How to Clean a Kitchen Faucet Spray Head

As with anything else, your kitchen faucet also needs some care and maintenance to ensure that it performs as new for many years to come.

Undoubtedly, the area that requires the most maintenance will be the aerator or the spray head on faucets that have a pull-down or pull-out spout. The process is straightforward, but it should be done at least twice a year.

Clean the Aerator

Not all aerators are removable, but a quick visual inspection should tell you if the aerator is removable. After placing a rag on the drain, remove the aerator using large pliers or an adjustable wrench. Be mindful of how the different filters and mesh inserts fit into the spray head. Remove all the parts and wash them in a small container. It might be necessary to use a toothbrush to dislodge any small pieces of debris trapped inside the screens of the aerator. Soak in a 50/50 water and vinegar solution for a couple of hours. When it is clean, replace the aerator.

Clean the Spray Head

Whether you were able to remove the aerator or not, the spray head should still receive some TLC.
Put a clamp on the hose to keep it from receding into the spout and unscrew the spray head. Soak in the water and vinegar solution for a couple of hours. This will help dissolve any mineral deposits accumulated inside the spray head.

Replace everything and you should be good to go for another six months.

If you do not see an improvement, you can always buy a replacement pull-out or pull-down spray head; Kingston Brass carries a wide array of these items.