A calcareous deposit wipe-test apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a motor, frame, with the motor and the replaceable cartridge attached to the frame. The replaceable cartridge includes a calcareous deposit roller for growing calcareous deposits thereon, which typically cause abrasive wear. The wipe-test apparatus also includes a trough which is filled with seawater. The frame positioned in the trough, and shaped so that when positioned in the trough, the motor is perched above in a dry location and the replaceable cartridge is below, at least partially submerged so that the calcareous deposit roller simulates shipboard wet operating conditions. The apparatus and method evaluates the removal of the calcareous deposits under shipboard working conditions.