Inside: Discover how to effectively clean your bathroom fixtures and faucets, banishing hard water deposits, limescale, calcium buildup, mold, and mildew using the power of white vinegar! In a few of our bathrooms, we still have the classic clear crystal faucet handles, which can be quite challenging to keep spotless. Over time, these bathroom faucets accumulate unsightly calcium deposits and, at times, mold and mildew. I prefer using common household items for cleaning rather than relying on commercial cleaners whenever possible. White vinegar, with its natural acetic acid, is not only a fantastic cleaner but also serves as a disinfectant. Explore my 25 ingenious vinegar hacks that will amaze you while saving you money! And don’t forget to check out my no-scrub method for eliminating soap scum and hard water stains from shower doors.
What You’ll Need
- Vinegar
- Screwdriver
- Cleaning Cloth (I particularly love these from Amazon)
- Toothbrush or Denture Brush (I personally prefer this one)
How To Clean Bathroom Faucets
To begin, you will want to remove the front cap from your faucet handle. A flathead screwdriver will come in handy for this task. My faucet requires a very small screwdriver, so be cautious not to damage the plastic during this process. Once the cap is removed, you’ll discover that the crystal faucet handle is secured by a screw. Carefully remove this screw, and you should be able to gently pull the faucet handle off. As you can see below, mine was rather grimy on the inside. Place the faucet handle and the end cap in a generous bowl or cup of vinegar for approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the level of dirtiness. While the handle is soaking, you can clean the area around your faucet. Simply use a microfiber cloth or rag along with some vinegar to wipe it down until all the calcium buildup and mold are gone.
Free Weekly Cleaning Printable
Organize your cleaning routine with my free Weekly Cleaning printable, enabling you to clean your home in under 30 minutes a day! After the handle has soaked, grab a power brush or an old toothbrush (I highly recommend this power brush for cleaning) to scrub the interior. All that mold and calcium buildup should easily come off with a bit of elbow grease. Don’t forget to scrub the end cap as well if it needs attention. Rinse both the handle and end cap in warm water and set them out to dry. Once dry, reattach the faucet handle to the faucet. Now that your faucet sparkles, give the bathroom sink a quick wipe to match the cleanliness!
What If I Can’t Remove the Plumbing Fixtures?
Some faucets and hardware are not designed for easy disassembly and may require shutting off the water and detaching them. If you’d prefer to avoid this hassle, there’s a simple cleaning trick for those pesky dirty shower heads, kitchen faucets, or any other faucet heads exhibiting mineral buildup. Keep in mind that vinegar can potentially damage or remove the finish of some faucets depending on the metal used. Oil-rubbed bronze and brass fixtures should only be cleaned with water and a mild dish soap.
STEP 1: Fill a plastic bag (such as a Ziplock) with white vinegar and secure it where the mineral deposits are located using chip clips, clothespins, or a rubber band.
STEP 2: Allow it to soak for about 20 minutes. Wipe it down with a soft cloth and rinse with hot water. If you still notice hard water buildup or grime, repeat this process as necessary. Just be sure to rinse or wipe it down with a damp cloth when you finish.
STEP 3: Use a dry cloth to eliminate any remaining water spots for a polished and shiny appearance.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid using stiff sponges (like steel wool) and abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch chrome fixtures and stainless steel faucets.
- If you have recently installed a new faucet that is still under warranty, be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Using harsh cleaners can void the warranty.
- Regularly cleaning your bathroom and shower fixtures can help prevent excessive buildup. Often, a mild soap is all that’s needed.
- Always use a clean cloth when wiping down metal surfaces. You never know what cleaning products may have been used on the cloth previously, which could react with the metal finishes and cause damage.
More Cleaning Tips and Hacks
- How to Clean a Kitchen Sink
- 13 Magic Eraser Uses For Cleaning
- 8 Ways You Didn’t Know You Could Use Bar Keeper’s Friend
- Hydrogen Peroxide Tricks That Will Change The Way You Clean
- How To Speed Clean A Bathroom In Minutes