How to Clean and Sanitize Your Faucets, Aerators, and Showerheads to Improve Water Quality

Faucets, aerators, and showerheads gradually collect sediment, scale, and biofilm. These deposits restrict water flow and allow bacteria to take hold inside the fixture. A proper maintenance routine uses two steps. The first step removes scale with vinegar. The second step sanitizes the fixture with a disinfectant appropriate for potable water systems. This method restores flow, improves taste and odor, and reduces microbial buildup.

Step 1: Remove the aerator or showerhead

Unscrew the aerator or showerhead. If it is tight, wrap it with a cloth and turn it gently with pliers. Keep all parts together so reassembly is easier.

Step 2: Rinse components under running water

Rinse the screens, restrictors, and washers to remove loose sediment. This prepares the parts for the cleaning soak.

Step 3: Prepare a vinegar soak for scale removal

Fill a small container with white vinegar. Submerge all components for 20 to 30 minutes. Vinegar dissolves calcium and mineral deposits that trap bacteria and reduce water flow.

Step 4: Scrub components to remove softened buildup

Use a small brush to scrub screens, internal channels, and threads. Pay attention to areas where scale is most visible. These locations often collect biofilm.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly with clean water

Rinse away all traces of vinegar. At this point, the fixture is clean but not yet sanitized.

Step 6: Prepare a sanitizing solution

Use a potable-water-safe disinfectant or a diluted household bleach solution made according to safety guidelines. The sanitizing solution targets bacteria and organic residue that vinegar does not eliminate.

Step 7: Soak all components for the recommended contact time

Place the parts into the sanitizing solution and allow them to soak long enough to neutralize microbial contamination. Follow the contact time listed for the disinfectant you are using.

Step 8: Rinse the components again

Rinse with clean tap water until no disinfectant odor remains.

Step 9: Reassemble and reinstall the fixture

Reattach the components in the correct order. Once secure, turn on the water to flush the fixture for at least one minute.

Step 10: Test the water if contamination was suspected

If the fixture had visible slime, recurring odor, or buildup that appeared unusual, run a quick bacteria screening test from Detekt Home to confirm the system is clean.

Cleaning and sanitizing every three to six months improves water quality and keeps the plumbing system healthier overall.

By A. Anagnos, Biomedical Engineering Specialist