As the new year gets into full swing, many across the UK are looking for simple ways to keep on top of household chores without breaking the bank or using harsh chemicals. Now, a savvy mum and social media cleaning expert has shared a remarkably straightforward solution for one of the most common bathroom woes: stubborn water marks on taps.
The Two-Ingredient Powerhouse
In a video shared with her 155,000 followers, influencer @cleanwithlilyx demonstrated that just lemon and salt can work wonders on stainless steel fixtures. She explained that by mixing the two common kitchen staples into a paste, you can effectively scrub away unsightly limescale and water marks, leaving taps gleaming. This method offers a natural, non-toxic alternative to commercial cleaners, and the ingredients are likely already in your cupboard.
Beyond the Taps: Multi-Purpose Magic
The cleaning hack doesn't stop at the bathroom sink. The mum showed how the dynamic duo of lemon and salt can be deployed elsewhere in the home. For bathroom freshness, she suggested cutting a lemon in half, sprinkling it with salt, and using it to scrub toilet seats to eliminate stains and odours. Alternatively, sprinkling salt directly into the bowl, adding lemon juice, and giving it a scrub can yield similar results.
In the kitchen, the same two ingredients can revive chopping boards. "Not only does it give it a good clean, it also gets rid of any of those pesky smells like fish and garlic," she concluded in her tutorial, which was posted on 11 January 2026.
Why This Natural Combo Works So Well
The science behind the hack is simple yet effective. Lemon contains citric acid, which is brilliant at cutting through grease and dissolving mineral deposits like limescale. Salt, meanwhile, acts as a gentle, natural abrasive that helps to scrub away grime and stains without damaging surfaces. Together, they create a powerful, eco-friendly cleaning agent that leaves surfaces sparkling and smelling fresh.
For anyone juggling a busy life, a full-time job, or family commitments, this easy tip provides a quick and affordable way to tackle multiple cleaning challenges. It proves that a sparkling, fresh-smelling home doesn't require a cabinet full of expensive or toxic products.
