How to Clean a Faucet

Co-authored by Susan Stocker

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 References

Everyone likes a shiny, clean faucet. Unfortunately, if you have hard water, calcium deposits are a common problem. However, you don't have to give up. With common household items and a bit of elbow grease, you can remove calcium from the tap and surface of the faucet. To make this job a bit easier, you should also do a routine cleaning at least a few times a month.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Performing Routine Cleanings

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Opt for a mild detergent to prevent damage to the faucet surface. Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 mL) of dishwashing liquid in a small bowl. Add 2 cups (0.47 L) of warm water. Mix the ingredients with a dining utensil to create some suds.^{[1]
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Soak a regular washrag in the soap mixture. Move in a gentle circular motion across the surface. Wash the base, handle, and neck of the faucet thoroughly.^{[2]
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Cover the bristles of an old toothbrush with baking soda. Add a few drops of water to create a baking soda paste, if you choose. Move in a gentle back-and-forth motion until the surface is free of grime.^{[3]
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EXPERT TIP

Susan Stocker
Cleaning Guru
Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.

Susan Stocker
Cleaning Guru

Our Expert Agrees: Spray or spread your product directly onto the faucet. Use a tile brush or toothbrush to get into the tiny areas or crevices. Finish by wiping carefully with a microfiber cloth.
Cut off a 12 inch (30.48 cm) piece of floss. Place the string between the cracks or spaces in the surface of the faucet. Move in an up-and-down motion, as you would when you floss your teeth.^{[4]
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Dampen a clean cloth. Move it over the surface to clear away the soap mixture, grime, and gunk from the floss cleaning. Continue to rinse until the surface is free of dirt.
Use gentle back-and-forth strokes along the entire surface. Continue until the surface is completely dry. This step will also leave a nice shine.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Calcium Buildup from the Tap

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1
Wear rubber gloves. They'll protect your skin from the chemicals and irritants in many calcium removers. Make sure they're free of dirt before you start to clean. Use gloves that cover all or most of your forearm, in case the cleaner splashes.
- You can skip this step if you're using vinegar.
2
Dilute calcium remover in water. Mix one part calcium remover, such as CLR, and one part water in a bowl or old plastic container. Choose a container bound for the recycling bin. For most taps, 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 mL) of each ingredient is enough.^{[5]
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- If you don't have much calcium buildup, you can use undiluted white vinegar instead of CLR and water. This method will take much longer, about 24 hours, but it's harmless to bare skin and safe for most faucet finishes.^{[6]
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- Avoid using calcium remover or vinegar on iron or nickel faucets.
- These cleaners will remove the finish along with the gunk you're cleaning.
- Read your owner's manual or contact a local plumber for advice.^{[7]
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Use a regular-sized sandwich bag. It doesn't matter if the baggie has a zip seal. Pour carefully. If you're concerned about spilling the mixture, pour it into the baggie through a funnel.^{[8]
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Hold the baggie at a slight angle so that the mixture builds up in one of the corners. Carefully slide the open end of the baggie over the faucet. Then submerge the tap in the mixture. Securely fasten the baggie to the faucet with a rubber band. Let the tap soak for one to two hours.^{[9]
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Undo the rubber band. Carefully slide the baggie off of the faucet. Do this slowly. Read the label on the cleaner to check for disposal instructions. Cleaners like CLR are biodegradable and can be poured down the drain or toilet.
Use an old toothbrush or magic eraser. Scrub in a gentle back-and-forth motion. Periodically rinse the toothbrush or magic eraser if it gets too gunky. Continue to do this until the buildup is completely removed.^{[10]
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Move in a gentle circular or back-and-forth direction. Pay special attention to the tap to slow future calcium buildup. Continue until the faucet is completely dry.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Removing Calcium from the Faucet Plating

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A wet surface will dilute the vinegar and result in an incomplete cleaning job. Move the towel over the entire base of the faucet. Make sure every last drop of water is absorbed.^{[11]
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Fill a small bowl with undiluted white vinegar. Soak a washrag or old piece of clothing in the vinegar until it's saturated. Don't wring out any excess.^{[12]
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3
Drape the cloth over the affected areas. Cover them completely. Press down on the cloth to make sure it has complete contact with the surface. Leave the cloth in place for at least an hour.
- If any vinegar is left in the bowl, pour it over the cloth to further saturate the calcium-coated area.^{[13]
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Use the textured side of the sponge. Use a back-and-forth motion. Don't scrub too hard, since this can scratch the finish. You should see the calcium deposits start to come off.^{[14]
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Resaturate the rag in vinegar and let it sit on the deposits. Cover only the areas where you still see calcium buildup. Let the cloth sit for another hour and scrub the affected areas to remove the calcium.^{[15]
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Use gentle circular or back-and-forth strokes. This will polish the surface in addition to drying it. Continue until no water remains.^{[16]
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Community Q&A

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How do I clean up staining on a faucet?

Community Answer

Try using vinegar in a resealable bag. Tie it around the faucet of your sink and leave it there overnight to see what happens.

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Tips

If you're savvy with plumbing, remove a calcium coated aerator from the faucet and soak it in diluted calcium remover for one to two hours. This will remove deeply embedded deposits that the baggie method might miss.^{[17]
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Warnings

Don't use an abrasive cleaning product on your faucet before you study your manufacturer's warranty. You could void it if you perform intense cleaning that results in damage.

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