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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9802317/
According to this study, greater numbers of bacteria were found in “rain head” style shower heads than hand held or “massage” heads. I wonder if that’s because rain head styles are mounted flat and therefore don’t drain completely or dry as fast?
I’ve also been researching using vinegar for disinfecting shower head. Seems it has to be at least 6% acetic acid. Most of what is sold in US is less than that. At that higher strength, can only submerge 30 minutes before damage to materials.
I use a household vinegar soak once a week to reduce mineral clogging but I’m not finding where that practice kills MAC. Even so called “cleaning vinegar” in the US is only 5%.
Replies to "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9802317/ According to this study, greater numbers of bacteria were found in “rain head” style shower..."
That is one long and complex article! My understanding from reading it is when the wall-mounted showerhead was put on “rain” mode, more small showerhead holes were involved and thereby creating more mist. The “massager” function used the larger holes in the center of the wall-mounted showerhead and created less mist and put less NTM in the air.
This is consistent with Dr. Falkinham’s recommendations to use a showerhead with large holes. Also, whenever possible, to leave the bathroom when the shower is first turned on and bacteria breaks off from the biofilm lining the pipes. Additionally, to make sure your window is open and the fan is on.
I live in an apartment building and this is not possible for me. I don’t have a window in my bathroom, nor a fan. So I tend to take short showers. And, I use a handheld showerhead on the massager setting (only large holds in center of showerhead are used) that I hold close to my body so it creates very little mist.
Best,
Linda Esposito
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The higher strength vinegar is readily available at places like Home Depot. I regularly buy 30% vinegar there and dilute 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar, which give about 7%-71/2% concentration.
Sue