How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink Sprayer - modern sink sprayer in hand

How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink Sprayer

ByDino Pelle

A kitchen sink sprayer (or sink spray) is a fantastic kitchen gadget, whether it’s an old model or a fancy, new model. But have you noticed how often you run across a spray nozzle that doesn’t work? It’s quite possible that your sprayer has become clogged.

Here’s how to unclog a kitchen sink sprayer with vinegar and a few other common, household items. We also have a brief video below demonstrating how well this solution works.

Here’s What You Will Need

Get started by preparing your tools in advance. You’ll need:

  • Small flathead screwdriver
  • Plastic sandwich baggies
  • White vinegar (regular vinegar won’t be strong enough)
  • Small bowl
  • Toothbrush (an old one will do nicely)
  • Toothpick
Pure white vinegar poured into bowl - how to unclog a kitchen sink sprayer
White vinegar contains 5-10 percent acetic acid, which makes it a great cleaning agent. It’s strong enough to act as a cleaning (unlike regular vinegar), but not strong enough to damage your sink sprayer.

Is My Sink Sprayer Old or New?

The difference between an older and modern model sink spray is easy to detect.

  • Older Model: The spray nozzle has a visible or hidden screw. Instead of disconnecting the sink spray from the hose, you’ll need to disassemble it into its separate parts. Don’t worry, it’s much easier than it sounds.
  • Newer Model: The spray nozzle typically unscrews. Then you’ll disconnect it from the hose before you begin cleaning and unclogging. Another clue: often, modern sink sprays are built into the actual faucet rather than being a separate device on your sink.

How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink Sprayer – Older Model

An older kitchen sink sprayer will either have a screw that’s visible or one that’s hidden behind a cover. Here are instructions for cleaning and unclogging it:

  1. If the screw is hidden, use the small screwdriver to pry off the cover
  2. Then remove the screw
  3. Take out the perforated disk, sleeve, and washers (all are parts of your sink spray nozzle that will come off once you’ve removed the screw). Place the screw and the sink spray parts into the baggie.
  4. Soak the cover in a bowl of vinegar for at least 1.5 hours
  5. Remove the cover and scrub gently with a toothbrush
  6. Poke the sprayer’s holes with a toothpick and rinse with warm water
  7. Replace the parts in the opposite order, starting with the washer, then insert the screw and tighten it in a clockwise direction (righty tighty, lefty loosey)
Clogged spray nozzle - how to unclog a kitchen sink sprayer
Often, your kitchen sink spray holes will get clogged with minerals that come from hard water. In addition to soaking in white vinegar, you will need to poke a toothpick into the holes to help remove stubborn calcium deposits and debris.

PRO TIP: To keep things organized, place each part in a separate baggie and label each baggie with a number corresponding to the part you removed first to last. Or simply take photos in the order of every part that you remove. Then reverse the process when you’re ready to reassemble the parts.

How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink Sprayer – Newer Model

Cleaning a kitchen sink sprayer, whether to unclog it or simply clean it, is even easier.

  1. Turn the spray head counterclockwise to remove it from the hose
  2. Soak the entire spray head in a bowl of vinegar for at least 1.5 hours
  3. Then poke the holes of the sprayer with a toothpick and rinse with warm water
  4. Lastly, dry and screw the kitchen sink sprayer back onto the hose

PRO TIP: An alternative method is even easier for modern sink sprays. Place white vinegar in a baggie large enough to fit your sink spray nozzle. Place your sink spray inside the baggie. Make sure the vinegar covers the sprayer end. Use a rubber band or string to tighten the baggie around the sink spray. Wait 1.5 hours, remove the sink spray, rinse with warm water, and dry.

Here’s a quick video on how white vinegar and a toothpick can unclog a kitchen sink sprayer of hard water calcium buildup. You can also go to our YouTube channel.

Final Thoughts

Whether your kitchen faucet sink sprayer is old or new, it’s easy to clean. In most cases, by cleaning your sink sprayer with white vinegar and poking debris (usually hard water minerals) out of the nozzle holes, you’ll also unclog it.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help repairing, replacing, or simply unclogging your kitchen faucet and sink sprayer.

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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