How to Clean a Clogged Faucet Aerator

Faucet aerators may be small, but they play an important role in bathroom and kitchen sinks and their water flow. Rather than allowing a full flow of unrestricted water to hit the sink bottom and splash up, the aerator introduces air into the stream.

But if the screen gets clogged, it can restrict the water completely, bringing it down to a slight dribble. It’s a good thing that this is a simple job that’ll only take a few minutes, so keep reading to learn how to clean a clogged faucet aerator.

What is a Faucet Aerator?

A faucet aerator is a hollow metal cylinder that screws onto the tip of the faucet spout, typically on kitchen and bathroom sinks. Inside the cylinder is a metal or plastic screen, a rubber washer, and possibly a retaining disc or flow restrictor. The metal threads may be on the inside of the cylinder or the outside, depending on the sink’s design.

The purpose of a faucet aerator is to reduce splashing and water consumption. By introducing air into the stream of water, it’s less likely to splash as it hits the bottom of the sink. And, since there is a screen blocking some of the water flow, less water pours out of the faucet. This can even give the perception of better water pressure as the air in the stream allows it to fill out into a column that appears stronger and more full.

Why You Should Clean Your Faucet Aerator and How Often

Over time, a faucet aerator’s screen can clog with minerals, sediment, and iron oxide (rust). When this happens, the number of open holes in the screen reduces, restricting flow to a much smaller area. Eventually, more and more of the screen will clog and bring the water flow to a trickle. It will take longer to fill a coffee pot, wash dishes, give the dog water, or simply rinse the sink.

Also, the sediment blocking the aerator can give any water poured from the spout an unpleasant taste. Anyone who drinks tap water might be familiar with the taste.

To avoid this, the aerator should be cleaned at least once every six months. However, this depends on the water system and how often a sink is used. Some aerators may need more frequent cleaning or can go longer without building up sediment.

How To Clean a Faucet Aerator

The process of cleaning a faucet aerator isn’t difficult but it can make a world of difference for your water flow. The following steps include removing and cleaning the screen and some tools and materials you’ll need for the job.

You Will Need:

• Towel
• Rubber jar lid opener
• Tongue and groove pliers
• Small metal pick or screwdriver
• Cup or bowl
• White vinegar
• Old toothbrush
• Toothpick

Step 1: Prepare the Sink

Before removing the aerator, clear the sink and get it ready. Clean any dishes that might be in the way, and then lay a towel down in the bottom of the sink, covering the drain. Aerators have some small parts that could come loose and disappear, so it’s a good idea to block off the drain.

Step 2: Remove the Aerator

Reach under the sink faucet and grasp the aerator located at the end of the spout. Twist the aerator so that it unscrews from the faucet (counterclockwise if you were under the faucet and looking up, which we don’t recommend). Continue twisting until the aerator comes loose from the faucet.

If the aerator is stubborn, place a rubber jar lid opener over the aerator to get a better grip and try to remove the aerator by hand. If this doesn’t work, use a pair of tongue and groove pliers in combination with the jar lid opener to get a better grip without damaging the aerator. Be careful not to squeeze too hard or the aerator can bend.

Step 3: Scrape Out the Sediment

Use a small metal pick or screwdriver to scrape most of the sediment out from the aerator. The majority should come loose without much effort. But if it’s too hard, don’t force it off. This will likely only damage the aerator.

Step 4: Disassemble the Aerator

Use the pick or screwdriver to disassemble the aerator. Be sure to work over the sink so that if any of the parts fall, they are contained. Remove the rubber washer first, then any restrictor or retaining discs, and then the screen. Place them in order from left to right, with the left being the first item removed and the right being the last item removed. Take a picture for reference to know the proper order when it’s time to reassemble it.

Step 5: Soak the Aerator Parts in Vinegar

Next, pour some white vinegar into a bowl or cup and place the aerator parts inside. The white vinegar will attack the sediment and soften it to remove it easily. Let the pieces soak for at least a few hours, but overnight is best.

Step 6: Scrub the Parts

Remove the aerator parts from the vinegar and use an old toothbrush to scrub them clean of the sediment. Clear any clogged holes with a metal pick or a toothpick. All of the aerator parts should be clear of sediment and buildup. Otherwise, the aerator will become clogged again but in less time.

Step 7: Reassemble the Aerator

Using the picture that was taken in Step 4 as a reference, reassemble the aerator. Typically, this means the screen, the restrictor or retaining plate, and then the rubber washer.

Step 8: Reinstall the Aerator

With everything reassembled, reinstall the aerator on the faucet by screwing it back on by hand. Once the aerator is snug, turn on the water to test the flow. If water comes out from behind the aerator, it needs to be tightened further. Try the rubber jar lid opener first, but if that doesn’t work, snug the aerator up with the pliers along with the lid opener.

With that walkthrough, you should be able to remove, clean, and reinstall a clogged faucet aerator without much trouble—the hardest part is waiting overnight while it soaks. Giving your aerator a good cleaning every six months ensures that the water is flowing well and that there isn’t a tinge or unwanted flavor in your drinking water. All it takes is the right tools and a little bit of know-how to get the job done.