How to Clean Plumbing Fixtures Properly And Correctly

Plumbing fixtures are in constant contact with water, making them susceptible to stains, mineral deposits and more. Keep these fixtures in your Southland Chicago and Northern Indiana home looking beautiful and working efficiently by cleaning them on a regular basis.

To remove hard-water deposits, fill a plastic bag with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. Tie the bag around a faucet or showerhead, and let it soak for 30 minutes or longer (depending on severity of deposits).

Faucets

Keeping your faucets clean helps prevent rust and build-up from developing, which can lead to unsightly discolorations. Start by wetting a microfiber cloth with water and applying dish soap or cleaning solution to the surface. Next, gently wipe away all impurities, rinsing and wringing the cloth as needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can damage or scratch finishes and surfaces.

Once you’ve cleaned the outside of your faucets, apply a polish or wax to slow future stains and help protect the finish. Make sure the polish or wax you choose is non-abrasive. You can also purchase commercial faucet protectors, which typically come in aerosol form for easy application and offer long-lasting protection from water spots and streaks.

If you still have hard water deposits or other stains on your faucets that don’t seem to budge with vinegar, baking soda, or lemon, it may be time to use a descaler. These solutions work to remove rust, scale, and other hard-water build up that can interfere with your faucet’s flow. Simply follow the product directions to ensure safe and effective use.

Aside from reducing the appearance of hard water deposits, cleaning your faucets regularly will help extend their lifespan. As a general rule, you should try to clean your faucets at least once every two weeks. This includes the handles, spouts, and any other difficult-to-reach nooks and crannies.

If you have a hard-water faucet, you should also focus on removing the aerator at the end of the spout. Aside from blocking water flow, this can also contribute to the formation of hard-water deposits and other unsightly stains. If possible, you should remove the aerator by hand and then rinse and scrub it. If you can’t unscrew it, a pair of pliers can be used, but be careful not to damage the handle or spout in the process. Lastly, you should soak the aerator in vinegar for at least 30 minutes before attempting to reinstall it. If you don’t have a vinegar supply, you can substitute this step with a commercially available calcium, lime, and rust remover.

Showerheads

Showerheads often become clogged with minerals, and this can cause them to spray unevenly or not at all. According to Irina Nikiforova, owner of Los Angeles-based cleaning service Rocket Maids, most basic showerheads need to be cleaned every season (and sometimes even more often if you have hard water). To clean yours properly, first remove it from the hose, then place it in a plastic bag filled with white vinegar and tie it closed with a string or rubber band, so that all the holes are immersed in the vinegar. Let it soak for about an hour, and then rinse. Be sure to wipe away any remaining traces of vinegar with a dry cloth, and also take this opportunity to reattach the rubber washer, which prevents leakage at the joint.

If you have a brass showerhead, be careful about leaving it in the vinegar for too long, as the acid may discolor it. Instead, mix equal parts of water and vinegar and pour it over the head (you can add a bit of baking soda to this solution to help dissolve any mineral build-up). Then scrub all the nozzles with a toothbrush or nylon bristled brush and rinse it thoroughly. Before reattaching the head, be sure to replace the sealant tape, and use a pair of safety glasses or a step stool to help you reach your showerhead if necessary.

After removing any stains or mineral deposits, consider applying a coat of protective wax or polish to your fixtures. This will help prevent future build-up and keep them shiny and new. A variety of household products can be used for this purpose, from car wax to furniture polish—just be sure that the one you choose is safe for your fixture material.

Keeping your bathroom clean is an important part of home maintenance, and it can also help to prevent illnesses like the flu by eliminating germs that could be lurking in dirty surfaces. Regular cleaning and maintenance will also save you money on utility bills by reducing your energy consumption and water usage, in line with the advice from experts like the Rochester plumbers.

Drains

If your sink, tub or toilet is taking longer than usual to drain, you’ve likely got a clog. Instead of reaching for the chemical drain cleaners that can harm your pipes and cause other problems, try one of these natural ways to clean your drains.

First, pour a cup of baking soda into the drain. You’ll hear a fizzing sound that indicates the mixture is working to clear away your clog. Leave it to work for half an hour, then flush the drain with a cup of boiling water. If the problem persists, repeat the process.

A few tablespoons of table salt mixed with hot water can also help you break down greasy deposits in your drain lines. This homemade cleaning solution is safer for your pipes than commercial cleaners and is just as effective.

If a clog persists, it’s time to call a plumber. Foul odors coming from more than one drain or sewage backing up into the home indicate a more serious problem like a blocked sewer line, which requires professional help.

Vinegar can be used to remove hard water build-up, soap scum, and even stains from chrome fixtures. Use a microfiber cloth to gently scrub the surface of your fixture, rinsing and wringing the cloth often to ensure you’re not damaging the finish. If the stubborn build-up doesn’t come off, mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar and apply it to the area. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again and rinsing the surface thoroughly.

If you’ve tried the homemade drain cleaner and still have a clog, it’s time to call a professional. They can use specialty tools to clear a drain that’s stuck or broken, and they have the experience needed to handle serious plumbing issues.

Toilets

Your toilet may not be one of the most glamorous parts of your home, but it’s also one of the most used. Whether you have a jewel box bathroom or a powder room that’s reserved for guests, it’s important to keep this fixture clean, especially since it can harbor bacteria and other germs.

You should be scrubbing your toilet regularly, especially if you have young children or frequent visitors, says Forte. This includes wiping the outside of the tank, the inside of the bowl, and the handle and seat every day. Toilets that are used less frequently-like in a guest bathroom or powder room-don’t need to be cleaned daily, but they should receive a deep cleaning each week and receive a quick sanitizing flush regularly.

To wipe down your toilet, use a microfiber cloth and warm water to gently remove surface impurities, like hard water build-up or soap scum. If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn problem, you can add a few drops of regular dish soap to the mixture and wipe the area again. Rinse the area with a microfiber cloth and repeat as needed until you’ve removed all of the dirt.