Descaling and cleaning a tap cartridge is really important, albeit a tedious job. Unfortunately, it's often an area we forget to clean as we pay more attention to cleaning the outer areas of our taps which are much more visual. But, if the extent of your tap cleaning is a quick wipe around the edges with a damp sponge, your taps probably aren’t performing at their best.
Cleaning the cartridge inside your tap will prevent the build up of limescale. Excess limescale will affect the flow of water, and there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to wash your hands with a dribble!
Why remove limescale from your taps
Limescale is best removed with an acid such as vinegar or lemon juice, but it's important not to be too aggressive with descaling as this can damage the finish underneath, which is why we recommend using a soft toothbrush to descale a tap cartridge.
Cleaning and descaling a tap cartridge doesn't have to be difficult, but doing it regularly will make your taps last longer - saving you money because they will be much more efficient.
How to clean a tap cartridge
1. Mix together a solution of two parts warm water to one part white vinegar in a bowl.
2. The first step is to turn off your hot and cold water using your boiler or isolation valves. Open the tap to allow any excess water inside to drain away.
3. Remove the tap head using your screwdriver, and take out the cartridge retaining the nut below it.
4. Take out the tap cartridge using your spanner
5. Soak the cartridge in the water and vinegar mix for around 10 minutes. If when you take it out, the cartridge still has limescale on it, it simply needs to be soaked for longer. Add a little more vinegar to the mixture, soak a cloth in it and wrap it tightly around the cartridge. You can then leave it for an hour or two.
6. Using an old toothbrush, gently clean around the filters within the tap to break down limescale. You can then wipe it clean with a cloth.
7. Gently brush away limescale from the soaking cartridge, then remove it from the vinegar and wipe it clean with a cloth.
8. Check the washers and ring seals are clean and free from limescale. If not then use your toothbrush to break it down and brush it away, removing excess with a cloth.
9. Place your now spotless cartridge back into the body of the tap, in the same way you took it out.
10. Cover with the cartridge retaining nut and screw the tap head on using your screwdriver. Be careful not to overtighten as this can damage your tap, as well as making it far harder to remove next time.
11.Turn on your water and check that there are no leaks. If your water was flowing slowly due to limescale before, it should now be flowing freely.
12. Stand back with your hands on your hips and admire your incredible work.
How to replace a ceramic disk cartridge
If you're looking to replace your ceramic disk cartridge, take a look at our handy video guide.
Simplicity is key
Cleaning a tap cartridge really is that simple. But while we’re usually big advocates of the motto ‘better to try and fail than never try at all’, it doesn’t really apply in this case. We must stress that if you really don’t know what you’re doing when it comes to cleaning your tap mixer cartridge, it’s better to get a professional in instead! Doing something wrong can damage your taps and cost you a lot more money in the long run.
With your bathroom or kitchen tap now restored to tip top condition, you might find yourself with the toilet or bath cleaning bug too (we’re not sure this is actually a thing). We’ve got a whole load of DIY advice on our website to help keep your bathroom and kitchen fixtures lasting longer and performing at their very best.
Check out our foolproof guides here, you’ll be a DIY king or queen in no time.
