How to clean the seams between tiles from dirt and mold using a paraffin candle

I recently updated my bathtub without spending a dime. I used an ordinary candle that had survived the move. Who would have known that the seams between tiles are so easy to clean with a regular paraffin candle! A friend suggested this method to me. At once I got rid of dirt, mold, and other nasty things that grow in the bathroom. And so far everything is clean, so I can safely recommend the method with a candle.

Properties of paraffin

Ordinary household candles are made from paraffin. It is a hydrocarbon and is obtained from petroleum products. Highly purified paraffin has a white or translucent color. This substance is used not only for candles. For example, it is also used in cosmetology, in medicine - for hot wraps (for example, children’s legs are straightened this way).

Why is paraffin so good? I think the key properties are the following:

• hard, but melts easily;
• retains heat for a long time (which is used in hot wraps and applications);
• odorless, and easily accepts different fragrances (which is valuable in cosmetology);
• does not dissolve in water, alcohol, or alkali - downright indestructible;
• at the same time, it is quite easily (if the layer is not too thick) erased mechanically - so there are no problems in removing it, it does not stick tightly to any surfaces;
• the fatty oils in the composition do not dry out the skin (but this is not important for seams in the bathroom).

So paraffin is a very valuable material, and candles are good not only for lighting (for romance or when the lights are turned off). How else are paraffin candles used in everyday life:

• to protect shoes from getting wet (after all, paraffin repels water);
• impregnation of packaging paper (although this method is very ancient - it’s easier to buy vacuum bags);
• lubricating hinges, hinges and other moving parts and mechanisms, as well as zippers, etc. (since it slides well).

Important
Here we are talking specifically about paraffin candles. As it turns out, modern ones are mostly made from stearin. It is much less effective, although it also works: it increases slip, repels water, etc.

The nature of mold and the benefits of paraffin

Tile is the best material for walls in the bathroom, no one will argue here. It is easy to clean, is not afraid of dampness and is durable. The only weak point is the seams. Now they are covered with silicone, less often with epoxy putty.

For information
Masters insist that only epoxy putty is suitable for the bathroom. But I personally prefer silicone in use. It is elastic and is not afraid of the walls “walking” a little.

But both silicone and old cement joints equally pick up dirt and mold: even with putty, the level of the joint is slightly lower, resulting in a gap, where dirt particles get stuck and accumulate, etc. Over time, the joints turn from white or gray to black - this is very bad.

Of course, you can’t run it and you need to adjust the hood so that the dampness doesn’t stagnate, but over time, even in an ideal bathroom, plaque appears. Fungicides remove it well - but the stench is terrible. Available acids work well: citric or acetic. Chlorhexidine performs well.

Why a candle is the best remedy:

1. Removes all contaminants.
2. Safe for putty, tiles, and hands. This is not a caustic alkali or powder that destroys the glaze on the tile.
3. Odorless - no threat to children's or adults' lungs.
4. Seals the micropores of cement putty and prevents fungus from creeping inside.
5. Covers the seams with a water-repellent film, which is environmentally friendly, safe and effective. Paraffin melts at temperatures above 50 °C, so it is not afraid of splashes from the shower, you can take a shower without worry.

How to clean seams with a candle

Cleaning the grout between the tiles with a paraffin candle turned out to be quite simple. Of course, ideally, you should first spray the seams with a solution of citric acid, then clean them with a sponge or soft brush - but this is not necessary. The candle will remove dirt like Velcro, and the invisible remains of mold will suffocate and die under the paraffin shell.

What do we have to do:

1. Take a candle, preferably white paraffin, not stearic.
2. Turn over with the closed end facing up.
3. Clean all seams. The more thoroughly you rub the joints with a candle, the more paraffin will get there and the more reliable the protection will be, and the whiter the color.

If you don’t miss a single piece and go through all the seams, moisture will no longer penetrate there and mold will not form.

The main condition for long-term cleanliness is to dry the seams before filling with paraffin. Otherwise, the mold under the paraffin will end up in a closed airless bag and will gladly go deeper. A household or construction hair dryer will quickly dry the porous structure. Silicone can also be dried with a hairdryer; it is advisable to select the minimum heat setting.

A very good solution is to heat the seams with air and apply paraffin to the hot joints.It will melt a little and better fill the pores that are not always visible to the eye.

I easily cleaned the seams between the tiles from dirt and mold using a regular paraffin candle. Try it, and your bathroom will sparkle with cleanliness, and it will also become safer.