A kitchen faucet is one of the most frequently used fixtures in the house, and it can get dirty and stained over time. Hard water, mineral deposits, food residue, and soap scum can build up on the faucet and reduce its functionality and appearance. Fortunately, you can easily clean your kitchen faucet with some common household items and a little elbow grease. Here are some steps to follow to make your kitchen faucet shine again:
- Perform a basic cleaning. For regular maintenance, you can use a mild dish soap and water solution to wipe down the faucet. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 mL) of dish soap with 2 cups (0.47 L) of warm water in a small bowl. Dip a soft cloth or sponge in the solution and scrub the faucet gently in a circular motion. Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Remove calcium buildup from the tap. If you have hard water, you may notice white or green crusty deposits around the tap or aerator. These are calcium or lime deposits that can clog the water flow and damage the faucet. To remove them, you can use white vinegar or a commercial calcium remover such as CLR. Fill a plastic bag with enough vinegar or calcium remover to submerge the tap or aerator. Tie the bag around the faucet with a rubber band and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Remove the bag and scrub the tap or aerator with an old toothbrush to loosen any remaining deposits. Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Remove calcium from the faucet plating. If you have chrome, stainless steel, or nickel-plated faucets, you may also notice calcium stains on the surface of the faucet. These can be removed with lemon juice or baking soda. Cut a lemon in half and rub it over the stained areas, or make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stains. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Disinfect the faucet. To kill any germs or bacteria that may be lurking on your faucet, you can use bleach or vinegar as a natural disinfectant. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of bleach with 1 quart (0.95 L) of water, or use undiluted white vinegar. Spray or wipe the solution over the faucet and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Polish the faucet. To give your faucet a nice shine and protect it from future stains, you can use olive oil or baby oil as a natural polish. Apply a few drops of oil to a soft cloth and buff the faucet in a circular motion until it sparkles. You can also use a commercial polish designed for your faucet material, such as chrome polish or stainless steel polish.
By following these steps, you can clean your kitchen faucet and make it look like new again. You should also check your faucet regularly for any leaks or drips and fix them as soon as possible, as they can waste water and cause more stains. With proper care and maintenance, your kitchen faucet can last for years and serve you well.