How to Clean a Faucet in Bathrooms and Kitchens
It’s all about personal taste when it’s time to upgrade your faucets. Most faucets have the same functions, so you pick the style that fits your decor and looks amazing. They were perfect when you installed your faucets, but they can lose their luster over time. How can you keep them looking new?
You spent your hard-earned money buying the perfect faucets for your home, so take care of them, and they will look like they just came out of a showroom. By following some maintenance tips, your faucets will shine like new for years to come.
Here are the best methods on how to clean a faucet in your bathroom or kitchen:
Wipe Down the Faucet
When you turn your taps on, the water flows. As you wash, it splashes and leaves behind water that drys on the surface and these water drops hide the shiny appearance, giving it a dull look. The best way to get rid of water spots is to gently wipe down the faucets daily.
A microfibre cloth will quickly remove staining water and dry the surface. If there are water spots, use a soft, damp cloth and wipe down the entire faucet every night when you are done using it. If necessary, you can use a mild cleanser like soap and water, but you are not scrubbing the surface.
Abrasive cleaners will scratch and scuff the faucet’s finish, so stay away from them. Use a soft toothbrush to get at hard to reach areas and wipe them down afterwards. This gentle wipe-down will stop any buildup and keep your facet in pristine condition.
Remove Faucet Deposits
Water contains minerals, and they can buildup inside your pipes and on the surface of your taps. If you have hard water, then it will accumulate faster. Lime and calcium deposits create a film on the surface of the faucets and around the base, and if allowed to build up, it can cause damage to the faucets and the rubber seals.
You can use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water and soak an old towel in it to tackle this. Use this to scrub the affected area and the entire faucet as well. If it is a big buildup you can wrap the towel around the pipe for an hour to help soften up the deposits. Then use the solution with a toothbrush to scrub off the debris. Rinse with water afterwards and towel dry. Baking soda with a toothbrush is also very effective.
There are mineral cleaners on the market you can purchase and use. Make sure not to bring out any harsh chemicals as they will damage the finish of your faucet. Don’t use abrasive pads or scrubbers ever. If you don’t feel confident about the processes, contact a plumber for help instead.
Clean Your Faucet Aerator
Your faucet is designed to keep water flowing smoothly, and the aerator accomplishes this job. A flow regulator introduces air to reduce the amount of water flow and screens it to mix with the air. It is a round disk that fits into the end of the tap and can easily be accessed by unscrewing the end of the faucet.
Over time, the aerator can build up minerals and other debris. You should clean it once or twice a year or if you notice a reduction in water flow. Unscrew the cap on the end of the faucet and remove the aerator. Depending on the manufacturer, there may be several pieces, including a washer, bushing, plastic housing, a screen and a flow restrictor. Layout all the parts in order so it is easy to reassemble them after you clean them.
Wash and flush them with water, so any debris is removed. You can use a cloth or a toothbrush to get this done. Soak them in vinegar overnight for tougher buildup. Inspect the washers to see if they need to be replaced. Most parts are cheap and easy to find at your local home improvement store, and you can also replace the entire aerator.
Different faucet finishes require the same cleaning methods, whether brass, bronze, nickel, stainless steel or chrome. Simply wiping them down daily and washing them with soap and warm water will keep them looking new. Pay attention to build-up and do a more in-depth clean as necessary.
What Products Not to Use
There are many cleaning products you have in your home, and they do wonders for their intended applications. Bleach will get your whites white, and scrubbing pads lift the dried food off your pots and pans. These work great for some cleaning but never for your faucets.
Stay away from any cleaner with bleach in it. Sink and tub cleaners may damage the finish of your faucets as well. Any abrasive scrubbers will scratch the metal, and products with acid in them are too acidic for your taps.
Stick with good old soap and water because it works wonders and is something everyone has in their homes. Vinegar and baking soda are your best friends for cleaning faucets, and an old toothbrush gives a gentle scrub when needed.
