Many people believe that a showerhead with continuous water flow is already very clean and does not require special cleaning. In fact, the water outlet and inner wall of the pipeline of a showerhead that has not been cleaned for a long time will adhere to a slippery biofilm, which contains pathogenic bacteria such as Legionella and mold. During showering, these pathogenic bacteria can invade the human body through breathing or skin contact, posing a threat to overall health. In warm, dark, and humid environments, non tuberculous mycobacteria are highly prone to breed, among which avian mycobacteria have a higher detection rate in showerheads and can cause lung infections, lymphadenitis, and other conditions. Healthy individuals may experience chronic mild lung infections after exposure, manifested as fatigue, weakness, and long-term dry cough; Patients with bronchiectasis, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals have a higher risk of infection, more severe symptoms, and in severe cases, systemic disseminated infections may occur. Some people may wonder: 'My showerhead hasn't been changed for several years, but my family hasn't felt uncomfortable. Is this pathogen really that powerful?' In fact, Mycobacterium avium is a conditionally pathogenic bacterium, and people with normal immune function are usually less likely to develop the disease, but there are still health risks. Therefore, everyone should develop the habit of regularly cleaning the showerhead. When the water flow of the showerhead becomes thinner, bifurcates, the water outlet is not smooth, the water outlet is blocked by white or yellow scale, or mold and scale appear on the surface of the showerhead, it should be cleaned in a timely manner. Under normal circumstances, it is recommended that everyone thoroughly clean the showerhead every 3 months. Extended reading on the three-step cleaning method for showerheads: 1. Soak, remove dirt and bacteria. After disassembling the showerhead, place it in a diluted disinfectant or white vinegar solution (mix white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio) and soak for more than 3 hours. This can not only remove scale and biofilm, but also kill non tuberculous mycobacteria. 2. After thorough cleaning and soaking, use an old toothbrush dipped in a small amount of white vinegar or mold remover to carefully scrub the surface of the showerhead, water outlet, hose, etc., removing stubborn stains and mold spots. After wiping, rinse with clean water and replace with water for a moment to remove residual impurities. 3. If the water outlet is blocked during daily maintenance, a fine needle can be used to gently remove the scale, and toothpicks should not be used to prevent breakage. People with weaker immune systems can choose showerheads made of metal or silicone water outlets, which are easier to clean and reduce bacterial hiding space; If the showerhead in the home is idle for a long time, drain it for a few minutes before use and clean it properly. (New Society)