How to Clean Inside a Faucet Spout: A Complete Guide

Your faucet may sparkle on the outside, but if you’ve never cleaned the inside of the spout, chances are it’s hiding buildup, bacteria, and mineral deposits. Over time, these hidden contaminants can affect water flow, taste, and even your health. Fortunately, cleaning the inside of a faucet spout is a straightforward process that can restore water quality and improve the longevity of your fixture.

In this guide, you’ll learn why it’s important to clean the inside of a faucet spout, what tools you need, and how to do it step-by-step.

Why You Should Clean Inside Your Faucet Spout

Many people clean only the exterior of their faucets, not realizing that the inside can harbor:

• Mineral deposits: Hard water can cause calcium and lime buildup inside the spout.
• Bacteria and mold: Moist environments inside the spout can support microbial growth.
• Debris and sediment: Over time, particles from pipes and water supply can collect inside the spout and aerator.
• Reduced water pressure: Buildup restricts water flow, making your faucet less efficient.

If your water flow seems weaker than usual or the water smells odd, it may be time for a deep clean inside the faucet spout.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following items:

• Old toothbrush or small bottle brush
• White vinegar
• Baking soda (optional)
• Adjustable wrench or pliers (with cloth or rubber to protect finish)
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Bowl or plastic bag
• Rubber band or zip tie
• Cleaning gloves (optional)
• Toothpick or paperclip
• Aerator removal tool (if available)

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Inside a Faucet Spout

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

While this isn’t always necessary, it’s a good precaution—especially if you plan to remove parts. Locate the water shutoff valves under the sink and turn them off.

Step 2: Remove the Aerator

The aerator is the small screen at the tip of the faucet spout that controls water flow and prevents splashing. Unscrew it using your hand. If it’s stuck, use an adjustable wrench, but wrap it in a soft cloth to avoid scratching the finish.

Once removed, check for gunk, rust, or mineral buildup.

Tip: Place a cloth over the drain to prevent any small parts from falling in.

Step 3: Soak the Aerator in Vinegar

Drop the aerator parts into a bowl of white vinegar and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. Vinegar dissolves mineral deposits and kills bacteria.

If buildup is heavy, you can add a pinch of baking soda to the vinegar for extra cleaning power.

Step 4: Clean Inside the Spout

Now that the aerator is off, take a small bottle brush or an old toothbrush and gently scrub the inside of the spout as far as it can reach.

For deeper cleaning:

1. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar.
2. Secure the bag around the spout using a rubber band or zip tie.
3. Let it soak for 1–2 hours.

This will help loosen internal mineral deposits and sanitize the inside walls.

Step 5: Flush the Faucet

Once soaking is complete, remove the bag of vinegar and turn the water back on for a few seconds to flush out any loosened debris.

Be sure to remove the aerator first before flushing to avoid clogging it with debris.

Let the water run for a minute or two to ensure all particles are cleared from inside the spout.

Step 6: Scrub and Rinse the Aerator

After soaking, use a toothbrush or a small brush to scrub the aerator parts. Use a toothpick or paperclip to poke through any clogged holes in the screen.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water and reassemble the aerator components.

Step 7: Reattach the Aerator

Screw the aerator back onto the faucet spout by hand. If it’s difficult, align the threads carefully and avoid cross-threading. Use pliers only if needed, with a cloth in between to protect the finish.

Optional: Disassemble the Faucet (Advanced)

If your faucet still isn’t flowing well or you notice continued buildup, you may need to partially disassemble it.

1. Shut off the water supply again.
2. Use a wrench to detach the spout entirely (consult your faucet’s manual).
3. Soak the spout in a vinegar bath or clean the interior with a brush.
4. Reassemble carefully and restore water flow.

Only attempt this step if you’re comfortable with minor plumbing work, or consult a plumber.

Maintenance Tips

• Clean the faucet spout and aerator every 3–6 months, depending on your water hardness.
• Use a water softener if you have hard water to reduce mineral buildup.
• Sanitize your faucet regularly during cold and flu season or after illnesses in the household.
• If your faucet has a filter or built-in water purifier, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

Conclusion

Cleaning inside a faucet spout might not be something you think about often, but it’s essential for maintaining water quality and keeping your fixture functioning properly. With just a few common household tools and about 30–60 minutes of your time, you can refresh your faucet, improve water flow, and eliminate hidden grime.

Don’t wait for poor water pressure or strange smells to remind you—it’s worth making this a regular part of your cleaning routine. Your faucet (and your health) will thank you.