Clean a Clogged Faucet Aerator

Tools

• ✓
  Adjustable wrench or pliers
• ✓
  Old toothbrush

  For scrubbing buildup
• ✓
  Microfiber cloth

  Wrap around aerator to protect chrome finish from wrench marks

Materials

• +
  White vinegar

  For soaking and dissolving limescale buildup
• +
  Replacement aerator

  $3–$8 if yours is corroded beyond cleaning. Bring the old one to the hardware store to match thread size and type (regular or "cache" hidden).

Steps

1. 1

   Unscrew the aerator by hand first

   Try unscrewing counterclockwise (looking up at the spout). Many come loose by hand. If not, wrap the aerator in a cloth and use pliers gently — no need to crank hard.

2. 2

   For hidden (cache) aerators

   Modern faucets often hide the aerator inside the spout with a small notch tool. The tool came with the faucet — if missing, a small flathead screwdriver in two notches and a half-turn unscrews most.

3. 3

   Disassemble and lay out the parts in order

   Pop the aerator screen and washer out into your palm. There may be 2–4 pieces (housing, restrictor, screen, washer). Lay them out in order — reassembly matters.

4. 4

   Soak in white vinegar

   Drop all parts into a small bowl of white vinegar for 15–30 minutes. The vinegar dissolves the mineral scale.

5. 5

   Scrub with a toothbrush

   After soak, scrub the screen and inside of the aerator housing with the old toothbrush under running water. The white crust flakes off.

6. 6

   Reassemble in the same order

   Stack parts back in the same order they came out. Thread the aerator back into the spout by hand (counterclockwise removed = clockwise to install). Snug — don't overtighten.

7. 7

   Test water flow

   Run hot and cold full open. Flow should be back to normal. If still weak, the supply valves under the sink may need opening fully, or the supply line itself may be partially clogged.

   Tip: In hard-water areas, clean aerators every 6 months as part of routine maintenance. Takes 5 minutes and prevents the problem.