How to Get the Scum Off a Faucet

How to Get the Scum Off a Faucet
Published: Feb 28, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Vinegar
  • Washcloths
  • Soft-bristled scrub brush
  • Paper towels
  • Towel
  • Baking soda
  • Sponge
  • Rubbing alcohol or baby oil

If you neglect cleaning the faucet to remove the scum when you notice it, the minerals will continue to build, making it more difficult to clean.

  1. Spray vinegar directly onto the soap scum on the faucet. Allow the vinegar to sit on the scum for 20 minutes.

  2. Wipe the vinegar off the faucet with a washcloth. Rub on the faucet to remove the loosened scum. Scrub on hard to reach areas with a small soft-bristled scrub brush.

  3. Soak a washcloth or paper towels with white distilled vinegar. Place them onto the faucet over areas that still contain scum. Allow the vinegar to rest on the buildup for 15 minutes, and then wipe the scum off the faucet with a clean washcloth.

  4. Rinse the sink faucet with clean water. Dry it with a towel and inspect it closely for any remaining scum and buildup.

  5. Apply baking soda over the area that still contains scum. Scrub on the area with a damp sponge. The baking soda will act as a soft abrasive to help loosen the buildup. Rinse and dry the faucet area thoroughly.

  6. Shine the sink faucet with a dime-sized amount of rubbing alcohol or baby oil. Buff the faucet so that its shine returns. The solution will help to remove water spots as well.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Angela LaFollette

Angela LaFollette was born in raised in West Virginia, but she currently resides with her husband and children in Minnesota. She is food freelance writer and blogger as well as a full-time stay at home mother. She holds a Bachelor of Arts…

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