choreloop › Guides › Home Maintenance › Clean Faucet Aerators & Showerheads
Clean Faucet Aerators & Showerheads
PlumbingWhole HouseSeasonalEvery 6 months
Remove mineral scale from faucet aerators and showerheads to restore full water pressure and even spray patterns.
Supplies You'll Need
- White vinegar
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Soft cloth
- Old toothbrush
- Plastic bag and rubber band (for showerheads)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Unscrew the aerator from the tip of each faucet by hand or with a cloth-wrapped wrench.
- Disassemble the aerator parts and note their order for reassembly.
- Soak the parts in white vinegar for 1-2 hours to dissolve mineral buildup.
- Scrub the screens with an old toothbrush, rinse, and reassemble.
- For showerheads, fill a plastic bag with vinegar, secure it over the head with a rubber band, and soak overnight.
- Reinstall the aerators and run each faucet for a minute to flush out loosened debris.
๐ก Pro Tips
- Wrap the wrench jaws with a cloth to avoid scratching chrome finishes.
- Low flow at just one faucet usually means a clogged aerator, not a whole-house plumbing problem.
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