Can faucet aerators be cleaned?

Once youve taken the aerator off, take it apart and soak it in vinegar for five minutes. Then use a small brush, like an old toothbrush, to scrub the parts. Once youve completed these steps, screw the aerator back into the faucet.

How to clean a delta kitchen faucet aerator

The Delta faucet comes in many variations, but one thing most of them have in common is the small metal screen that traps minerals or debris in the water. If you notice your water flow has slowed down or maybe more water coming through one side of the faucet, it is usually time to check the screen on the aerator for debris caught on the surface.

Table of Contents Show

What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Instructions
Remove the Aerator
Check for Deposits and Debris
Disassemble and Clean the Parts
Soak Parts in Vinegar
Rinse and Reassemble the Aerator
Reattach the Aerator
How do I clean the buildup on my faucet aerator?
Can faucet aerators be cleaned?

Video of the Day

Step 1

Look at the very end of the faucet where the water comes out. The aerator is the part screwed on to add air to your water flow, softening its impact on dishes and hands.

Step 2

Unscrew the aerator by twisting it counterclockwise and set it on a towel. Remember where the gaskets go, if you remove them. Locate the small finely meshed screen on top of it. Turn it over and rinse out any debris. Use a toothbrush dipped in white vinegar to scrub away any accumulations. You can also let the aerator sit in the vinegar overnight.

Step 3

Replace the parts and screw the aerator back into position. Turn on the water and see if the rate of flow is improved. Clean the aerator often if you have hard water or well water.

Stephen Hallo is a professional plumber working in the commercial and residential sectors. He apprenticed under Master Plumbers in Cleveland, Ohio, and has worked in the building trades his entire adult life, from new buildings to service and repair work. He writes to help others understand plumbing and learn how to make repairs.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 03/14/22

Reviewed by

Richard Epstein

Reviewed by Richard Epstein

Richard Epstein is a licensed master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing. He specializes in estimating as well as design and engineering for plumbing systems, and he works for one of New York's largest union plumbing construction companies.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Project Overview

Working Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 1 day

Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $0

A faucet aerator is a simple fitting that screws into the end of most bathroom and kitchen faucets. The outside is a hollow metal cylinder with one threaded end that fits the threads on the faucet spout (they're usually inside the spout, so you don't see them). Inside the cylinder is a tiny screen, a rubber washer, a mixer disc and perhaps a few other parts, such as a flow restrictor or an inner plastic housing. The aerator's purpose is to add air to the water flow and create a consistent, straight stream of water. But aerators may become clogged with mineral deposits, leading to low water flow or an erratic stream.

Cleaning an aerator is one of the simplest household fixes, but you must remember two things:

Be careful not to damage the aerator when you're taking it off.
Make note (or take a photo) of the order of the pieces inside the aerator before you take it apart; they have to go back in exactly the same order.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Channel-lock pliers
Small screwdriver
Sewing needle
Toothbrush

Materials

Masking tape
Toothpick or paper clip
Vinegar

Instructions

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Remove the Aerator
Grip the aerator with your hand and unthread it counterclockwise (when viewed downward from above) to remove it from the end of the faucet spout. If the aerator is stuck and won't turn, use a pair of pliers, preferably channel-lock pliers, to carefully loosen it. Do not squeeze the pliers too hard or you may damage the aerator. Some aerators are made of plastic and can be easily cracked.
Tip
Wrap the pliers' jaws with masking tape to prevent scratching the aerator's finish.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Check for Deposits and Debris
Use your little finger or a small screwdriver to check inside the faucet spout for any parts that may be stuck inside. If they are stuck in place with mineral deposits, you may need to pry out the parts with a screwdriver. Also, clear out any deposits or debris from inside the spout.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Disassemble and Clean the Parts
Disassemble the aerator, using a toothpick or paperclip, taking note of how the parts go together. Rinse off any large pieces of sediment. If you see blocked holes in the screen or other parts, clean them out with a paper clip or a sewing needle.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Soak Parts in Vinegar
Soak the screen and other aerator parts in vinegar or CLR to dissolve mineral deposits (scale). It's best if you can leave the parts submerged in the vinegar overnight, but at the very least, soak them until the deposits are soft enough to be removed with a toothbrush or toothpick. You can also soak the aerator in CLR to remove mineral deposits.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Rinse and Reassemble the Aerator
Run the faucet for a few seconds to flush out loose debris, but watch out: The water will gush out and may splash up from the sink. Reassemble the aerator parts in their original order.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Reattach the Aerator
Screw the aerator back onto the spout, turning counterclockwise (when viewed from above) and tightening as much as you can by hand. Run the water to check for leaks. If water streams out over the outside of the aerator, tighten the aerator a bit more with the pliers.

How do I clean the buildup on my faucet aerator?

Instructions.

Remove the Aerator. Grip the aerator with your hand and unthread it counterclockwise (when viewed downward from above) to remove it from the end of the faucet spout. ... .

Check for Deposits and Debris. ... .

Disassemble and Clean the Parts. ... .

Soak Parts in Vinegar. ... .

Rinse and Reassemble the Aerator. ... .

Reattach the Aerator..

Can faucet aerators be cleaned?

Once you've taken the aerator off, take it apart and soak it in vinegar for five minutes. Then use a small brush, like an old toothbrush, to scrub the parts. Once you've completed these steps, screw the aerator back into the faucet.