How to descale a tap and clean the aerator so it flows freely again

Unscrew the aerator from the spout, rinse the screen clean and soak it in descaler or vinegar until the limescale has dissolved. Clean the spout and shower head the same way, then refit everything hand-tight. Below we explain each step.

👷 Calling in a professional is never unnecessary. If the aerator is stuck fast, the spout turns with it or the tap leaks at the base or the connection after cleaning, stop and call a registered plumber. Forcing it can damage the tap or the pipe.

What do you need?

• A descaling cleaner for limescale on chrome, glass and tiles, and a universal cleaner for everyday cleaning.
• 250 mm water pump pliers to loosen a stuck aerator. Always wrap a cloth around it.
• An 12-litre bucket or small tub to soak the aerator in.
• A rechargeable LED work lamp to see limescale in the spout clearly.
• A new aerator if the old one is broken or too dirty: an aerator for a washbasin tap, a water-saving aerator for a washbasin tap that lets less water through, or an aerator for a bath, shower or washbasin tap. Take the old one with you as an example for the size.
• A soft cloth, an old toothbrush and possibly a toothpick for the holes.

Step-by-step plan: cleaning the aerator

1. Unscrew the aerator. This usually works by hand, anticlockwise. If it is stuck, use the pliers with a cloth in between. Some aerators need a special key or are recessed; do not force them.
2. Take it apart. Note the order of the screens and the rubber ring. Lay everything out on a cloth.
3. Soak the parts in a tub with descaler according to the instructions. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
4. Brush the screens clean with an old toothbrush. Poke loose limescale out of the holes with a toothpick, not with anything sharp made of metal.
5. Check the ring. If it is hard or cracked, or if the screens are deformed, replace the whole aerator.
6. Reassemble and tighten it by hand. Let the water run for a moment and check that the flow is full and steady again.

Descaling the tap and shower head

• Tap: spray the descaler onto a cloth and not directly onto the tap, leave it on briefly and wipe with a damp cloth. Rub dry for a shiny finish.
• Shower head: there is a lot of limescale in the shower too. Place the spray plate or the whole Luvio shower head in a tub with descaler, or rub the rubber nozzles clean with your fingers. If the head or the metal shower hose is worn, they are easy to replace.
• Glass screen and tiles: the same approach works on the shower screen. Read more about this in our blog on descaling a shower enclosure.

⚠️ Do not use scouring agents or steel wool on chrome; it causes scratches that limescale sticks to even faster. Always read the cleaner's label and never mix different cleaning products.

Working safely

Descalers are acidic and irritate skin and eyes. So wear work gloves with nitrile coating and safety goggles, especially when you clean a shower head above your head. Make sure there is ventilation: open a window or leave the extractor fan running. Keep cleaners out of reach of children. Read more about choosing gloves in our buying guide for work gloves, and about pliers that spare the chrome in our buyer's guide to water pump pliers and pipe wrenches.

Preventing limescale from now on

• Wipe the tap dry with a soft cloth after use.
• Unscrew the aerator every few months and rinse it.
• Use a mild cleaner every week instead of a strong one once a year.

When do you call in a professional?

• If the aerator or spout is corroded or scaled up and will not come loose by hand or with care.
• If the tap starts leaking at the base, the lever or the connection after cleaning.
• If the water pressure stays low after cleaning. Then there may be something in the pipe or the stopcock.
• For taps with a boiler, filter or electrical connection: a registered plumber maintains those.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean an aerator?

With hard water every two to three months, with softer water twice a year.

Can I replace the aerator instead of cleaning it?

Yes. A new aerator is quick to fit and a water-saving version uses less water.

Does vinegar work too?

Household remedies can damage rubber and coatings. A descaler suitable for sanitary ware is the safest choice; always follow the instructions.

Read also: How to fix a leaking tap

Read also: Descaling a shower head for an even spray

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

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