A faucet aerator helps control water flow, improving efficiency and reducing water bills. But mineral buildup and debris can clog it over time, leading to low water pressure, uneven spray, or sputtering. Luckily, cleaning a clogged aerator is a quick DIY task that requires minimal tools, making it one of the simplest fixes in your DIY plumbing toolkit . With routine maintenance twice a year, you can prevent buildup and keep your faucets running smoothly. Here’s what you need to know to get the job done.
How to remove and replace a faucet aerator
Removing a faucet aerator is usually quick and straightforward, but it can sometimes be tricky if it’s stuck in place due to mineral buildup. Before starting, close your drain or place a dishcloth on top so parts of the aerator don't accidentally fall into your pipes.
Most aerators twist off counterclockwise and should come off quickly. If it won’t budge, grab a pair of pliers and place a rubber band around the area for extra traction. (This also helps avoid scratches to your faucet from the pliers.) Gently twist it off and remove the mesh aerator piece, being careful not to squeeze too hard, as you could damage it. Place it on a towel as you prep to clean it.
After cleaning the aerator, carefully reassemble it and screw it back onto the faucet. Oliver Heating & Cooling , a Pennsylvania-based home services company, recommends tightening it by hand rather than using a wrench or pliers to avoid over-tightening, which can damage the threads.
Once securely in place, turn on the water and check the flow. If the pressure is still low or uneven, try repeating the cleaning process. If that doesn’t work, it may be time to replace the aerator entirely.
5 ways to clean a clogged faucet aerator
1) Rinse and scrub it
Rinse the aerator under warm running water, rotating it as you go to help loosen and remove debris. Use a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush to help gently scrub away any scum on the inside and around the edge of the aerator. Rinse it again with warm water, running the brush along it for a final time if you notice any lingering deposits.
2) Soak it in vinegar
Place the aerator in a small bowl of vinegar for half an hour and let its acidic properties eat away at mineral deposits, dirt and other particles. Then, gently scrub it with a soft brush and rinse it with warm water before replacing it.
If vinegar alone isn't cutting it, add baking soda (equal parts). Combining the two creates a fizzy effect that can unlock dirt for a cleaner faucet aerator.
3) Use a calcium build-up remover
Soak the aerator in a calcium, lime and rust remover like CLR. This descaling cleaner is specifically made to remove mineral build-up, one of the most common reasons faucet aerator clogs happen. You can find it at most local hardware stores or purchase it online . Plumbing Supply, an online vendor for plumbing parts since 1995, recommends soaking the clogged aerator in CLR for about an hour to maximize debris removal.
4) Use a needle to clean small holes
A small, sharp object like a toothpick or needle can push debris away from the holes of the aerator's mesh screen, ensuring a smoother and fuller flow. However, this should be done carefully and without applying much pressure to prevent accidental damage to the aerator.
5 ) Attach a plastic bag with vinegar
If your aerator is hard to remove, you can still clean it with minimal effort. Fill a plastic sandwich bag with equal parts water and distilled white vinegar, then submerge the faucet head in the liquid. Secure the bag with a rubber band and let it soak for up to an hour, depending on the buildup. Once done, remove the bag, turn on the water to flush out debris and use a soft-bristle brush to remove any remaining residue.
How often should you clean and replace faucet aerators?
To keep your faucet aerators working like they should, give them a good cleaning every six months and swap them out for a new one once a year, which is the general rule of thumb, according to the Philadelphia Water Department .
But if you’re noticing clogs more often than not, hard water could be the culprit. (You can view the U.S. Geological Survey's water hardness map to see the levels where you live.) Mineral buildup happens faster in homes with hard water, so you might need to clean or replace your aerators more frequently.
If it’s a continuous issue, a whole-home water filter or water softener could be worth considering to cut down on deposits and keep your faucets cleaner and flow more smoothly.
