Articles - Friday, September 25, 2009 11:18 - 0 Comments

Shower Me in…Bacteria?

The next time you clean the bathroom, you may want to include the showerheads. A new study released this month by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reports that potentially disease-causing germs can get trapped in showerheads and grow into biofilm, or coats of slime that deliver a bacteria blast along with your hot water.
Showerheads are prime breeding grounds for bacteria because they are dark, moist and wet. For most of us, this doesn’t pose a threat, but if there is someone in your home who has a weakened immune system or is susceptible to a pulmonary infection, you may want to take the extra precaution of cleaning your showerhead at least once a month.
Ellie Norland, at Pertzborn Plumbing & Fire Protection in Madison, says one of the best ways to clean the showerhead is to soak it in a strong solution of distilled white vinegar and water – 3 parts vinegar to one part water. You can also use a disinfectant spray or tub and tile cleaner.
An added benefit to frequently cleaning the showerhead is keeping it from getting clogged with calcium and lime that builds up over time. Norland says when you live in an area where there is hard water, residents typically complain about a decrease in water flow and pressure. Regular cleaning can keep these buildups from occurring.
Norland also says that you should clean and soak the side spray by the kitchen sink, where bacteria growth from food is more likely.