That dark ring around a faucet or drain is usually a mix of mineral deposits, soap residue, grime, and sometimes mildew. The best cleaning method depends on the surface.

Easy method

1. Wet the area with warm water.
2. Apply white vinegar or a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water to the buildup.
3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. For stubborn deposits, place a vinegar-soaked paper towel over the area.
4. Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush or non-scratch sponge.
5. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a microfiber cloth.
6. For remaining discoloration, use a small amount of baking soda paste and gently rub—then rinse.

Important

• Don’t use steel wool or abrasive scouring pads on chrome or stainless steel; they can scratch the finish.
• Never mix vinegar with bleach.
• If the dark ring is actually rust, damaged plating, or permanent staining, cleaning may not completely restore the finish.

For the type of faucet/drain shown in the image, vinegar + gentle scrubbing is usually the safest place to start.