It’s important to clean your kitchen and bathroom sinks regularly, but don’t forget the faucet head and handles. These parts collect bacteria, stains, and smudges, just like the sink. The faucet head can also build up hard water deposits, which may affect water flow.
To keep your faucet and handles clean and working well, include them in your regular kitchen and bathroom cleaning routine. Keep reading to learn the best way to clean them, according to our experts.
How to Clean a Faucet Head
To clean a faucet head, you’ll need a few common household items. A great option is baking soda, which helps make stainless steel shine. Just be sure to rinse it well to avoid any dirt or streaks.
Vinegar is also useful because it removes hard water deposits and mineral buildup. However, check if your faucet’s finish can handle vinegar, as its acidity may not be suitable for all fixtures.
Don’t leave vinegar on chrome for more than two hours or on nickel, gold, or brass for more than 30 minutes. It can damage chrome by wearing away the finish if left too long.
Materials You’ll Need
- Vinegar
- Quart plastic bag
- Rubber band
- Toothbrush
- Baking soda
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to clean your faucet head.
- Fill a plastic bag with equal parts water and vinegar, making sure there’s enough liquid to cover the faucet head.
- Place the bag over the faucet head and hold it in place with a rubber band.
- Leave it for 30 minutes to an hour. If the fixture has a delicate finish, keep it under 30 minutes. For a deeper clean, add a few tablespoons of baking soda.
- Remove the bag, run hot water, and scrub off any loosened debris with a toothbrush.
- Wipe the fixture with soap and water or a mild pH-neutral cleaner. Use a toothbrush to scrub any hard-to-reach areas for a thorough clean.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains and Deposits
If you still can’t remove tough hard water stains or clogging deposits, and your water flow is affected, try using powdered citric acid. But be careful: some faucets can’t handle it, and it may irritate your eyes.
Materials You’ll Need
- Powdered citric acid
- Towel
- Pliers
- Toothbrush
- Vinegar
Instructions
Here’s how to remove hard water stains from faucets:
- Dissolve 3/4 cup of citric acid in 1 gallon of boiling water, then pour the mixture into a plastic bag.
- Attach the plastic bag to the faucet using a rubber band.
- If you can’t attach a bag to your faucet, spray the solution on hard water stains. Let it sit for 30 minutes, scrub if needed, then wipe with soap and water. Avoid using it on soft, porous surfaces like marble, granite, or soapstone.
- If the water flow is still weak, remove and clean the faucet aerator (the small screen at the spout’s end). Gently unscrew it. If it’s stuck, use pliers with a towel wrapped around the aerator to avoid scratches.
- Soak the aerator in vinegar for 30 minutes, then scrub off the buildup with a toothbrush.
- Rinse with water and screw it back onto the faucet.
How to Clean Faucet Handles
Remember to clean the faucet handles too. Wiping them regularly helps prevent hard water stains, mold, and germs. It’s best to include this in your weekly cleaning routine.
Materials You’ll Need
- A mild pH-neutral cleaner
- Microfiber towel
- Toothbrush
Instructions
Here are the best tips for cleaning faucet handles:
- Spray the fixtures with a mild pH-neutral cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub around the edges of the fixtures.
- Wipe and shine the fixture handles with the microfiber towel.
- For stubborn water stains, spray a mix of 2 to 3 tablespoons of citric acid and water.
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Faucet Head
Since faucets provide our water, it’s important to clean them every few months to prevent dirt, debris, and hard water buildup. Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate, causing stains and reducing water flow.