidden Filter in Your Shower Head and It’s Probably Filthy

Removing the layers of limescale, soap scum, and that gross pink film from your shower head not only provides you with some satisfying before-and-after photos, but it can also noticeably improve your overall showering experience. After all, who doesn't want better water pressure?

But what if you go through your usual cleaning process of soaking and scrubbing, then turn on your shower to discover that the water pressure hasn't improved, and the stream of water is still inconsistent and sputtering? Before rushing out to buy a new shower head, try removing the one you currently have and cleaning the filter screen hidden inside. That's right: Even if the outside of your shower head is spotless, there may be a small, round screen that's caked in mineral buildup and sabotaging your shower. Here's how to find and clean it.

Where to find the filter screen inside your shower head

Technically, this hidden filter is located between your shower head and the water pipe sticking out from your shower wall. But even if you were to remove your shower head to either replace it or clean its exterior, you may not notice the little screen sitting there. Or, maybe you did see it, but thought it was part of the flow restrictor (they're not). For reference, flow restrictors are roughly the same size as filter screens, but instead of a small, round piece of mesh, they're a small, round piece of usually blue or green plastic with a hole and/or slightly larger openings.

To find your filter screen, remove your shower head. Sometimes you can simply twist it counterclockwise by hand and it'll come right off. If not, place a rag over the part that connects the shower head to the pipe and then use a wrench or a pair of pliers to twist counterclockwise until the shower head comes off. The filter screen should be inside. If you have a detachable shower head, the filter screen is probably inside a connector piece at the end of the hose that attached to the water pipe.

Here's what mine looks like:

How to clean your shower head's filter screen

Take a peek inside your shower head; if there's any loose mineral deposits or debris, empty them into a garbage can.

Next, remove the filter screen. If you're unable to remove the screen with your finger, try needle-nose pliers. But if those don't work right away, leave it where it is and do your best to clean it in place.

Start by rinsing the screen with warm water. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub away any buildup, followed by a toothpick or sewing needle to unclog any of the tiny openings in the screen (if necessary). If there's still grime and mineral buildup, soak the screen in a small cup of either half warm water and half white distilled vinegar, or warm water with a pinch of citric acid for 10 minutes, then try again. If you were unable to remove the screen from the shower head, add a few drops of your solution of choice, let it sit for a minute, then go back in with the toothbrush then the toothpick or needle.

Here's mine, before and after I cleaned it:

Repeat the process until your screen is as clean as you can get it, then pop it back in and reattach your shower head. If you had previously used plumber's tape on the pipe threads, remove it and any residue from the threads (grooves) at the end of the water pipe. Replace it with some new plumber's tape, then screw in the shower head. (This Lifehacker post from May has more detailed instructions if you need them.)