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Quick Fixes: How to clean a tap cartridge
How to guides

Quick Fixes: How to clean a tap cartridge

Posted by Adam Chard in How to guides | 5 years ago 2 min read

Cleaning your tap cartridges can help prevent limescale and particle build-up which, over time, can affect the flow of water.

In the first of our Quick Fixes articles, we’ll show you how to clean a mixer tap cartridge. It’s really easy to do and could help improve the performance of your tap.


Tools you’ll need:

  • Adjustable spanner
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Phillips head screwdriver

Tools you'll need to clean mixer tap cartridges

You’ll also need:

  • Toothbrush
  • White vinegar
  • Bowl or container
  • Clean cloth

Before you begin:

  • Fill a bowl or container with a mix of half water/half white vinegar
  • Turn off your water supply

Step-by-step video

For demonstration purposes, the tap used in this video is The Bath Co. Camberley basin mixer tap. It contains ceramic mixer tap cartridges which you’ll find as standard in all of our high quality mixer taps. Ceramic mixer tap cartridges are more hardwearing and durable than the rubber washers found in older taps, offering greater control over flow and temperature.




Here’s how to clean a tap cartridge

  1. Remove the tap head cover (also known as tap inserts) before removing the tap head using the screwdriver and then the cartridge retaining nut underneath.

Remove tap head cover and tap head

  1. Using your spanner, take out the tap cartridge. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for any further tap cartridges.

Take out the tap cartridge

  1. Soak your tap cartridges in a mix of half vinegar and half water for 10 minutes.

Soaking ceramic mixer tap cartridges

  1. Take your old toothbrush and gently clean the inside of the tap.

Clean the inside of the tap

  1. Give the tap cartridge a scrub, rinse with fresh water and pat dry with a clean cloth.

  2. Put the cartridge back into the tap and replace the cartridge retaining nut.

Replace the tap cartridge

  1. Finally, screw on the tap head ensuring not to overtighten and replace any tap inserts.

Screw on the tap head and replace tap inserts

Congratulations, you’ve now cleaned your ceramic tap cartridge.


More DIY advice

You’ll find loads of great bathroom advice at Victoria Plum, including DIY advice for installation and maintenance.

Check out our Switches and Fixes hub for more easy tasks that’ll help improve both the look and functionality of your bathroom.

Author, Adam Chard

Posted by Adam Chard in How to guides | 5 years ago

A born & raised West Countryman, now living on the Yorkshire Coast, for over 10 years Adam has been bringing home interior ideas to life at Victoria Plum. Adam’s favourite interior styles have been shaped by both urban and natural influences.

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