How do I clean a faucet aerator or showerhead?
Unscrew the aerator or showerhead by hand (or with pliers wrapped in a cloth). Soak the parts in white vinegar for 30 minutes to 2 hours (overnight for heavy buildup) to dissolve mineral deposits. Scrub gently with an old toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and reinstall. For showerheads that won't unscrew easily, fill a plastic bag with vinegar, secure it around the head with a rubber band, and leave it for 1 to 4 hours (under an hour on specialty finishes like matte black or brushed gold).
Step by step: cleaning an aerator or showerhead
- Unscrew the aerator: On a faucet, the aerator is the tip at the end of the spout. Close the sink drain first so small parts can't fall in, then twist counterclockwise to remove. If it's stuck, wrap it in a cloth and use pliers gently; the metal is soft.
- Disassemble carefully: The aerator has a few small parts, usually a screen, a flow restrictor, and a rubber washer. Lay them out in order on a paper towel so you remember how they go back.
- Soak in white vinegar: Submerge all parts in a small bowl of undiluted white vinegar. Soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on buildup. For heavy deposits, soak overnight, except on specialty finishes like matte black or brushed gold: keep those under an hour.
- Scrub and rinse: Use an old toothbrush to scrub the screen and any visible deposits. Rinse all parts in clean water. Hold the screen up to the light: it should be clear.
- Reassemble: Put the parts back in reverse order. Hand-tighten the aerator back onto the faucet. Don't overtighten; the rubber washer makes the seal.
- For showerheads (same idea, larger scale): Fill a plastic bag with vinegar. Place it over the showerhead so the head is submerged. Tie the bag in place with a rubber band. Leave for 1 to 4 hours. Remove the bag and run the shower hot for 1 minute to flush. If the showerhead unscrews easily, remove and soak it like an aerator for a deeper clean. On specialty finishes (brushed gold, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black), keep the soak under an hour; vinegar can dull them.
Still weak after cleaning? If the flow hasn't come back, every fixture in the house is weak, or the shower drips after you turn it off, the problem is in the valve or the pipes, not the aerator. Call (909) 312-4516 or text (909) 247-6791 and Sweetwater will find it.
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