Warning issued over serious diseases you can catch from your shower head

Various bacteria can be found lurking in your shower head if not cleaned enough (Image: Getty)

Many people have been left shocked after finding out about the potential health hazards linked with neglected shower heads, as frequent cleaning is just as important as personal cleanliness.

In a cautionary online video, one Facebook user named Lauren raised awareness about the neglect of shower heads, reports Gloucestershire Live. She claimed: "This is a fun one, our shower heads are slowly killing us, because apparently we're meant to be washing them regularly."

She continued: "It's actually pretty serious because it can lead to lung disease, as well as ocular, nose and post-op infections. Along with a bunch of other diseases."

Lauren went on to detail the dangers, shedding light on the threat that can lurk in the unsuspecting bathroom fixture. "It's because of biofilm, a bunch of bacteria that have a little party in your shower head, and they're incredibly hard to kill.

"They're basically like a fortress. And when you take a shower, that gets in the air and into your lungs and your whole body."

The revelation sparked astonishment in the comments section. Casadee confessed her surprise at the cleaning necessity, writing: "Okay am I the only one that's never cleaned a shower head."

Meanwhile, Catrina remarked on her own experiences: "I've been in showers where I only sneezed in the shower- a lot. Probably mold. Anywho, I definitely need to clean my current shower head more often."

Haley chimed: "I actually just replaced my shower head this morning... and when I pulled the old one off it was so dirty and grimy inside and I never knew that happened... so watching this was interesting."

'Pink mold' in a shower is typically not actually mould, but a bacteria called Serratia marcescens (Image: Getty)

Your daily shower may not be as innocuous as you believe, according to experts. Showerheads can harbour bacteria, including potentially harmful strains like Legionella, which can become airborne in the mist you inhale while showering, posing health risks, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Bathroom specialists at Plumbworld have disclosed that shower heads can accumulate dangerous bacteria over time. Without regular cleaning, these bacteria flourish in the warm, damp environment inside shower fixtures and are released with each use.

How shower heads could make you sick:

It's easy to overlook that your shower head can gather more than just water - it can also harbour harmful bacteria over time. When water sits inside the showerhead between uses, it creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth, particularly if the shower isn't used frequently or if there's a build-up of limescale and grime.

One of the most alarming bacteria found in showerheads is Legionella, which can cause Legionnaires' disease, a severe lung infection. When you turn on the shower, tiny water droplets carrying bacteria can get mixed into the mist, meaning you might breathe them in without even knowing.

Hygiene experts shares how to clean limescale from shower head

While healthy people are less likely to fall ill, vulnerable groups - such as the elderly, children, or people with asthma or lung conditions - are at higher risk. They may develop symptoms such as:

• Persistent coughing or wheezing.
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness.
• Flu-like symptoms such as headaches, fever, or muscle pain.

Shower heads in guest bathrooms, infrequently used showers, or homes with poor water flow can be particularly susceptible to bacterial build-up as water can remain stagnant for extended periods. Even in regularly used bathrooms, limescale deposits and dirt inside the showerhead can harbour bacteria, heightening the risk of exposure.

Steps to prevent bacteria build-up:

Thankfully, keeping your shower head clean and devoid of harmful bacteria is straightforward with a few preventative steps. Bathroom experts at Plumbworld suggest the following measures to ensure your shower's safety:

Clean your showerhead every few months and immerse the shower head in a mixture of white vinegar and water for several hours to dissolve limescale and eliminate bacteria.

Regularly run hot water through the shower. If a shower isn't frequently used, run hot water for several minutes to flush out stagnant water and inhibit bacterial growth. Replace old showerheads.

Shower heads with significant limescale build-up are more challenging to clean and should be replaced every 6-12 months to maintain good hygiene. Opt for detachable showerheads. These are simpler to remove and clean thoroughly compared to fixed models.

Install water filters. Filters designed to trap bacteria and minerals can decrease the amount of harmful build-up inside showerheads.

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A spokesperson from Plumbworld added: "Most people don’t realise that their showerhead could harbour harmful bacteria, especially if the shower isn’t used regularly or cleaned properly. Over time, stagnant water inside the showerhead becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria like Legionella, which can be released into the air when the water runs.

"For those with respiratory issues or weakened immune systems, this exposure could pose a real risk. Fortunately, keeping your shower safe doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

"Simple practices like soaking the shower head in vinegar, flushing hot water through the system, or replacing shower heads regularly can make a big difference. Detachable shower heads are particularly useful because they’re easier to clean and maintain.

"Prevention is key, and with these easy habits, households can reduce the risks and keep their showers hygienic. Whether it’s installing a water filter or simply remembering to clean your shower head every few months, these steps help ensure you enjoy a safe, refreshing shower every day."