Cleaning Mineral Buildup on Faucets
Updated February 20, 2026
White crusty buildup on your faucets isn't just ugly -- it's calcium and lime from hard water, and it gets worse over time. It clogs aerators, restricts flow, damages finishes, and eventually works its way into the cartridge. The fix is cheap and prevention is easy, but ignoring it leads to reduced performance and premature faucet failure.
Overview
White crusty buildup on your faucets isn't just ugly -- it's calcium and lime from hard water, and it gets worse over time. It clogs aerators, restricts flow, damages finishes, and eventually works its way into the cartridge. The fix is cheap and prevention is easy, but ignoring it leads to reduced performance and premature faucet failure.
What to Know
Step by Step
-
Soak the aerator
Unscrew the aerator from the faucet tip. Drop it in a cup of white vinegar for 30-60 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse and reinstall. Flow should be noticeably improved.
-
Wrap stubborn deposits
For buildup on the faucet body, soak a cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the affected area. Secure with a rubber band. Leave for 1-2 hours, then wipe clean.
-
Clean the handle base
Mineral deposits build up where the handle meets the faucet body. Use a toothbrush dipped in vinegar to get into the crevice. This buildup can make the handle stiff.
-
Rinse and dry
After any vinegar treatment, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Leaving vinegar on too long can etch some finishes. Drying the faucet after use is the best way to prevent new deposits.
Pro Tips
- A daily wipe-down with a dry cloth prevents 90% of mineral buildup. Ten seconds.
- Keep a spare aerator on hand -- they cost $3-$5 and swap in seconds while the clogged one soaks.
- Lemon juice works as a vinegar alternative and smells better.
- If you're constantly fighting buildup, a whole-house water softener is the permanent solution.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using abrasive scrubbers on finishes -- steel wool and Scotch-Brite pads scratch chrome and destroy specialty finishes.
- Leaving vinegar or CLR on matte black or oil-rubbed bronze.
- Ignoring a clogged aerator and assuming faucet pressure is low.
- Using the same aggressive cleaner on every faucet regardless of finish.
When to Call a Pro
If mineral buildup has worked inside the cartridge and the faucet is stiff or leaking despite external cleaning, a cartridge replacement may be needed.
Bottom Line
Vinegar and a toothbrush handle 95% of faucet mineral problems. Soak aerators regularly, wipe faucets dry after use, and know your finish before reaching for heavy cleaners.