BUYING GUIDE

How To Clean, Descale And Fix A Dripping Tap

Limescale build-up and dripping taps are more than everyday annoyances. Over time, they can affect water flow, damage delicate finishes and diminish the performance of precision-engineered brassware. Even a slow drip can waste thousands of litres of water each year - but the bigger concern for homeowners is protecting the investment they have made in high-quality bathroom fittings.

Fortunately, with the right maintenance and care routine, luxury taps can remain pristine and fully functional for decades. This guide covers everything you need to know, from removing limescale and cleaning delicate finishes, to repairing a dripping mixer tap and replacing worn washers. Whether your brassware features Matte Black, Brushed Gold, Brushed Nickel, Chrome, Polished Nickel, or Gunmetal, these expert techniques will help maintain its appearance and performance.

If you're considering upgrading your bathroom or replacing ageing fittings, you can also explore our collection of luxury bathroom taps.

Prevention: Finish-Specific Tap Cleaning

How to Remove Limescale from Taps

Limescale is a chalky white deposit made from calcium carbonate that forms when hard water evaporates. It is particularly common in regions with hard water, including many areas across the South and East of England.

While it may appear harmless at first, limescale can restrict water flow, clog aerators and dull the finish of your taps. Over time, improper cleaning methods - particularly harsh chemical cleaners - can permanently damage electroplated or PVD-coated brassware.

The safest approach is to maintain a regular, gentle cleaning routine. Below, we outline the recommended guidelines for cleaning and maintaining the distinctive finishes found in LUSSO brassware using simple, non-abrasive methods.

How to Clean Chrome Taps

Chrome taps are durable and easy to clean.

To clean chrome taps and manage limescale:

Regularly use a soft or microfibre cloth with warm, soapy water.
For targeted areas where limescale has accumulated, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clear the residue.

Always rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a microfibre cloth to restore its shine and reduce the risk of water marks.

Explore LUSSO’s chrome brassware collection.

How to Clean Matte Black Taps

Matte black taps need gentle care because their finish relies on electroplating and PVD coatings, which offer durability and rich colour but can be damaged by harsh cleaners.

Clean matte black taps regularly using a soft or microfibre cloth with warm, soapy water.
To remove limescale, use a soft toothbrush to gently target the affected areas.
Always rinse thoroughly and dry immediately after use to prevent water marks or corrosion.

Avoid: abrasive materials, steel wool, scouring pads, magic erasers, stiff brushes, and harsh chemical or acidic cleaners, as these may scratch the surface.

Explore LUSSO’s matte black brassware collection.

How to Clean Brushed Gold & Brushed Nickel Taps

Brushed gold and brushed nickel finishes feature a directional grain texture, which can trap moisture if not properly dried.

Clean brushed gold and brushed nickel finishes regularly using a soft or microfibre cloth with warm, soapy water.
Wipe with the direction of the grain rather than across it when cleaning.
To manage limescale build-up, use a soft toothbrush to gently target affected areas, then rinse thoroughly and dry immediately to eliminate trapped moisture.

Avoid: Abrasive materials, scouring pads, metal polishes, and acidic cleaners.

Explore our full brushed gold brassware and brushed nickel taps collections.

How to Clean Polished Nickel Taps

Polished nickel offers a warm, reflective finish similar to chrome but with a softer tone.

For everyday maintenance, simply wipe the tap dry with a soft microfibre cloth after use. If deeper cleaning is needed, use a small amount of pH-neutral soap with warm water.

For limescale removal:

• Use a soft toothbrush to gently target affected areas

• Clean the surface with warm, soapy water

• Rinse thoroughly

• Dry and buff immediately with a microfibre cloth

Avoid steel wool, abrasive pads, bleach, or strong acidic cleaners, as these can damage the protective finish.

Explore our polished nickel brassware

How to Clean Gunmetal Taps

Gunmetal taps provide a distinctive matte metallic finish that combines contemporary styling with durability.

For routine care, gently wipe the tap with a soft microfibre cloth after each use. If deeper cleaning is required, use warm water with a pH-neutral soap solution.

To remove limescale safely:

Clean regularly with a soft microfibre cloth and warm, soapy water.
Use a soft toothbrush to target tight areas or stubborn build-up around the handle or spout joints.
Rinse thoroughly and dry completely after use.

Avoid: Abrasive materials, steel wool, scouring pads, bleach, harsh acids, or metal polishes.

Browse the gunmetal brassware collection

Descaling a Tap Aerator

Sometimes uneven water flow isn’t caused by a major issue - it may simply be a clogged aerator.

The aerator sits at the tip of the tap spout and mixes air with water to regulate flow. Over time, mineral deposits can block it.

To descale it:

Unscrew the aerator by hand or using a cloth-wrapped wrench.
Clean the aerator component using warm, soapy water.
Gently scrub the mesh with a soft toothbrush to safely clear away mineral deposits.
Rinse thoroughly and reattach.

How to Fix a Dripping Tap

A dripping tap doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace your brassware. In most cases, the problem can be resolved with a simple repair.

The two most common causes are:

• Worn rubber washers in traditional compression taps
• Faulty ceramic disc cartridges in modern mixer taps

Hard water can also contribute to dripping taps, as limescale may clog or damage internal components over time.

LUSSO taps are designed with high-quality ceramic disc valves, which provide precise control and long-lasting durability.

Toolbox Checklist – What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather the following tools:

• Adjustable spanner
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Allen key set
• Replacement washer or ceramic cartridge
• PTFE tape
• Soft cloth
• Small bowl for components

Before beginning any repair, it is recommended to check the installation guide for your specific tap model.

How to Change a Washer on a Mixer Tap

Follow these steps to repair a dripping mixer tap.

Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Locate the isolation valve under the sink or turn off the mains stopcock. Open the tap to release any remaining water pressure.

Step 2: Remove the tap handle
Take off the decorative cap covering the screw. Unscrew it and lift the handle away.

Step 3: Remove the retaining nut
Unscrew the shroud or retaining nut to reveal the internal valve or cartridge.

Step 4: Replace the washer
Remove the valve and gently prise off the old rubber washer. Fit the replacement washer of the same diameter — most UK basin taps use ½-inch washers.

Step 5: Replace ceramic cartridges if needed
If your tap uses ceramic discs, remove the cartridge and insert the replacement in the same orientation.

Step 6: Reassemble the tap
Put the tap back together in reverse order.

Step 7: Turn the water back on
Test the tap and check for drips.

If the tap still leaks, the O-ring at the base of the spout may need replacing.

For complex repairs - particularly with wall-mounted taps where pipework is concealed - LUSSO recommends consulting a qualified plumber.

When To Call A Professional

If a tap continues dripping after replacing the washer or cartridge, professional help may be required.

A plumber should be consulted if:

• The valve seat is corroded
• The tap body has developed cracks
• Internal components are seized
• The repair involves concealed pipework

Attempting to force stuck components may cause greater damage to luxury brassware.

For guidance on replacement parts, you can also contact the LUSSO team on 020 3370 4057.

Long-Term Tap Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment

Consistent maintenance is the simplest way to keep your taps looking and performing like new.

A 60-second wipe-down after each use can prevent the majority of limescale build-up and water marks.

Key habits include:

• Drying taps after every use
• Avoiding overtightening handles
• Cleaning aerators every 3–6 months
• Checking the tap base for trapped moisture

LUSSO brassware is engineered with Citec ceramic cartridges and Neoperl aerators, ensuring smooth operation and lasting performance.

Browse the full collection of LUSSO taps.

Keep Your Luxury Taps Pristine with LUSSO

With the right care routine, luxury brassware can maintain its appearance and performance for decades. Regular cleaning, gentle descaling and occasional maintenance ensure your taps continue to operate smoothly while preserving their distinctive finishes.

If you're planning a bathroom upgrade or replacing ageing fittings, explore the full LUSSO taps collection.

Still refining your vision? Browse our complete range of tap buying guides for more inspiration, or speak directly with our specialist team on +44 (0)20 3370 4057 for tailored advice.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Cleaning and Maintaining Your Tap

The recommended method is to clean the area regularly using a soft or microfibre cloth with warm, soapy water. To remove accumulated limescale, use a soft toothbrush to gently target affected areas, then rinse thoroughly and dry the tap completely to prevent water marks.

Most dripping taps are caused by worn washers or damaged ceramic disc cartridges. Turn off the water supply, remove the tap handle and internal valve, then replace the faulty component. If the problem persists, the cartridge or O-ring may also require replacement.

Turn off the water supply, remove the tap handle and retaining nut, then access the internal valve. Replace the worn washer with a matching size and reassemble the tap. Always check the washer size carefully to ensure a proper seal.

Matte black taps should be cleaned regularly using warm, soapy water and a soft microfibre cloth. For limescale build-up, use a soft toothbrush to gently target the affected areas. Always rinse and dry thoroughly, and avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

Use a soft or microfibre cloth with warm, soapy water. For limescale removal, use a soft toothbrush to gently target the affected area. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and buff dry with a microfibre cloth to safely restore the shine.

Clean brushed finishes regularly using warm, soapy water and a microfibre cloth, always wiping with the direction of the grain. To remove limescale, use a soft toothbrush to gently target the affected areas before rinsing thoroughly and drying completely.

If replacing the washer does not resolve the issue, the ceramic cartridge or valve seat may be worn or damaged. Limescale inside the valve can also prevent a proper seal. In these cases, replacing the cartridge or consulting a plumber may be necessary.

In hard water areas, regular cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush every 1–3 months helps prevent mineral build-up. Aerators should also be cleaned every three to six months to maintain optimal water flow.