I soaked my shower head in mouthwash every week for a month. This is what happened

In the world of DIY home maintenance, unconventional cleaning hacks are always emerging. From using baking soda to clean almost anything to employing cola for rust removal, the internet is filled with surprising ways to tackle household chores. One such hack that caught my attention was using mouthwash to clean a shower head. Intrigued by the idea that something designed to kill germs in our mouths might also benefit my bathroom, I decided to give it a try.

Over the course of a month, I committed to soaking my shower head in mouthwash once a week. The aim was to observe any changes in cleanliness, water pressure, and overall functionality of the shower head. Here's a detailed account of what happened and whether this viral cleaning hack lived up to the hype.

The idea of using mouthwash for cleaning isn't entirely new, but it's certainly not mainstream. Mouthwash is designed to kill bacteria in the mouth, so it stands to reason that it might have similar effects on the germs that accumulate in a shower head. Shower heads are notorious for harboring mold, mildew, and mineral buildup, which can affect water flow and hygiene. I wanted to see if mouthwash could offer a simple, effective solution.

Additionally, traditional cleaning methods often involve harsh chemicals or a lot of scrubbing, neither of which is particularly appealing. If mouthwash could provide an easier, less abrasive alternative, it would be a game-changer. By using a common household item, I hoped to avoid the need for specialized cleaners, saving both time and money.

To conduct this experiment, I purchased a large bottle of an antiseptic mint mouthwash, opting for a generic brand to keep costs down. Each week, I would remove the shower head and submerge it in a container filled with mouthwash, ensuring it was completely covered. The soak would last for approximately 30 minutes before reattaching the shower head and rinsing it with water.

For consistency, I conducted the soak every Sunday evening. This schedule allowed me to observe any changes during the week and ensured that the mouthwash had adequate time to work its magic. I documented the state of the shower head before and after each soak, focusing on limescale buildup, water flow, and any noticeable odors.

Limescale and mineral buildup are common issues in areas with hard water. These deposits can clog the nozzles of a shower head, reducing water flow and diminishing the shower's effectiveness. After the first soak, I noticed a slight reduction in visible limescale, although it wasn't completely gone.

By the second week, the effects became more noticeable. The shower head's nozzles appeared cleaner, and there was less white residue on the surface. By the end of the month, the limescale buildup had significantly decreased, and the shower head looked much cleaner overall. The mouthwash seemed to effectively break down these mineral deposits over time.

Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, making the shower an ideal breeding ground. After the first week, I didn't see a dramatic change in the presence of mold or mildew. However, by the third week, the once-present black spots around the nozzles were noticeably diminished.

The antiseptic properties of the mouthwash appeared to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew over time. As for bacteria, while I don't have lab results to confirm this, the reduction in visible mold and mildew suggests that the mouthwash was effective in creating a less hospitable environment for these organisms.

One of the most immediate changes I was hoping to see was an improvement in water pressure and spray pattern. Initially, the shower head had an inconsistent spray, with some nozzles partially blocked by mineral deposits.

After the first mouthwash soak, I noticed a slight improvement. By the second week, the water flow was more consistent, and the spray pattern was more even. By the end of the month, the shower head delivered a strong, uniform stream, which made showers much more enjoyable and efficient.

One concern I had was whether the shower would smell overwhelmingly minty after each soak. Fortunately, the scent was surprisingly pleasant. After each soak, the bathroom was filled with a light, fresh mint aroma that dissipated within a few hours.

The minty smell was never overpowering, even immediately after the rinse. It was a refreshing change from the typical chlorine or chemical cleaner odors. The added bonus was that the bathroom smelled fresher overall, which was an unexpected but welcome benefit.

A potential downside of using mouthwash is its alcohol content, which could potentially damage or discolor certain materials over time. I was particularly concerned about the shower head's metal finish and the integrity of plastic parts and rubber seals.

After a month of weekly soaks, I found no noticeable damage to the metal finish. The chrome retained its shine, and there was no discoloration. The plastic components and rubber seals also remained intact, showing no signs of wear or degradation. The mouthwash seemed gentle enough for all materials involved.

Vinegar is a popular choice for cleaning shower heads, known for its ability to break down mineral deposits effectively. However, it has a strong odor that some people find unpleasant. Compared to vinegar, mouthwash offered a more pleasant scent and comparable cleaning power over time.

While vinegar might work faster to dissolve limescale, mouthwash provided a gradual but steady improvement. Unlike some commercial cleaners, mouthwash didn't require scrubbing, making it a low-effort solution. Overall, it was a competitive alternative to traditional cleaning methods, especially for those sensitive to strong odors.

The cost of using mouthwash was relatively low, especially since I opted for a generic brand. A large bottle lasted the entire month, with some left over for other uses. In terms of effort, the process was simple and required minimal time each week.

Practicality-wise, the mouthwash method was easy to incorporate into my cleaning routine. It didn't require any special equipment or extensive preparation, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to maintain their shower head with minimal hassle.

After seeing the benefits of the mouthwash soak, I plan to continue using this method, albeit less frequently. While weekly soaks were beneficial for the experiment, I believe a monthly soak would be sufficient to maintain cleanliness and performance.

This frequency should strike a balance between effectiveness and practicality, ensuring the shower head remains in good condition without excessive use of mouthwash.

This experiment highlights the potential value in trying unconventional cleaning hacks. While not all viral tips are effective, some, like the mouthwash soak, can offer surprising benefits. It's a reminder to approach such hacks with an open mind, while also considering practicality and long-term effects.

Ultimately, this experience reinforced the idea that some household items can serve dual purposes, providing simple solutions to common problems. It's always worth experimenting with new methods to find what works best for individual needs and preferences.