How I finally stopped my bathroom faucet from getting gross

Silicone lube definitely helps, but I’ve seen folks go a little overboard and end up with faucets that are basically impossible to grip. I usually stick to a tiny dab right on the threads - just enough to coat, not drown. Funny thing, I once had a client who used so much, the handle spun like a roulette wheel... Not ideal for water control. Have you tried using plumber’s grease instead? It’s a bit thicker and doesn’t run as much, so less chance of things getting out of hand.

Honestly, I get where you’re coming from with plumber’s grease, but I’ve run into a few situations where it actually gummed up over time - especially if the faucet wasn’t used much. Had one job where the handle got so stiff, the homeowner thought the valve was shot. Sometimes a tiny bit of silicone is just easier to control, as long as you don’t go wild with it. Guess it’s one of those “depends on the faucet” deals...

Had one job where the handle got so stiff, the homeowner thought the valve was shot.

Man, I’ve seen that exact scenario. You open up the faucet expecting a busted cartridge, and it’s just a thick layer of old grease that’s turned to glue. I tend to use plumber’s grease sparingly now, especially on those older Delta and Moen setups. Silicone works, but I’ve had it wash away faster if there’s any leak at all. It really is a “pick your poison” kind of thing sometimes…

“Plumber’s grease” can already be silicone-based, so the names alone don’t make these competing options. For a moving faucet part, the relevant product is a compatible lubricant, not kitchen-and-bath silicone caulk. I’d use the grease and application points specified for that faucet’s seals; a food-grade label by itself doesn’t identify the correct product for every valve.

A suitable silicone-based plumber's grease may be right, but I'd choose it from the faucet's service instructions rather than a food-grade label alone. I’ve seen folks go overboard with the lube and end up with a gummy mess, though. Sometimes I think half my job is just undoing “helpful” fixes from the last guy...