Keep the faucets clean in your home.
The faucets in your sink are the lifeline to your water supply.
If they aren’t functioning properly, you risk not having running water altogether.
This is especially true if you live in an area that has hard water where calcium deposits build up quickly and cause water to run slowly or not at all. Regardless, having a shiny faucet with proper water pressure not only looks good, but is sure to keep everyone in your house healthy.
The good news is that cleaning your faucets is an inexpensive project you can do at home. To make life easier, we’ve detailed our three most recommended methods for cleaning every part of your faucet below.
Routine Cleaning
All you need for a routine cleaning of your faucet is some dish soap, a bowl of warm water, baking soda, dental floss, a rag, a dry cloth, and a toothbrush.
- To begin, mix one or two tablespoons of mild detergent soap and a couple cups of warm water. Stir the mixture until you create suds.
- Soak your rag in the soapy water and thoroughly wipe down the entire outside of the faucet using a circular motion.
- Once you’ve coated the faucet, apply a liberal amount of baking soda and some water to the bristles on your toothbrush to create a paste. Gently scrub the brush across each surface until all the soap scum and grime are removed.
- While the surface is still wet, take a piece of dental floss and clean all of the cracks just like you would your teeth.
- After all the grime is gone, wipe the surface down with a rag and cold water.
- Last, use a soft cloth to dry the entire surface.
When you’re finished, your faucet should have a shine that makes you smile.
Removing Calcium Buildup
To clean the interior of your tap you’re going to need clean rubber gloves, calcium remover or white vinegar, a tub of hot water, a plastic sandwich bag, a rubber band, a toothbrush, and a fiber cloth.
- To start, put on your rubber gloves making sure they are clean and cover the majority of your forearms. Doing so will prevent you from being exposed to chemicals that are harmful to your skin.
- Mix two tablespoons of warm water and white vinegar or calcium remover together in a bowl. Avoid this solution if your faucet is made of iron or nickel as the chemicals can cause corrosion.
Carefully pour the mixture into a plastic bag. It’s a good idea to use a funnel if you’re worried about spilling. - Put the baggie and mixture over the faucet so that it is fully submerged and secure the open end of the bag around the faucet with a rubber band.
- Let the tap soak for two hours.
- After enough time has passed, slowly remove the bag from the faucet making sure not to spill liquid on any surfaces that might be damaged.
- Be sure to read the disposal instructions on the calcium remover container and follow accordingly.
- Use a toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining grime or buildup.
Dry the faucet with a fiber cloth and your tap will be clean and free of any materials that can harm your health.
Cleaning Calcium Buildup from the Fixture
Calcium doesn’t build up in just the tap but on the faucet fixture itself. To clean the outside surfaces you’ll need a dry dish towel, white vinegar, a sponge and dry cloth.
- First, you’ll want to wipe down the entire faucet with a dry towel. Any water left over will dilute the cleaning mixture.
- After you pour a generous amount of white vinegar into a bowl, soak your towel without removing any excess liquid.
- Place the towel over the affected areas and press it down firmly.
- Let the towel sit for at least one hour.
- Once you remove the towel, scrub the area with the textured side of a sponge. Make gentle back and forth motions as pressing too hard can damage the finish.
- Repeat this process as many times necessary until all calcium build-up is gone.
- Once complete, dry the fixture off with a soft fiber towel.
Dirty faucets and taps not only look bad but can be damaging to your health. While you don’t need to clean for faucet as often as you clean your sink, doing so every now and again will help your bathroom look its brightest and keep you and your loved ones healthy.
And remember, for all of your plumbing needs, Call us now to book an appointment in Oregon, Washington and Nevada.