Should I soak my shower head in vinegar or bleach?

You should soak your shower head in vinegar, not bleach, because vinegar is safe, effective, and recommended by all major shower brands including Speakman, Delta, and Moen, while bleach can damage finishes and internal parts. Vinegar, specifically white distilled vinegar with 5 percent acidity, dissolves hard water mineral deposits like calcium and lime that clog spray nozzles, without harming chrome, brass, stainless, or plastic finishes. To clean, remove shower head if possible, soak in bowl of white vinegar for 30 minutes to 2 hours, then scrub nozzles with old toothbrush and rinse. For non-removable heads, fill plastic bag with vinegar, tie around shower head so it is submerged, soak 1 to 2 hours. Bleach, sodium hypochlorite, is harsh, can damage chrome plating, rubber O-rings, and plastic, causing discoloration and leaks, and can release toxic fumes if mixed with vinegar or other cleaners. Bleach does not dissolve mineral deposits effectively, it disinfects but does not descale. Manufacturers like Speakman specifically warn against bleach, harsh chemicals, and abrasive cleaners, recommending mild soap and vinegar only. Soak in vinegar for hard water, use mild dish soap for regular cleaning. If you need disinfecting, use diluted bleach very briefly then rinse thoroughly, but vinegar is better for descaling. So soak in vinegar, not bleach, for safe, effective cleaning.