Clean faucet aerators

Remove and clean the aerator at the tip of your faucet to restore water pressure and flow reduced by mineral buildup.

Why it matters#

Aerators—the small mesh screens at your faucet tips—catch sediment and mineral deposits over time, reducing water pressure and creating uneven spray. A 5-minute cleaning restores full flow and can solve problems that seem like major plumbing issues. This is one of the quickest wins in home maintenance.

What you'll need#

Tools#

• Rubber jar gripper or cloth (to protect finish)
• Pliers (if stuck)
• Old toothbrush
• Toothpick

Materials#

• White vinegar
• Small bowl or cup

Steps#

1. Cover the drain and note the problem#

Lay a towel over the sink drain to catch small parts. Turn on the faucet and observe the water flow—is it weak, spraying sideways, or uneven? This confirms the aerator is likely the issue.

2. Remove the aerator#

Grip the aerator (the round tip at the end of the faucet spout) and turn counterclockwise. Try by hand first. If stuck, wrap a cloth around it and use pliers—the cloth protects the finish from scratches.

3. Disassemble and photograph the parts#

Take a quick photo of the parts in order as you remove them—there's typically a housing, washer, and one or more screens. Lay them out in order so you remember how they go back.

4. Soak in vinegar#

Place all parts in a small bowl of white vinegar. Let them soak for several hours or overnight for heavy buildup. The acid dissolves mineral deposits without damaging the parts.

5. Scrub and clear blocked holes#

After soaking, use an old toothbrush to scrub each piece. Use a toothpick to clear any holes still blocked in the screen. Rinse everything thoroughly with water.

6. Reassemble and reinstall#

Put the parts back in reverse order (that photo helps!). Thread the aerator onto the faucet clockwise, hand-tight. Turn on the water and enjoy restored flow.

Pro tips#

• If you have hard water, clean aerators every 3-6 months before buildup becomes a problem
• After any plumbing work, remove and clean aerators—debris loosened in pipes often ends up stuck there
• No vinegar? CLR or lime remover works too, but rinse extra thoroughly

Warnings#

• Don't use pliers directly on the aerator without a cloth—you'll scratch and damage the finish
• If the aerator won't budge, don't force it—applying a penetrating oil and waiting a few hours often loosens it

When to call a pro#

You probably don't need one for this task! If cleaning doesn't help, buy a replacement aerator ($3-10 at any hardware store). If water pressure is low throughout the house even with clean aerators, that's when to call a plumber—you may have a bigger issue.