The most effective prevention is also the laziest: dry your faucet after every use. I know, it sounds like a chore, but it takes exactly three seconds. Keep a small, dedicated microfiber cloth near the sink and give the spout a quick wipe after washing your hands or dishes.
This simple act prevents water droplets from evaporating and leaving their mineral ghosts behind. It’s the same principle as drying your pans to prevent water spots—only here, you’re saving your faucet from a slow, chalky death. Consider it an act of immediate gratitude toward your hardware.