Tools and Materials

Tools

Soft-Bristle Brush
Old Toothbrush
Screwdriver
Wrench
Pliers
Handheld Steam Cleaner

Materials

Microfiber Cloth
White Vinegar
Baking Soda
Rubber Gloves
Rubber Bands
A small zip-lock bag or plastic bag
Small Bowl
Mild Liquid Dish Soap
CLR Remover

Steps on How to Clean a Faucet Head

Cleaning your faucet is a simple task that can be done easily by following the steps mentioned below.

Good to Know

Before starting any plumbing work, always turn off the water supply to the faucet. This prevents accidental water damage and potential injuries.

Unscrew the faucet head with the help of a screwdriver.
Wrap a microfiber cloth around the faucet head to prevent scratches from tools.
Employ a wrench or pliers to loosen and unscrew the faucet head gently.
If the faucet head is extremely tight, don’t force it– clean it while it’s still attached.

Good to Know

A wrench or plier provides the necessary grip and leverage to loosen a tightly secured faucet head.

Using white vinegar is one of the most effective ways to dissolve mineral deposits and sanitize your faucet head.
Once the faucet head is detached, you can clean it thoroughly.
Submerge the faucet head in a small bowl or container filled with a solution of white vinegar and water for 30 minutes. This helps dissolve mineral deposits and grime.
To clean a non-detachable faucet, pour white vinegar into a zip-lock or plastic bag. Place the bag over the faucet head, ensuring it's fully submerged in vinegar and water solution.
Secure the bag with rubber bands to hold it in place and let it soak for at least 30 minutes or longer if necessary.

Caution

Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from vinegar.

Once the soaking time is up, remove the faucet head from the vinegar solution.
Use an old toothbrush or soft bristle brush to scrub away any remaining debris or mineral buildup.
For stubborn deposits, you can make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the tough spots and scrub again.
After scrubbing, rinse the faucet with warm water to effectively dissolve and remove any remaining cleaning agents, such as vinegar or baking soda.
Give the faucet a good shake to remove any water that may be trapped inside the aerator or other internal components. This helps prevent water spots and mineral buildup.

If you have removed the faucet head, make sure the threads on the faucet head and the faucet spout are clean and free of debris.
Carefully align the threads to ensure a smooth and secure fit.
Screw the faucet head onto the spout by hand. Tighten it until it feels snug, but don't force it.
Once the faucet head is tightened, use a wrench or pliers to give it an additional quarter to half turn.
Use a cloth or rubber grip on the wrench or pliers to avoid scratching the finish of the faucet head or spout.

How to Clean Faucet Head Residue with Soap

Fill the small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Mix to create a soapy solution.
Place the faucet head into the soapy water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This will help to loosen any residue.
Use the old toothbrush to scrub the faucet head, paying special attention to areas with buildup or residue.
Rinse the faucet head under clean running water to remove all soap and loosened residue.
Dry the faucet head and the faucet with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

How to Clean a Faucet Head with Baking Soda

First, unscrew the faucet head with the help of a screwdriver.
In a small bowl, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a thick paste.
Spread the baking soda paste generously over the faucet head, especially on areas with visible residue or buildup.
Use the old toothbrush to scrub the faucet head, focusing on areas with stubborn residue.
Rinse the faucet head under clean running water to remove the baking soda paste and any loosened residue and dry the faucet with a clean cloth.
Once the faucet head is thoroughly cleaned, reattach it to the faucet.

How to Clean a Faucet with CLR

Follow the instructions on the bottle of the CLR cleaner for proper dilution. Typically, mix equal parts of CLR and water in a small bowl.
Dip the toothbrush or scrub brush into the CLR solution and scrub the faucet head, paying attention to areas with visible buildup or residue.
Rinse the faucet head and the faucet thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of CLR solution and dry it with a soft microfiber cloth.

Caution

Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from the harsh chemicals in CLR.

How to Clean Faucet Head Residue with Steam

Fill the steam cleaner with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and allow it to heat up.
Point the nozzle of the steam cleaner at the faucet head. Hold the nozzle close to the residue-covered areas and activate the steam.
Move the nozzle around to cover all areas of the faucet head, ensuring the steam reaches all crevices.
Keep the steam focused on one area for a few seconds to loosen the buildup.
After steaming, use an old toothbrush or small scrub brush to gently scrub away loosened residue.
Use the microfiber cloth to wipe away the residue and any moisture left from the steam. This also helps to polish the faucet head.

How to Clean a Faucet Aerator

Use a wrench or pliers to unscrew the aerator from the end of the faucet.
Turn the aerator counter-clockwise to remove it. If it's tight, apply gentle but firm pressure to loosen.
Carefully take apart the aerator and note the order in which the components are assembled. Common parts are the outer casing, washer, screen, and flow restrictor.
Fill a small bowl with vinegar or a mild cleaning solution and soak the aerator components for 30 minutes to an hour.
After soaking, use a toothbrush or small brush to gently scrub each component of the aerator to remove any lingering deposits or debris.
Rinse each part under warm running water to ensure all the cleaning solution and dislodged debris are washed away.
Put the aerator back together in the correct order. Ensure the washer is seated properly to prevent leaks.
Screw the aerator back onto the faucet, turning it clockwise. Use your hand to start and finish with a wrench or pliers if necessary.

Now that you know how to clean a faucet head, you can keep your faucets looking and functioning like new with minimal effort. Whether you choose to clean your faucet with vinegar or try out other methods, regular maintenance is key. By following these simple steps, you can keep your faucet looking its best and functioning properly for years to come.

How to Clean a Faucet Head