How to Clean a Clogged Bathroom Faucet Aerator

Mineral deposits are the silent enemy of your home's water flow. Over time, the hard water running through your pipes leaves behind calcium and magnesium buildup inside the mesh screen of your faucet aerator. When the water starts spraying sideways or the pressure drops to a trickle, you do not need a plumber or a new faucet; you simply need to clear the path for the water to flow freely again. Performing this maintenance once or twice a year keeps your water pressure consistent and extends the lifespan of your fixtures. It is a fifteen-minute project that requires minimal tools but yields an immediately noticeable improvement in your daily routine. Approach this gently to avoid scratching the finish, and you will have a clean, high-performance aerator in no time.

  1. Protect Before You Grip. Wrap the aerator housing with a thick rubber band or a piece of masking tape to provide grip and protection. If you are using pliers, layer a folded microfiber cloth between the jaws and the metal to prevent scratches.
  2. Unscrew From the Spout. Twist the aerator clockwise when looking at it from underneath, or counter-clockwise if looking from the front, to unscrew it from the faucet spout. If it is stuck, apply a small amount of penetrating oil and let it sit for ten minutes before trying again.
  3. Separate All Components. Push the internal components—usually a mesh screen, a washer, and a flow restrictor—out of the housing by pushing from the threaded end. Keep these parts in order so you can reassemble them correctly later.
  4. Dissolve Mineral Deposits. Place the components into a small bowl filled with undiluted white vinegar. Allow them to soak for at least one hour, or overnight if the mineral buildup is heavy.
  5. Clear Every Hole. Rinse the parts under clean water to remove loosened debris. Check the rubber washer for cracks; if it is brittle or torn, replace it with a new one to prevent leaks.
  6. Reassemble and Secure. Stack the parts back into the aerator housing in their original sequence. Screw the assembly back onto the faucet by hand, tightening it until firm, then giving it one final snug turn with your protected pliers.