I soaked my shower head in a bag of mouthwash for 10 nights. This is what happened

Cleaning a shower head is not typically at the top of anyone's chore list, yet it is an essential task that can significantly affect your shower experience. Over time, shower heads can become clogged with limescale, soap scum, and even bacteria, leading to reduced water pressure and an unpleasant shower. While there are various cleaning hacks out there, one unconventional method caught my attention—soaking the shower head in mouthwash. I was intrigued by the idea that an everyday product used for oral hygiene could potentially give my shower head a minty fresh makeover.

In this experiment, I decided to test whether mouthwash could effectively clean my shower head, improve water flow, and perhaps even leave a refreshing scent behind. I embarked on a 10-night experiment, using a brand of mouthwash known for its strong antibacterial properties. Here's how it all unfolded, from the initial setup to the final results.

The idea to use mouthwash stemmed from a desire to find an alternative to the usual vinegar soak, which, while effective, leaves a lingering acidic smell. Mouthwash contains ingredients like alcohol and essential oils, which are known for their cleaning properties and pleasant scent. As someone who appreciates a creative cleaning hack, I wanted to see if mouthwash could offer the same results as vinegar without the pungent odor. Additionally, mouthwash is designed to kill bacteria in the mouth, so it seemed plausible that it could have the same effect on a shower head.

I chose a well-known brand of mouthwash for this experiment, opting for the original formula due to its high alcohol content and potent antibacterial properties. To begin, I removed the shower head and secured it in a plastic bag, ensuring it was fully submerged in the mouthwash. I used approximately 500 milliliters, enough to cover the entire shower head, and tied the bag securely to prevent any leakage.

The plan was to leave the shower head soaking for 10 nights, inspecting it every few days to document any changes. I hoped this extended period would allow the mouthwash to break down any buildup thoroughly.

On the first night, I noticed a slight blue tint in the mouthwash, likely from the dye in the product itself. When I checked the shower head after the third night, I was surprised to see some white flakes floating in the liquid. This was an indication that the mouthwash was starting to break down the limescale deposits. The shower head itself looked slightly cleaner, though it was still too early to judge the full effectiveness.

By the fourth night, the mouthwash had taken on a murky appearance, suggesting that it was successfully lifting grime and debris from the shower head. The smell was overwhelmingly minty, a refreshing change from the usual vinegar odor. The liquid was filled with tiny particles, which I presumed were bits of soap scum and mineral deposits. This was a promising sign that the mouthwash was doing more than just freshening up the shower head—it was actively cleaning it.

After the seventh night, I decided to test the shower head to see if there was any noticeable difference in water flow. To my delight, the water pressure seemed to have improved, with a more consistent and powerful stream. The holes in the shower head appeared less clogged, and the water flowed more freely. By the tenth night, the mouthwash had turned a rather unappealing brownish color, indicating that it had removed a significant amount of buildup.

After the full 10-night soak, I inspected the shower head closely. The limescale build-up was visibly reduced, and the metal surface appeared shinier. The persistent soap scum that had dulled the finish was mostly gone, and the shower head looked almost new. While not every bit of grime was eliminated, the mouthwash had performed impressively well, especially when considering it was not initially intended for this purpose.

One of the most noticeable changes was the scent. The minty aroma of the mouthwash lingered in the bathroom, creating a refreshing atmosphere. When using the shower, the scent was subtly present, adding an unexpected but pleasant twist to the daily routine. Additionally, the water felt smoother, possibly due to the reduced mineral deposits, enhancing the overall shower experience.

Mouthwash is widely known for its antibacterial properties, and I hoped these would translate to killing bacteria and mold on the shower head. While I didn't conduct a scientific analysis, the visible cleanliness and improved water flow suggested that the mouthwash had effectively sanitized the shower head. The absence of any unpleasant odors or visible mold also indicated a reduction in microbial presence.

A concern with using an unconventional cleaning agent like mouthwash is the potential for damage to the shower head. After 10 nights, I inspected the material carefully for signs of corrosion or discoloration. Fortunately, there were no adverse effects. The metal retained its shine, and there was no evidence of damage, which was reassuring as it suggested mouthwash is a safe alternative for cleaning.

Comparing mouthwash to vinegar and other cleaning hacks, I found that each method has its benefits. Vinegar is unparalleled in its ability to dissolve limescale quickly, but the smell can be off-putting. Mouthwash, on the other hand, offers a more pleasant scent and does a commendable job at cleaning, albeit at a slower rate. For those who prioritize fragrance and gradual cleaning, mouthwash is a worthy contender. However, for quick descaling, vinegar remains the champion.

I would definitely consider using mouthwash again for cleaning my shower head, especially if I'm looking to avoid the strong smell of vinegar. This hack is ideal for those who are patient and prefer a fresher scent in their cleaning routine. However, it's not the best choice for those seeking immediate results or dealing with severe limescale buildup. For a quick fix, traditional methods like vinegar or commercial descalers might be more effective.