Clean Faucet Aerators
Why It Matters
Clogged aerators reduce water pressure and cause uneven spray patterns, making everyday tasks like washing dishes frustrating.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Pliers or wrench, Old toothbrush. Materials required: White vinegar.
- 2
Perform the clean faucet aerators
Unscrew and clean the aerators on all faucets to remove mineral buildup and restore water flow.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Pliers or wrench
- Old toothbrush
Materials
- White vinegar
Community Tips
Soak aerator screens in white vinegar for 15-30 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits, then scrub with an old toothbrush; this method restores water flow without chemical cleaners and works even better if the aerator has been neglected for 2+ years. Vinegar-soaked aerators typically regain 60-80% of their original flow rate, making this the most cost-effective maintenance step for low water pressure issues.
A Channellock 6-inch adjustable pliers ($12-18) grips aerator bodies securely without marring the finish, unlike standard pipe wrenches that often slip on the smaller diameter components. The smooth jaw design prevents the cosmetic damage that occurs when using oversized tools on decorative faucet hardware.
Disassemble aerators over a bucket or sink drain to prevent losing the small rubber washers and screen components that fall apart during cleaning; replacement aerator assemblies like Kohler's universal models ($8-15) cost significantly more than the five-minute effort to recover lost parts. Ordering replacements for a single missing washer defeats the purpose of this maintenance task. ---