How Do I Clean the Kitchen Faucet Aerators?

Cleaning a kitchen faucet's aerator is easier than you think.

You have noticed that your kitchen faucet's water pressure is suddenly low, but that does not necessarily mean your general water pressure is the problem. Sometimes the kitchen faucet's aerator clogs with mineral deposits and other debris that come from the water supply and plumbing. Cleaning it is an easy task that cannot only save water, but also prevent costly visits from the plumber looking for a problem that does not exist.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Pliers
• Old toothbrush
• Glass
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

1. Unscrew the faucet's aerator by turning it counterclockwise. If you cannot unscrew it by hand, put a towel around the aerator and turn it with the pliers; the towel will prevent the pliers from scratching the finish on the aerator and faucet.

2. Rinse off the aerator.

3. Place the aerator with all its parts together in a tall glass.

4. Sprinkle the aerator with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.

5. Place the glass in the sink and pour the cup of vinegar over the aerator in the glass. The solution will bubble up and possibly out of the glass. Allow the aerator to sit in the solution for one hour to overnight.

6. Rinse the aerator and use the old toothbrush to scrub the aerator screen of any mineral deposits and other debris. Rinse thoroughly.

7. Replace the aerator onto the faucet.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure not to strip the threading that connects the aerator to the faucet.

• When tightening the aerator back onto the faucet, it should fit snugly but not so tight as to prevent manually unscrewing the aerator for future cleaning.

References

• The Family Handyman: Unclog a Kitchen Faucet Aerator
• Seattle City Light: Bathroom faucet aerator

Resources

• Lower My Energy Bill: Faucet Aerator