Quick answer: First check whether low flow affects both hot and cold water and whether other fixtures are normal. If the faucet manual identifies a removable aerator, cover the drain, photograph the part order, remove it with the supplied key or a finish-safe grip, and rinse away loose debris. Soak only the components and solution the manufacturer permits, then reassemble in the same order. Stop if the housing will not release normally or the problem is house-wide.
Make sure the aerator is a reasonable suspect
An aerator can trap sediment or mineral deposits, causing a weak stream, uneven spray, or flow that angles sideways. If every faucet in the home is slow, the aerator is probably not the whole story. Check supply interruptions, partially closed valves, kinked hoses, and utility notices before taking parts apart.
Test hot and cold separately. Low flow on only one side may point upstream to a supply line or cartridge. A pull-down wand can have a screen, check valve, or model-specific flow component that differs from a simple threaded tip. Search the faucet model and use the maintenance drawing.
Protect the finish and keep the parts in order
| Before removal | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Close or cover the sink drain | Tiny washers and screens disappear quickly |
| Take a close photo | Flow restrictors and seals must return in order |
| Find the supplied aerator key | Recessed “cache” aerators may not accept pliers |
| Wrap exposed metal if a tool is allowed | Teeth can scar the faucet finish |
Turn by hand first. If the manual allows a wrench, use light pressure and support the spout. Stop when the faucet twists at its base, the housing deforms, or the finish begins to mark. Do not drill, cut, or hammer a stuck aerator.
Clean the screen without changing the device
- Lay the removed pieces on a towel in their original sequence.
- Rinse loose grit under controlled water so small pieces cannot wash away.
- Use a soft toothbrush to lift debris from screen openings.
- For mineral deposits, use only the soak named by the manufacturer; some guides limit vinegar to a plastic insert.
- Rinse every treated part thoroughly and inspect seals for cuts or flattening.
- Reassemble by hand, align threads, and tighten only enough to stop leaks.
- Run cold and hot water, checking both stream pattern and the aerator joint.
Removing or altering a flow restrictor is not cleaning. The part may be required for product performance or local water-efficiency rules. Return every component unless the manufacturer tells you to replace it.
If the flow does not recover, stop chasing the tip
A clean aerator with continued low flow can indicate a clogged cartridge, blocked supply connection, kinked hose, low building pressure, or corrosion inside older plumbing. Those checks may require shutting off water and model-specific disassembly. If the faucet leaks at the base, a valve will not close, or plumbing is brittle, call a plumber.
Minerals also affect other fixtures, but the parts differ. Our showerhead nozzle guide covers soft spray faces, while the stainless sink water-spot guide keeps acid away from finishes that may not tolerate it.
Use the retest to catch assembly mistakes
After reassembly, start with a low flow and watch the joint. A drip around the aerator can mean a washer is upside down, pinched, missing, or no longer sealing. An angled or splashing stream can mean the screen stack is reversed or debris remains. Turn the water off and compare the parts with your photo instead of tightening harder.
Threads should start by hand. If the aerator immediately crosses, back it out and realign it. Overtightening can crack plastic, flatten a gasket, or make the next service difficult. Run both hot and cold for long enough to clear loosened debris, then dry the spout so a later drop is easy to identify. If the faucet body moves, a hidden connection leaks, or the aerator housing is corroded, stop and replace the correct part or call a plumber.
Bottom line
Aerator cleaning is a small-parts job. Diagnose the scope, cover the drain, document the stack, and treat only approved components. If flow stays weak after a clean reassembly, the restriction is likely farther upstream.
Sources
- Lowe’s: Fixing a clogged kitchen faucet
- Kohler installation and care guide with aerator cleaning guidance
Photo: New and old faucet aerator.JPG by MKFI, via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain; resized for this guide. Reviewed by the Gohall Clean Team on September 5, 2026.