How to Clean a Faucet Head and Handles (Expert Tips)

It is essential to regularly clean your kitchen and bathroom sinks, but this task should also include the faucet head and handles. These components, like the sink itself, can harbor bacteria, stains, and smudges. The faucet head, in particular, is prone to hard water deposits and mineral buildup, which can affect water flow.

To maintain the appearance and functionality of these fixtures, incorporate their cleaning into your regular kitchen and bathroom cleaning routine. Below, you will find expert recommendations on effectively cleaning your faucet head and sink handles for optimal results.

We have collected these tips from Nashia Baker, Associate Digital Editor of marthastewart.com

How to Clean a Faucet Head

To effectively clean a faucet head, it can be beneficial to gather a few common household ingredients. Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority, suggests that baking soda is an excellent choice for refreshing stainless-steel appliances and fixtures. She emphasizes the importance of rinsing thoroughly to avoid leaving any residue or streaks.

Additionally, vinegar is highly regarded for its ability to dissolve hard water deposits and mineral buildup, according to Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. However, she advises checking your faucet’s finish to ensure it can tolerate vinegar’s acidity, as it can be an exceptional option for cleaning faucet heads when appropriate.

Warning: Don’t leave vinegar on chrome for more than two hours, and don’t let it stay on nickel, gold, or brass for over 30 minutes, says Parnell. “Vinegar can harm chrome finishes by eating away at the surface if it’s left on too long,” she explains.

Materials You’ll Require

• Vinegar
• Quart plastic bag
• Rubber band
• Baking soda (optional)
• Mild cleaner (optional)
• Toothbrush

Instructions

To effectively clean your faucet head, consider following these carefully suggested steps:

1. Begin by filling a plastic bag with an equal mixture of water and vinegar, ensuring you have enough solution to fully submerge the faucet head.
2. Gently place the liquid-filled bag over the faucet head and secure it in place with a rubber band.
3. Allow the setup to sit for approximately 30 minutes to one hour. For more delicate fixture finishes, it is advisable to limit this time to 30 minutes. For added cleaning effectiveness, you may choose to include a few tablespoons of baking soda.
4. Once the bag is removed, run hot water to help rinse the area, and use a toothbrush to gently scrub away any loosened debris.
5. Finally, wipe down the fixture with soap and water or a mild neutral pH cleaner, such as Humble Suds All Purpose Cleaner. For those intricate crevices, a toothbrush can be particularly useful to ensure thorough cleanliness.

Following these steps will help maintain the appearance and functionality of your faucet head.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains and Deposits

If you’re experiencing difficulties with persistent hard water stains and buildup that may be affecting your water flow, you might consider using powdered citric acid as a potential solution. However, it is advisable to use it with caution, as some faucets may not be compatible with this ingredient, and it can cause eye irritation, according to Parnell.

Materials You’ll Require

• Powdered citric acid
• Plastic bag
• Rubber band
• Spray bottle (optional)
• Towel
• Pliers
• Vinegar
• Toothbrush

Instructions

To effectively address hard water stains on faucets, please consider the following steps:

• Begin by dissolving approximately 3/4 cup of citric acid in about 1 gallon of boiling water, and then transfer this mixture into a plastic bag. Securely fasten the bag over the faucet using a rubber band.
• If placing a bag over the faucet proves challenging, an alternative method is to gently spray the cleaning solution directly onto the hard water deposits. Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes, then scrub as necessary, followed by a thorough wipe down using soap and water. It is advisable to avoid using this solution near soft, porous surfaces, such as marble, granite, or soapstone.
• Should you still experience reduced water flow, kindly consider removing the faucet aerator—the small screen located at the end of the spout—for cleaning. To do this, carefully unscrew the aerator. If you encounter resistance, utilizing pliers may be helpful, but please remember to wrap a towel around them to prevent scratching the surface.
• Soak the aerator in vinegar for approximately 30 minutes, then use a toothbrush to gently scrub away any buildup. Rinse it thoroughly under water before reattaching it to the faucet.

How to Clean Faucet Handles

It’s also important to keep the handles of your faucet clean. Regularly maintaining the exterior and handles helps prevent the build-up of hard water deposits, mildew, mold, and germs. As Parnell suggests, incorporating this into your weekly cleaning routine can be beneficial for overall hygiene and cleanliness.

Tip: If you see hard, white, or yellowish-white, crusty patches around your faucet handles or inside the faucet head, this is limescale from hard water. You can remove the limescale by scrubbing the area with vinegar or citric acid.

Materials You’ll Require

• A mild pH-neutral cleaner
• Citric acid (optional)
• Toothbrush
• Microfiber towel

Instructions

Here are some thoughtful suggestions from Parnell to effectively clean faucet handles:

1. Begin by applying a mild pH-neutral cleaner to the fixtures and allow it to sit for a few minutes to break down any grime.
2. Using a soft toothbrush, gently scrub around the perimeters of the fixtures.
3. Wipe and polish the handles with a microfiber towel for a sparkling finish.
4. For those particularly stubborn water stains, consider using a solution of 2 to 3 tablespoons of citric acid mixed with water for effective removal.

Faucets serve as our main source of water, making it essential to clean them every few months. Regular cleaning helps prevent the accumulation of dirt, debris, and hard water deposits. Over time, mineral deposits from calcium and magnesium, along with dirt, can accumulate on faucets. These minerals not only lead to hard water stains but can also reduce water flow. Therefore, maintaining clean faucets is important for both aesthetics and functionality.