Forgotten bit of the bathroom that's germ magnet – the less you use it, the worse it gets
CLEANING the bathroom can be a proper chore.
But it must be done given the germs that can harbour in this busy room of the house.
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Now a bathroom specialist has warned that one often overlooked area could be a hive for potentially deadly bacteria that puts families at risk each day.
John Horner, Managing Director of luxury bathroom retailer 34 Stjohn, said regular cleaning of shower heads is something people often forget to do.
But he said it's a vital job to prevent the build-up of legionella bacteria, which can cause a serious form of pneumonia.
John explained: "Many people scrub their bathrooms weekly but completely forget about their shower heads.
"A grimy shower head isn't just unsightly - it could be harbouring dangerous bacteria that gets sprayed directly onto your face and body."
He said that visible limescale often signals bacterial build-up beneath.
John added: "What looks like harmless mineral deposits can actually hide colonies of harmful bacteria."
But you don't need expensive cleaning products to tackle this problem
The expert explained: "A simple solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can break down mineral deposits where bacteria hide."
The bathroom pro recommends unscrewing our shower head and soaking it overnight in this solution.
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After soaking, give it a good scrub with an old toothbrush to remove any stubborn deposits, then rinse thoroughly before reattaching.
And he says it's key to pay special attention to guest bathrooms as infrequently used showers pose particular risks.
John said: "Shower heads that aren't used regularly become perfect breeding grounds for bacteria because water sits stagnant in the pipes and head.
"If you have showers that aren't used weekly, run them for a few minutes to flush out the system."
He also explained that modern shower designs can help mitigate risks.
"Many luxury shower heads now incorporate anti-microbial materials or self-cleaning functions that reduce bacterial growth," he added.
"But regardless of how expensive your shower is, regular maintenance is still essential.
"Legionnaires' disease can be very dangerous for vulnerable people, which is why prevention is so important.
"Taking five minutes to clean your shower head could protect your family's health."
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