How to Clean a Clogged Bathroom Faucet Aerator

Mineral deposits are the silent enemy of bathroom plumbing. Over time, calcium and magnesium from your water supply harden inside the tiny mesh screen of your faucet aerator, slowly choking your water flow until you are left with a weak, sputtering stream or, worse, a clogged mess that sprays water in every direction except straight down. Cleaning this isn't just about fixing the flow; it is about extending the life of your faucet fixtures. When you do it well, you restore a crisp, aerated stream that feels like new and prevents excessive pressure from backing up into your plumbing lines. It is a fifteen-minute job that yields immediate, satisfying results.

1. Protect Small Parts First. Close the sink stopper or lay a thick towel over the drain opening. This ensures you do not lose the small internal washers or the aerator housing itself if it slips from your grip.
2. Unscrew With Care. Grip the aerator housing with pliers, using a cloth between the metal teeth and the fixture to prevent scratching the finish. Turn counter-clockwise to unscrew it from the faucet spout.
3. Document the Stack Order. Push the internal screens and rubber gaskets out of the housing, noting the order in which they come out. You will likely see a sandwich of mesh screens, a flow restrictor, and a rubber O-ring.
4. Let Vinegar Do the Work. Place all parts in a small bowl filled with white vinegar. Let them sit for at least an hour, or overnight if the buildup is particularly stubborn and thick.
5. Brush Away Mineral Deposits. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the mesh screens and remove any softened mineral residue. Rinse thoroughly under clean running water until the mesh is perfectly clear.
6. Restore and Test Flow. Slide the components back into the housing in the correct order, ensuring the O-ring is seated flat against the faucet spout. Screw the aerator back on by hand, tightening just until snug to avoid damaging the threads.