A cleaning fan has shared a handy way to spot unwanted hard water marks forming, especially on taps. Chantel Mila, better known as Mama Mila on TikTok, revealed some of her favourite cleaning hacks that use natural ingredients and household products to keep bathrooms sparkling clean.
These unsightly marks form when dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, from hard water evaporate, leaving behind a chalky, white residue, also known as limescale. As water droplets dry on the tap’s surface, the minerals that were suspended in the water are left behind, building up over time to create these stubborn, often white, deposits. Chantel’s remedy uses one home decor item you’ve probably already got around the house.
All you need is some melted candle wax to do the job. Chantel recommends pouring a liberal amount of candle wax over the fixture or rub a small piece of candle onto it, buffing it in with a cloth.
Candle wax can help prevent hard water stains by creating a water-repellent barrier on the surface on the tap. Wax is a hydrophobic substance, meaning it repels water and creates a barrier that makes it easier for water to run off the tap, preventing mineral deposits from sticking to the surface.
The thin wax coating creates a low surface energy on the tap, which makes it difficult for water to spread out and adhere to the metal. Instead of spreading, the water forms droplets that are easily removed.
This works particularly well for stainless steel fixtures, but they are prone to hard water marks. However, it is important to note that this method provides temporary protection and may need to be reapplied regularly, said PHX Interior Design.
Carolina Kazimierski, president at Sophia’s Cleaning Service, told Homes & Gardens: “Candle wax won’t remove existing water stains, but it will do a good job of creating a barrier that will prevent those stains in the first place.”
She went on to say that certain candles which have dyes and scents could ruin the finish of some fixtures, so if you’re cleaning taps, it’s best to use plain and unscented candles.
Rebecca Shepherd from Homes & Gardens described the hack as a “game-changer”.
The hack meant that there was a delay in watermarks appearing on her fixtures, taking between five to seven days. Kezia Reynolds from Ideal Home also wrote: “Now I have taps I could take a selfie in, It’s safe to say I’ve found my new favourite method for polishing my bathroom hardware.”