Refreshing Your Plumbing Fixtures: A Guide to Cleaning Faucets and Shower Heads

3 min read
Judy Nguyen
Judy Nguyen, DIY Devotee

Faucets and shower heads are essential fixtures in our homes, providing us with clean water for daily use. However, over time, mineral deposits, limescale, and other debris can accumulate, leading to reduced water flow and unsightly buildup. Fortunately, with regular maintenance and a few simple cleaning techniques, you can restore your fixtures to their sparkling best. In this guide, we'll walk you through instructions for cleaning faucets and shower heads, ensuring a refreshing and rejuvenating experience every time you turn on the tap.

Benefits of cleaning fixtures

Regularly cleaning faucets and shower heads is essential for several reasons:

  1. Maintains Water Flow: Over time, mineral deposits and debris can clog the openings of faucets and shower heads, reducing water flow and pressure. Cleaning removes these obstructions, allowing water to flow freely and evenly.

  2. Improves Water Quality: Buildup on faucets and shower heads can harbor bacteria and mold, compromising water quality and potentially causing unpleasant odors. Cleaning removes these contaminants, ensuring clean and safe water for bathing and household use.

  3. Prevents Damage: Mineral deposits can corrode metal surfaces over time, leading to permanent damage and the need for costly repairs or replacements. Regular cleaning helps prevent this corrosion, extending the lifespan of your fixtures and saving you money in the long run.

  4. Promotes Hygiene: Keeping faucets and shower heads clean reduces the risk of bacterial growth and contamination, promoting better hygiene and health for you and your family.

Supplies Needed

  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
  • Microfiber cloth or soft sponge
  • Plastic bag 
  • Rubber band or twist tie
  • Wrench or pliers (if necessary)

Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl or container. Ensure that there is enough solution to fully submerge the affected parts - approximately 2-4 cups (~500-1000 mL) per fixture being cleaned. 

Step 2: Disassemble the Fixture (if possible)

If you can easily remove the affected parts from the fixture, such as the aerator on a faucet or the shower head, carefully disassemble them and separate them from the rest of the fixture.

Step 4: Submerge the Parts and Scrub

Place the disassembled parts into the bowl or container containing the cleaning solution. Ensure that the parts are fully submerged in the solution, allowing the vinegar and water mixture to penetrate and dissolve the mineral deposits. Let the affected parts soak in the cleaning solution for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or longer if the mineral deposits are stubborn or heavily built up.

After soaking, if there is heavy build up, use a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub the parts, focusing on areas with visible buildup. The combination of vinegar and brushing should help dislodge stubborn debris and mineral deposits.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Once the buildup has been loosened, rinse the parts thoroughly with warm water to wash away any remaining vinegar residue and debris. Ensure that all traces of the cleaning solution are removed.

Step 6: Dry and Reassemble

After rinsing, dry the parts thoroughly with a clean, lint-free cloth. Once dry, reassemble the fixture, ensuring that all components are securely in place.

Conclusion

As a general guideline, it's recommended to clean faucets and shower heads at least once every six months to prevent buildup and maintain optimal performance. However, if you notice signs of mineral deposits, reduced water flow, or changes in water quality, it's advisable to clean them more frequently, as needed. Additionally, incorporating regular cleaning into your household maintenance routine can help ensure that your faucets and shower heads remain clean, functional, and free of debris.