This Clever TikTok Hack Will Show You How To Clean Your Faucet Aerator

Almost too often, there are little parts and pieces all over the home that you just kind of forget exist... and, in turn, forget to clean. When you're doing the dishes at the end of the night or working through your weekly deep clean of the kitchen on Sunday, it's easy to focus on the bigger picture: load the dishwasher, scrub the floors, maybe empty the expired food sitting in the fridge. The very last thing on your mind — and to-do list — is cleaning your faucet (wait, those have to be cleaned?)

According to Denver Water, it's recommended that you clean your faucet aerator (the small screen that's typically recessed at the end of your faucet) every six months. Otherwise, it may get clogged with hard water buildup and debris, leading to a more expensive water bill, poor flow, and some gross-tasting water. Fortunately, TikTok has the hack you never knew you needed to get any aerator clean and clear in no time. If you are a tap water drinker, you may want to listen up before you fill your next glass.

In a video that's now garnered close to 1 million likes, TikTok user @madelyncombs1 shares all that you need to deep clean your bathroom or kitchen faucet's aerator. Grab a pair of pliers and an old rag, and get ready to be thoroughly grossed out!

As per the TikTok video, here's how to start the faucet aerator cleaning process: Turn off the water, then use the pliers to remove the attached aerator piece at the bottom of the spout. You may need to give it a good squeeze with the pliers to fully twist it off, and with it will be a whole lot of gunk. Then, push through the center screen to remove it from the aerator ring. Both pieces will be grimy, rusty, and scarily dirty, but don't panic. All you have to do is give it a good scrub with a damp rag, and twist it back in. The water will come out crystal clear, and you won't have to worry about it again for six months.

Reddi Plumbing Wichita also recommends this method, so long as it fully clears out the holes in the aerator screen. If a rag isn't sufficient, you can use a toothbrush to remove any lime scale from the piece.

If you're looking for less of a deep clean and more of a regular maintenance option, one commenter has another solution. Tie a plastic bag filled with vinegar around the head of the faucet, like you might with a showerhead — it should clean itself after 15 minutes! For the best results, you should still give your faucet screen a thorough scrub down at least twice a year, but it sure beats neglecting its aerator (now that you know what it is, of course!).