Mould can be a problem in bathrooms, particularly in the grout between your tiles. But one item you’ve probably already got in the cupboard could help repel water and keep mould at bay
Mould is a widespread issue in homes throughout Britain, especially in the winter. The fungus flourishes in moist conditions, so it’s frequently found near windows in the winter when condensation has formed overnight. Nevertheless, one of the most typical spots to discover mould throughout the year is the bathroom.
Each time you shower or bathe, the hot water creates steam that becomes condensation when it meets cold surfaces like your bathroom tiles. This dampness can lead to mould development, especially in areas like the grout between your tiles. Grout is a permeable material, which means it soaks up water and keeps it locked inside.
This can be problematic for eliminating mould, though, because the mould frequently develops beneath the surface level of the grout itself, meaning it cannot simply be wiped clean. According to one cleaning enthusiast on social media, however, there is something you can do to prevent mould from ever developing on grout initially, so you never have to worry about attempting to remove it.
All you need is one item you likely already possess in your home, and it takes merely a few seconds to complete. In a video posted on Instagram, cleaning enthusiast Leanne said maintained you can repel water from your tile grout by applying candle wax over the lines.
If water never penetrates the grout, then mould cannot develop, so the trick helps ward off mould. She said: “Rub candle wax on shower grout. The wax forms a water-repelling barrier that prevents mould growth.”
You can pull off this trick with any candle, but it works best with a long and thin one, as you’ll be able to grip it like a pencil and coat the lines of your grout with ease.
While treating one section of grout might only take seconds, the job could be tiresome if you plan to cover every inch of your bathroom with wax.
But people in the comments of her post praised the tip as “genius”. One person said: “Okay, the candle wax is genius.”
Another added: “So good! I need to do the wax trick.” A third posted: “Love the candle wax tip!”
How to repel mould from tile grout
If you don’t fancy rubbing your walls with candle wax, there are some other ways you can get rid of existing mould growth and continue to keep it at bay.
1. Clean existing mould
- Scrub the grout: Use a stiff brush and a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, or a commercial mould remover. For tough stains, use a paste of baking soda and water.
- Rinse and dry: Wipe down the area with clean water and dry thoroughly.
2. Prevent future mould growth
- Keep it dry: Use a squeegee or a towel to dry tiles and grout after showers and baths.
- Seal the grout: Apply a grout sealer to clean grout to create a waterproof barrier. Reapply this sealer every six-12 months, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Regular cleaning: Clean tiles weekly with a mild cleaner or vinegar-water solution.
- Improve ventilation: Keep bathroom doors open when not in use, and use a dehumidifier if humidity is constantly high.
- Natural repellents: Spray grout with a mixture of water and a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil, as both have natural antifungal properties and will keep mould at bay.
