Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: How do I clean off the lime buildup that has accumulated over the years on the nozzle of my kitchen and bathroom faucets? Lisa Abbin, Fairfax, Va.

Vinegar should do the trick and dissolve the hard-water/lime buildup. All you have to do is remove the aerator from the faucet and soak it overnight in a small bowl of white household vinegar.

If you can’t get the aerator off, you can fill a plastic bag half-full of vinegar and pull the bag up over the faucet and secure it with a rubber band. The vinegar should cover the nozzle. Let it soak for at least several hours. You may need to use an old toothbrush to scrub the really stubborn buildup, then rinse with water.

If this doesn’t help, you can buy a new aerator at most home-improvement stores for anywhere from 50 cents to $2. Be sure to take the aerator with you so you can match it. - Heloise