Faucets do get dirty. If you notice that the water pressure from your faucet has reduced, this could mean that the fixture has gunk and calcium buildup. This calls for a good clean, which is essential not just for your water to run properly but also to help prevent bacterial buildup.
There are easy and lazy ways to clean a dirty faucet. You don’t need to use expensive cleaning solvents or spend time scrubbing your faucet, which by the way, can be pretty tedious. You can use simple homemade remedies or basic kitchen ingredients.
So here are simple ways to clean your faucet head with simple ingredients.
Use White Vinegar
White vinegar has numerous uses. It’s used as a flavoring, tenderizer, and base for certain recipes. It contains water and a small percentage of acetic acid. Some kinds of white vinegar have a higher percentage of acetic acid, and they are typically used for cleaning, and they are not suitable for human consumption.
White vinegar contains antimicrobial properties, and it’s useful as a cleaner and disinfectant. It’s much cheaper than many household cleaning solutions, which is why many homeowners use it for cleaning kitchen countertops, mirrors, showers, bathtubs, toilets, and floors.
So you can use it to clean a faucet head?
Yes, you can, and this is how you can go about it. Pour some white vinegar into a ziplock bag, and then place the bag on the faucet head and secure it with a rubber band. Let it sit for about thirty minutes to an hour.
After thirty minutes or so, remove the bag from the faucet head. You should notice that it is squeaky clean; either way, take a toothbrush and scrub away any leftover grime. Then wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel, and you are done.
It simple and easy. You only need to have some patience. You don’t necessarily need to use white vinegar formulated for cleaning. The one in your kitchen cupboard will do the job just as well.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda, also referred to as bicarbonate of soda, is extremely versatile and is used as a cleaner and cooking ingredient. It is also used for oral health and to treat itchy skin and insect bites.
As a cleaner, it is used for scrubbing dishes and pots. You can also use it to wash fresh fruits and vegetables to get rid of dirt and pesticides.
Baking soda is also great at getting rid of grime, scum, and grease. You can use it to clean your toothbrush, toilet bowl, door handles, and faucets.
To clean your faucet head using baking soda, mix it with some water to make a paste. Then apply the paste on the faucet head and use a brush to scrub the faucet. After scrubbing, you can rinse the faucet or let the paste sit there for a couple of minutes and then rinse.
Use Dishwashing Soap
Another simple and easy way to remove grime and gunk from your faucet head is by using dishwashing soap and some warm water.
Mix a dishwashing soap solution into some warm water and then use a brush or wash rug and scrub the faucet. Make sure to scrub every inch of the head and once you are done, rinse the faucet with cold or warm water.
Use Lemon
If you don’t have baking soda or vinegar, you can use fresh lemon to remove grime from your faucet. Start by cutting a fresh lemon into two halves, then take one half and press onto the faucet head. Use a plastic bag and rubber band to secure the lemon.
Let it sit for an hour or more and then remove it and use a toothbrush or a soft scrubbing pad to remove any residue. Rinse the faucet or use a damp cloth to wipe it.
The best time to do this is at night before your retire to sleep. Leaving the lemon on the faucet head overnight will allow the citric acid to do its job.
What you should not use to clean your faucet head
The finishes of faucets are quite durable; however, they can become damaged if you use industrial cleaners, abrasive cleansers, ammonia solutions, toilet-bowl cleaners, bleach-based cleaners, or polish.
You should also avoid using products that contain caustic agents, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids. For scrubbing, avoid using wire brushes, steel wool, or abrasive pads as they can damage the faucet’s finish. A toothbrush and wash rug should get the job done without damaging the faucet finish.
If you want to use a commercial cleaner instead of vinegar or baking soda, use one formulated for faucets.
How to prevent calcium buildup
Calcium buildup can create problems with your faucet, but you can prevent the problem by installing a water softener. The softener removes magnesium and calcium from your water eliminating hardness-causing minerals.
There are different types of water softeners, and they vary in design and price. It is up to you to do your research to see which one best suits you. Factor in the cost as well because some of them are pretty expensive.
Final Remarks
Cleaning your head faucet is not a challenging task, and you don’t need to use an expensive cleaning agent. Simple ingredients like baking soda, lemon, and white vinegar do an excellent job at removing gunk, grime, and grease from a faucet or showerhead.
If you want to do a deep cleaning, make sure to follow the instruction manual to know how to disassemble your faucet and how to go about cleaning the different parts. Again don’t use harsh cleaning agents as they can damage the faucet’s finish.
It is recommended that you wash your faucet every once a week. However, if you are busy all the time, you can do it once every two weeks. However, make a habit of cleaning your faucet as this will extend its life, and you will not have any problems with the water pressure.