4 health risks that may result from a dirty bathroom shower head

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New research has highlighted the danger of neglecting dirty bathroom shower heads, as they can become a breeding ground for four main types of harmful bacteria.

Experts listed the potential health risks associated with each type of bacteria:

- Malassezia and Acanthamoeba fungi:  They can cause eye problems such as blepharitis, and may lead to vision loss in rare cases.

- Malassezia stricta:  causes infections of the scalp.

- Pseudomonas aeruginosa:  associated with ear infections.

- Legionella bacteria:  Although rare, it can lead to Legionnaires' disease, which is more common in public facilities than in homes.

Peter Clayton, a plumbing expert, confirms that cleaning your shower head is not only about health, but also enhances your shower experience. 

“Limescale buildup on the shower head can obstruct water flow, leading to an unsatisfactory showering experience. This is especially true for those who live in areas with hard water due to its high mineral content,” he says.

Peter advises cleaning the shower head regularly to prevent limescale build-up, by soaking it in white vinegar, Gloucestershire Live reports.

He adds: "The acid in white vinegar breaks down mineral deposits while removing bacteria on the shower head. However, it is important to make sure that you are using distilled white vinegar and not any other type, because brown vinegar can stain the shower head."

"If your shower head is made of copper, make sure you don't soak it in vinegar for more than 30 minutes, as this can lead to corrosion," Peter says. The head should be gently scrubbed with a toothbrush to remove any limescale residue, rinsed well with water and ensured it is completely dry before using it.