Cleaning this is often an oversight.

Find out why you gotta keep it cleanand how best to do so.

Cleaning your kitchen helps to prevent foodborne illnesses.

hands holding salad greens under a running kitchen faucet

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The faucet, specifically its handle, is the first thing most people reach for after handling raw meat.

Not only that, keeping the faucet clean will help it last for years.

Water quality can also determine how often your faucet needs to be cleaned.

But more importantly, these deposits may affect the faucet’s water pressure and flow.

Don’t forget to start with clean equipment!

How to clean your faucet

You don’t need expensive products to clean your faucet.

Kitchen faucets are commonly made with stainless steel, bronze, copper and zinc.

Brass:Soap and water or vinegar will do the magic.

Acids like lemon juice can help remove the visible tarnish.

Bronze:Mix one teaspoon salt with three quarts of water to wipe down the faucet fixture and handles.

Use a scrub to remove the visible grime, and dry the faucet with a soft cloth.

Copper:Soap and water, and vinegar will keep it clean.

Keep in mind that tarnish is common with copper.

Zinc:Vinegar or lemon and salt.

The lemon and salt may dull the metal faucet fixture, and you may require regular polishing.

It is best to clean your sink first before the faucet.

Once the sink is cleaned, use a sponge with soapy water to wipe the faucet and handles.

For hard-to-reach places of the faucet, use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Let the spout sit in the vinegar solution for a few hours or overnight to soften the deposits.

Then, remove and drain the bag, and use a soft brush to remove the residues.

Should I be cleaning the other faucets in my house?