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How to Clean Bathroom Faucets and Fixtures

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 18, 2024

Over time, grime, water spots and mineral deposits accumulate on bathroom faucets and fixtures. This can affect the appearance of your bathroom. This easy-to-follow guide will show you how to clean your bathroom faucets to restore them like new ones.

How to Clean Bathroom Faucets

  • Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl to prepare a cleaning solution. To make sure the mix is more effective, you may use white vinegar without diluting it.
  • Use a microfiber cloth and soak it completely in the prepared cleaning solution.
  • Wring it out so that it's damp and wipe down the base, handle and spout.
  • You can also choose to wrap the soaked cloth around the bathroom faucet head to clean it. Leave it for an hour. Remove the cloth and clean it with water.
  • Use a toothbrush to reach crevices and corners where dirt tends to accumulate.
Tip

Make sure that your faucet finish is compatible with vinegar. A safer option is always soap and water.

Tip

Use a soft-bristled brush and scrub gently so you don’t scratch or damage the finish.

Cleaning the Bathroom Sink

Bathroom Sink

  • Start with a dry cloth to wipe down any loose dirt and debris. This initial step helps remove any surface dust or hair that usually settles on the sink.
  • You can use a general cleaning spray or soap and water. Both of these will help remove light soiling and grime.
  • To clean stubborn grime on your bathroom faucet sink, sprinkle baking soda all over the sink. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help tackle tough stains or built-up residue. Apply dish soap and use a soft sponge to scrub gently. The combination of baking soda and dish soap creates a gentle scrubbing paste that can cut through grime without scratching the surface 
  • Vinegar too is a good disinfectant. Add a cup of vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it all over the sink’s surface. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can help eliminate germs, bacteria, and odor. Allow it sit to for 10 minutes and rinse.

Tip

Always test any cleaner on a hidden part of the sink to check for any reactions and effectiveness.

Shower Head and Faucet

  • For the shower head, fill a ziploc bag or plastic bag with white vinegar. White vinegar is an effective natural cleaning agent that can help dissolve mineral buildup and remove grime from the shower head.
  • Submerge the shower head into this solution and use rubber bands to hold the bag in place. Allow the shower head to be fully immersed in the cleaning solution.
  • Allow it to rest for a couple hours or even overnight for stubborn build-up. The longer the shower head soaks, the more effective it will be at breaking down stubborn mineral deposits and soap scum.
  • After soaking, wash the shower head with water and use a toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining residue. The toothbrush can help dislodge any remaining buildup in the nozzles or hard-to-reach areas.
  • To clean the bathroom shower faucets, follow the same instructions. Use a water and vinegar solution. Similar to the shower head, a vinegar solution can be used to clean the faucets by soaking or wiping them down.

Good to Know

Vinegar will clean dirt and grime and fix a clogged shower head. The acetic acid in vinegar acts as a natural descaling agent, removing mineral deposits that can clog the shower head and restrict water flow. This will help the water flow smoothly.

Toilet and Toilet Bowls

  • Apply toilet cleaner inside the bowl and especially under the rim. Most toilet bowl cleaners are formulated to cling to the sides of the bowl and reach often-neglected areas under the rim.
  • Make sure to liberally apply the cleaner, paying close attention to these problem areas where stubborn stains and mineral buildup can accumulate.
  • Let it sit as per the instructions on the label.
  • For tough stains or mineral buildup, allow the toilet cleaner to sit for an extended period before scrubbing.
  • Use a toilet brush and scrub thoroughly. This helps in dislodging any stuck-on gunk. Scrub the entire bowl, including under the rim, to ensure a thorough cleaning.
  • Flush to rinse the bowl.
  • For the external parts, use a solution of vinegar and water. A simple vinegar and water solution can clean and disinfect the toilet's exterior surfaces, such as the tank, seat, and base.

Tip

Use gloves to protect your hands from harsh chemicals. Its best to ventilate the bathroom well during cleaning to avoid inhaling strong fumes.

Bathtub

  • Mix baking soda, liquid dish soap and warm water to form a paste. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive, the dish soap helps cut through grease and grime and the warm water helps activate and blend the ingredients into a spreadable paste.
  • This paste is suitable for the inner and outer parts of the tub.
  • Apply the paste over the surface of the bathtub and scrub with a sponge or a non-abrasive brush.
  • Work in sections, spreading the paste liberally and using a sponge or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the tub's surface.
  • For tougher stains, let the mixture sit for a while before scrubbing. If you encounter stubborn stains or heavily soiled areas, allow the paste to sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing.
  • Rinse the bathtub with clean water thoroughly.
  • Once you've finished scrubbing, use a handheld shower head or a cup to rinse away all the residual paste and loosened debris from the tub's surface. Ensure no streaks or residue remain.

Cleaning Tips

  • Over time, bathroom fixtures like faucets, towel racks, and shower heads can lose their shine and look dull or tarnished. To restore their shine, you can use metal polish, but make sure to read the instructions first since not all polishes are suitable for every finish.
  • To protect your fixtures from discoloration and tarnishing, consider applying wax and sealant after polishing, if recommended for the material. This will create a protective layer that helps keep them looking good longer.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any cleaner. This ensures you're using the right products and methods, so you don't accidentally damage your bathroom fixtures.
  • Cleaning rusty bathroom taps and faucets is easy; just use lemon and salt. For stubborn rust stains or buildup on metal, a simple mixture of lemon juice (or vinegar) and salt can be an effective natural cleaning solution. The acid in the lemon helps break down the rust, while the salt provides gentle abrasion to scrub it away.
  • Always test a small amount of the cleaner before committing to a full cleanse.

Finishes and Cautions

  • Oil-rubbed bronze:  Use only water and a soft cloth. Avoid using chemical cleaners and abrasive tools.
  • Unlacquered Brass: Lemon juice can renew the look of brass fixtures. Gently wipe with a damp, soft cloth and dry immediately. Do not use harsh chemicals.
  • Chrome: Use mild soap and water to clean. You may apply cooking spray or use a dryer sheet but avoid using abrasive sponges.
  • Stainless Steel: Use mild detergent or baking soda with water. Avoid cleaning with bleach or using harsh wire brushes which can damage the finish.
  • Porcelain: Never use undiluted bleach for porcelain. Use a porcelain-specific cleaner or use mild dish soap or liquid detergent and water.

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