How to Clean Faucet Aerators (and Why You Should)
Take a look at the bottom of the faucet of most modern kitchen and bathroom sinks and you’ll probably see a small round screen called an aerator. This thin piece of metal helps control the water as it exits the faucet by adding air, which reduces splashing and waste.
Aerators also act as a sort of filter, trapping debris that is still in the water. And over time, this dirt, along with mineral deposits and other deposits , can make the aerator less effective . Fortunately, cleaning it is not difficult. Here’s what to do.
How to clean faucet aerators
To clean the aerator, first you need to remove it from the faucet . Aerators that screw onto the outside of the faucet can usually be removed by hand, although you may need to loosen them a bit first with pliers or a wrench.
Other aerators, known as “hidden” or “recessed” aerators, screw into the inside of the faucet and require a small key to remove. If this is the case for you and the faucet is relatively new, the key may have come with it. If not, you can find one at a hardware or plumbing store.
With the aerator unplugged from the faucet, start by soaking it in a glass of white vinegar for about five minutes. After that, rub it with a small brush (like an old toothbrush) to remove any remaining debris or mineral deposits. If vinegar doesn’t work, you can try soaking the aerator in a mixture of citric acid and water instead. Once it’s clean, you can put the aerator back on the faucet.
Ideally, the aerator should be cleaned every six months , as well as after any construction work that affects the water supply.