Faucet Care and Maintenance -- What Every Homeowner Should Know

Note: If you are not a plumber (or don't have a brother-in-law who is in the business), the more you know about faucets and their care, the better!

(ARA) - Consider the number of times you run your hands under it quickly while cooking. What about rinsing plates or filling a glass or pot with water? When the kitchen faucet isn't working properly, the kitchen doesn't run smoothly. Just as there are secrets for removing red wine from carpet and coffee stains from ties, there are methods for keeping your faucet in working order.

“A faucet has a lifecycle of its own -- with special considerations in the early years and others as the faucet gets older. The trick is knowing how to clean and maintain your faucet throughout its life, says Barbara Peterson, senior product manager at Delta and someone who has a knack for solving not-so-common plumbing problems.

In a new home or when a replacement faucet is used for the first time, homeowners may notice flecks and particles in the water coming through the faucet. These are probably remnants of installation materials such as solder and copper chips, which can potentially cause a blockage and damage the faucet. To avoid problems, remove the tip of the faucet, known as the aerator, by unscrewing it, turning the handle(s) to a "full-on" position, and allowing the water to flush through the system for about two minutes. Then replace the aerator.

Day-to-day, kitchen faucets require low maintenance. Cleaning is easily done using a damp cloth and mild soap, then drying with a soft cloth to retain luster and shine. Window cleaning products also work well, and for crevices, an old toothbrush can be a handy tool. Remember, you're not cleaning the hulls of a Navy ship; avoid harsh cleaners and abrasives that could damage your faucetÂ’s finish. With any cleaning product, be sure to read and follow recommended usage instructions.

For faucets with a matte finish, like Brilliance Pearl Nickel from Delta, you can use a liquid or aerosol furniture polish to wipe the faucet clean, suggests Peterson. "The silicon oil in the polish fills the textures, rendering a more uniform appearance. This may darken the finish slightly, but will protect it from fingerprints and help reduce variations." When it comes to finishes, homeowners should look for tested protection, like the Brilliance finish from Delta, which won't corrode, tarnish or discolor.

* Removing Deposits

The amount of minerals in your water determines whether you have "soft" or "hard" water. Higher mineral count hard water sometimes causes lime and mineral deposits on faucets and drains. To remove stains, try a mild abrasive or window cleaner -- avoid scrubbing with coarse heavy-duty sponges.