Kakadu Outback Shower Head & Hose: Cleaning and Care Tips
By Kakadu | Outback Shower, Camping Cot Tents & Swags | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your Kakadu Outback Shower Head & Hose working like new. Follow these simple cleaning and care steps to prevent mould, blockages, and wear.
Quick answer
After every trip, run fresh water through the hose, shake out excess, and hang both the shower head and hose to dry completely before storing. Once a season, deep clean the hose with a mild vinegar solution to break down mineral buildup and prevent mould. These simple habits keep your Kakadu Outback Shower Head & Hose ready for the next adventure.
Why routine care matters for your Outback Shower Head & Hose
Camping showers work hard in dusty, humid, and off-grid conditions. Dust, minerals from bore water, and leftover moisture create the perfect environment for mould and blockages. The Kakadu Outback Shower Head & Hose is built for outdoor use, but a few minutes of care after each trip will extend its life and keep water flowing evenly. Ignoring the hose can lead to stiff rubber, cracked fittings, and that musty smell you never want on a clean shower.
What you'll need
Gather a few household items before you start: a bucket or basin, warm water, mild dish soap, white vinegar, a soft brush or old toothbrush, and a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the hose material and the shower head's finish. If you have the Outback Wash Basin from Kakadu, it doubles as a perfect soaking tub for the hose.
Step-by-step cleaning and care routine
- 1. Rinse the hose immediately after use: Disconnect the hose from the shower unit and flush it with fresh water for 30 seconds. This pushes out soap residue, dust, and minerals before they settle. Common mistake: letting water sit inside the hose for days, which encourages mould growth. Checkpoint: water should run clear and free of debris.
- 2. Deep clean the hose with a vinegar soak: Mix one part white vinegar with three parts warm water in a basin. Submerge the hose and let it soak for 20–30 minutes. For stubborn buildup, use a soft brush to gently scrub the outside. Rinse thoroughly afterward. Common mistake: using bleach or boiling water, which can degrade the rubber. Checkpoint: the hose should feel supple and smell fresh, not vinegary.
- 3. Clean the shower head spray holes: Remove the shower head from the hose if possible. Use a toothbrush dipped in the vinegar solution to scrub the spray openings. For clogged holes, a pin can gently dislodge mineral deposits. Rinse and test the spray settings. Common mistake: poking too hard and damaging the internal mechanism. Checkpoint: all three spray settings should work with even flow.
- 4. Dry both parts completely before storage: Shake excess water from the hose and shower head. Hang them in a shaded, well-ventilated area until fully dry—sunlight can degrade rubber over time. Use the shower head's built-in hanging hook or magnetic back to suspend it. Common mistake: storing while damp, which leads to mould and mildew. Checkpoint: no moisture remains inside the hose or head.
- 5. Store in a cool, dry place: Once dry, coil the hose loosely and place it with the shower head in a breathable bag, like the Carry Bag from the Outback Shower Essentials Bundle. Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Common mistake: coiling too tightly, which can kink the hose and cause permanent creases. Checkpoint: the hose should form a relaxed loop without sharp bends.
Kakadu products that support your care routine
- Kakadu Outback Shower Head & Hose: The Kakadu Upgradeable Shower Head features three adjustable spray settings and multiple mounting options, including a magnetic back, suction cup, and hanging hook. The magnetic back and suction cup let you mount the head for hands-free rinsing while you clean the hose, and the hook makes drying easy.
- Outback Shower AC Adapter: The Outback Shower AC Adapter ensures a reliable charge for your portable shower at home, campsite, or RV. Charging the shower fully before storage prevents battery drain and keeps the pump ready for your next trip.
- Outback Shower Essentials Bundle: The Outback Shower Essentials Bundle includes the Outback Shower, Carry Bag, Wash Basin, and AC Adapter. The included Wash Basin is ideal for soaking and rinsing the hose, and the Carry Bag keeps everything organised and protected between trips.
