Cleaning sink faucets may seem easy, but no. Usually, the gunk adhered or rust on sink fixtures is very difficult to remove. In those cases, using harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning tools seems to be the best solution. However, doing this would make things worse.
Some sink fixtures are too delicate. Using the wrong cleaning equipment could ruin the external finish of these accessories. For this reason, it’s convenient to know the appropriate cleaning techniques depending on the kind of faucet you have.
Today, we’ll show you how to clean sink faucet the right way. We’ll also reveal some cleaning formula that’ll never fail.
How to Clean Sink Faucet
Verify the finish of your faucet
Some external finishes are prone to damage. In these cases, you should be very careful when choosing the cleaning products you’re going to use. On the product features, you can find the type of finish your faucet has. With that information, search on the Internet what are the best cleaning alternatives.
Use soapy water
If you have a touchless faucet in your kitchen, then you don’t need to touch the sprayer surface or If your faucets aren’t too dirty you can do miracles with a cloth damped with soapy water. Just rub the faucets carefully to remove the stains. Then repeat the process with a dry cloth to dry and polish the surface.
Use white vinegar on stubborn stains
To remove stubborn stains, mix equal parts of warm water and white vinegar in a bowl. Then dip a dry cloth into the solution and squeeze it to remove the excess. Rub the damp cloth over a small section of the faucet. If you don’t notice any changes to the external finish, proceed to the rest of the surface.
A toothbrush and baking soda for small stains
Small stains usually tend to appear in the difficult corners of your faucets. An old toothbrush is all you need to reach those areas. Make a paste with baking soda and water. Then, rub the paste onto the surface using the toothbrush. Wait a few minutes for the formula to take effect and remove with plenty of water.
Remove the gunk around the edges
The gunk also tends to accumulate around the edges in contact with the porcelain. In these cases it’s convenient to use a toothbrush with a little dishwasher soap. Brush the area carefully, without applying too much pressure. Apply more dishwasher soap if necessary.
Finally, apply plenty of water to remove the soap. Repeat the procedure if you notice any remaining residue in the area.
Pay attention to the drain area
Usually the sink drain is one of the dirtiest areas. In these cases, you can use a nonabrasive sponge to remove all the gunk without causing damage. If you’re going to apply any chemical, make a test in a small area. If you don’t notice any changes to the external finish of the faucet, you can use that product.
Removing the limescale from the tap
Hard water has a high concentration of calcium and other minerals. Over time, these minerals tend to build up on the tap, reducing water pressure. In this case, you can fill a plastic bag with vinegar. Then, hold the bag to the spout with a rubber band. Wait at least 12 hours.
After that, remove the plastic bag and scrub the spout and the nozzle with a toothbrush. Finally, apply plenty of water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Cleaning the aerator
If you can’t easily remove limescale buildup from the aerator, soak it in calcium remover. Wait at least a couple of hours. Then use a toothbrush to remove the loosen build-up.
Don’t use calcium remover on nickel or iron faucets. It may remove the external finish.
Additional Tips to Remember
- Microbes are a cause of stains and bad odors on sink faucets. To prevent this problem, it’s convenient to choose anti-microbial sink fixtures. These products have a special coating that prevents the proliferation of pathogens on the surface.
- Don’t use abrasive cleaning products while the warranty of your facet is still valid. Any caused damage could result in the cancelation of the warranty.
- You can use baby oil to highlight the shine of your chrome faucets. All you need to do is apply a couple of drops of baby oil on a cotton ball. Then, rub the surface with the cotton ball until you get the desired results.
- Over time, faucets with a living finish tend to develop a patina. The patina is a greenish rust layer that forms on bronze and other metals. In some cases, the patina improves the appearance of the piece. If you don’t want to ruin the patina, don’t use chemicals to clean your faucet.
Conclusion
Certainly, there are many different ways to clean a kitchen sink faucet. Make sure to apply the correct method according to the type of stain. Though some models of renowned faucet brands such as Moen, Delta, Pfister faucets need minimal maintenance. Whatever the case, never use too harsh cleaning products that may ruin the external finish. To get the best results, make sure to carefully follow the tips in this guide.
