Taps are the most commonly used part of both kitchens and bathrooms. And while none of us have the time or energy to keep them in top shape on a daily basis, sometimes it becomes too unsightly to ignore. And when the cleaning bug does bite, have you thought about how to clean taps? Let’s start by finding out how dirt accumulates on these fixtures, before we can identify home remedies for the same.
Where does the dirt accumulate on taps?
If your taps are looking unsightly, it could be due to these primary reasons:
- Limescale accumulation: Over the course of time, limescale, a hard, chalky deposit of calcium carbonate, accumulates in the filters of taps, causing the flow of water to slow down
- Dirt on the knob: Being the most commonly touched part of the tap, the knob gathers dirt, which needs to be cleaned up
- Hard water stains on the tap: Deposits of calcium and magnesium in tap water can leave brownish stains on the tap
- Grime at tap joint with sink: An inconvenient spot that’s hard to clean, which is constantly in a moist environment
How to clean taps at home
#1: Lemon
If the water pressure in your faucet has reduced significantly, chances are that limescale is causing the obstruction. So how to clean such taps? Simply place half a lemon over the calcified area.
Let the lemon stay in place over the limescale buildup for a few hours. The acid in the lemon dissolves the limescale. Then you can simply scrub away the loosened buildup with an old toothbrush or scrub pad. You can also apply lemon juice on a scrub pad and use it to remove hard water stains on taps.
#2: Vinegar
If you’re struggling with a limescale buildup around your taps, make a solution of equal quantities of white vinegar and warm water. Dip a cloth into the mixture and use it to clean up your taps. In case of a stubborn buildup of limescale, you can wrap a cloth dipped in the vinegar solution and leave it for an hour before washing it clean. Following this, dry the fixture to prevent it from rusting.
Moreover, if your tap has started looking dull, bring back the lustre by cleaning it up with vinegar and a soft cloth. And if you can’t look at the tap joint because of all the grime, use an old toothbrush and some vinegar to have it sparkling clean!
#3: Dish soap
If your taps have started looking old and worn, it could be a simple case of stains accumulated over consistent usage. Simply use a cloth dipped in a solution of dish soap and warm water to clean up the mess. You can also buff the tap with a dry cloth till it sparkles, after that!
#4: Baking soda
Have a bad stain on the knob or body of the tap that you’re unable to remove? Pour some baking soda and a little bit of water, and scrub away at the stain with a toothbrush. You’ll watch the stain disappear in seconds!
Pro Tip: Cleaning metal-plated taps
If you have a metal-plated tap to match the decor in your bathroom, remember that it will need more careful handling than the regular stainless steel taps. The metal plating creates delicate finishes, so you will have to steer clear of abrasive cleaning products.
So if you’re wondering how to clean such taps, forget the usual lemon and vinegar, or even brushes with hard bristles. Instead, wipe the fixture down with a microfiber cloth daily to prevent the building up of limestone.
When the tap calls for a thorough clean-up, use a dilute mixture of mild soap and distilled water on a sponge or microfiber cloth. It’s best to avoid regular water that can stain the delicate metal plating. If there are hard water stains on your fixtures, make a dilute mixture of baking soda and distilled water to clean them up. You can use the edge of a soft cloth or sponge dipped in the solution to clean each spot. Wipe the spots gently—if you scrub too hard, you might leave scratches on the fixtures!
If this article has got you in the mood to deep-clean every inch of your home, try out these genius ways!
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