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How to Clean a Faucet Aerator: A Simple Homeowner Guide

Practical plumbing information, professional guidance, and a clear next step for homeowners and businesses across the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County.

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Clear information backed by professional field experience.
DIY maintenance · about 15 minutes

A safer way to work through the first checks.

Restore a weak or uneven faucet stream by cleaning the small screen at the end of the spout.

DifficultyEasy
PrepareAdjustable wrench, towel, soft brush, white vinegar, and a bowl.
Stop and callLeaks, sewage, gas, electrical risk, or anything you cannot safely reach.
Related New Flow Plumbing guide image for How to Clean a Faucet Aerator: A Simple Homeowner Guide
Use the visual checks as a guide, then follow the manufacturer instructions for your equipment.
Step-by-step walkthrough

Work through each step before moving to the next.

Take a photo or note what you find. If a step does not match your property or the symptom gets worse, stop and call for professional guidance.

Cover the drain and prepare the finish
Step 1

Cover the drain and prepare the finish

Place a towel over the sink drain so small parts cannot disappear. Wrap the aerator with a second soft cloth before using a wrench.

Check before continuing: Keep the area dry, controlled, and easy to observe.

Remove the aerator gently
Step 2

Remove the aerator gently

Turn the aerator counterclockwise by hand first. If it needs a wrench, use light, even pressure and keep the tool on the cloth.

Check before continuing: Keep the area dry, controlled, and easy to observe.

Soak and brush away buildup
Step 3

Soak and brush away buildup

Separate the screen and washer, soak the screen in white vinegar for 15 to 30 minutes, then loosen mineral deposits with a soft brush. Do not use a sharp pick on the mesh.

Check before continuing: Keep the area dry, controlled, and easy to observe.

Rinse, reassemble, and test
Step 4

Rinse, reassemble, and test

Rinse every part, reinstall the washer and screen in the same order, and hand-tighten the aerator. Run cold water slowly and check the threads for drips.

Check before continuing: Keep the area dry, controlled, and easy to observe.

Know your next step

When the simple check is not enough.

Share the photos, symptoms, and steps you already tried. New Flow Plumbing can help confirm the cause and recommend the appropriate repair path for your home or property.

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