Sink faucets can be difficult to clean. They usually require a lot of elbow grease. But there’s no reason to spend hours cleaning your sink faucet.
Here’s what you need to know about cleaning your sink faucets:
What You Need
Cleaning cloths (1 wet, 1 dry)
Water
Dish soap
Vinegar
Non-abrasive cleaner
Old toothbrush
Steps To Clean A Sink Faucet
1. Clean The Outside First
To get rid of any gunk that has built up, start with the exterior of the faucet. Next, use a soft cloth or sponge and warm water. Next, wipe down the entire faucet using circular motions. If you don’t have a sponge, use a toothbrush instead.
2. Remove the Aerator
The aerator is the little plastic thingy on top of the spout. It helps keep water from splashing out when you turn on the tap. You’ll want to remove it so that you’re not left with a big mess in the sink.
3. Clean the Inside
Now that you’ve cleaned off the exterior of the faucet take a look at the internal components. There are two main parts – the valve assembly and the washer. First, wipe down the valve assembly. Then, if needed, use a brush to scrub away any residue that may have accumulated. Finally, replace the washer.
4. Rinse Well
Rinse it thoroughly under running water once you’ve finished cleaning the faucet. This will help ensure that all traces of soap and dirt are gone.
5. Dry Well
After rinsing, dry the faucet by placing a towel over the spout. Let the excess water drip for a few seconds before pulling the towel away. Doing this ensures that none of the water drips onto the countertop.
6. Reinstall
When you’re done cleaning your sink faucet, that’s it! Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when reinstalling the faucet.
Tips to Keep Your Sink Faucet Clean
- Don’t put too much pressure on the faucet while trying to clean it. Too much force could cause damage to the faucet. Instead, gently rub the area where the faucet meets the sink.
- Make sure to clean your sink faucet regularly. Once a month should do the trick.
- Use an old toothbrush to clean the inside of the faucet as well as the outside.
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the faucet. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they could harm the finish.
- To prevent buildup, avoid using soap or other detergents. These products can leave a film behind which attracts more debris.
- Be careful when removing the aerator. If you accidentally pull it off, it could fall into the sink and create an obstruction.
- When replacing the washer, make sure to line up the holes properly. Otherwise, you risk leaking again.
- After cleaning your sink faucet, rinse it thoroughly under running water. This will help ensure the faucet stays clean.
- To dry the faucet, place a towel over the spigot and let the excess water drip
- Before installing the faucet, be sure to read the manual that came with it. This will tell you how often you need to clean the faucets.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when reinstalling your faucet.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to completely clean my sink faucet?
A: It depends on what type of material the faucet is made of. For example, stainless steel sinks usually require less maintenance than cast iron ones. However, both types of sinks will eventually get dirty.
Q: What kind of tools do I need to clean my sink faucets?
A: All you need is a small brush, some dishwashing liquid, a sponge, and a rag. You can also use a spray bottle filled with warm soapy water.
Q: Can I just use hot water to clean my sink faucet?
A: Yes, but only if you want to remove stubborn stains. Hot water can actually damage the metal in the faucet. So, instead, try using a solution of baking soda mixed with vinegar.
Q: Is there anything I can do to keep my sink faucet from getting clogged?
A: Yes, you can add a little bit of bleach to the water supply. This will kill any germs that may have accumulated in the pipes.
Q. Does my sink faucet really need to be cleaned every week?
A: No, not necessarily. But it helps to maintain its good condition.