The escapes, those modest and almost imperceptible lines between the tiles, are real collectors of everything you don’t want to keep in your life: dirt, mold, soap residues and unknown organic finds. But do not panic: here are ten tricks to bring back the lost shine of your escapes, without tears, broken thorns and chemical wars.
Clean joints They are not just an aesthetic update for your bathrooms or kitchens, even if this also matters. They are dirty like a silent roommate, spread an unpleasant smell and occasionally cause allergies. In addition, the accumulation of humidity and dirt can damage them over the years and weaken the entire structure of the tiles. In short: what you clean today will not fall from the wall tomorrow.
10 tricks to clean dirty escapes (without calling an exorcist)
1. Classic cuisine: Sodium bicarbonate + vinegar = mini natural volcano
A dear old duo that you probably already have at home. Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water to form a thick pasta. Apply it to the joints and then sprinkle it with vinegar. Ready for a chemistry show? The reaction will produce noise, foam and lift the dirt from the joints. After 5–10 minutes, rub with a toothbrush or a brush and rinse. It also works very well on moderate dirt and also makes you earn ecological points.
2. Super bleaching mixture: Sodium bicarbonate + hydrogen peroxide
If your escapes are seriously flirting with shades of gray and brown, mix sodium bicarbonate with hydrogen peroxide (1: 1) until forming a pasta and apply it directly on the problematic areas. Leave to act for 10 minutes to make the stains fix, then rub. The result? Joints that seem to have never seen the dirt before. Also suitable for white escapes that have lost their identity.
3. The power of citrus fruits: Limone + Borace for freshness and cleaning
If you want your bathroom to have the scent of a Mediterranean spa, mix with the freshly squeezed lemon juice with Borace until a thick pasta is obtained. Apply on the escapes, leave to act for 15 minutes and then rub. Lemon acts as a natural bleaching, while Borace acts as an abrasive that removes old spots. A bonus? A perfume that will make you almost forget that you are cleaning and you are not sipping lemonade on the terrace.
4. Deep and without chemicals: Steam cleaner, your new best friend
If you have a steam cleaner with a slot for cracks, you are already halfway to the victory. The hot steam penetrates deeply into the pores and destroys bacteria, mold and accumulated dirt, without using a single drop of chemicals. Ideal for large surfaces and for those who prefer to look instead of rubbing. Tip: do first test on a small area to make sure that the tiles and escapes are resistant to heat.
5. Reinforced solution: Oxygen bleach for truly stubborn stains
In the case of a serious dirt that goes beyond the limit of common sense, resort to bleach to oxygen (for example Oxiclean). Mix with hot water (according to the instructions on the package), apply on the joints and leave to act for at least 15 minutes. Then rub and rinse well. Unlike chlorine, it does not discolor the escapes, which makes it an excellent choice for colored escapes.
6. Fast purchase, fast victory: Professional cleaners for escapes
Sometimes the solution is already available in the pharmacy. Commercial detergents are formulated for specific problems: mold, fat, limestone … If you choose the right product (and read the instructions, yes, seriously), you can get professional results without problems. Tip: do first test on a small hidden area to make sure that the joints do not react as in a bad film.
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7. Small tools, great effects: Teeth toothbrush + dishes for the dishes
When everything else fails, a classic is useful. A toothbrush old tooth and a few drops of detergent for the dishes (as concentrated as possible). Mix with warm water, apply on the escapes, rub and rinse. This method is ideal for daily cleaning or localized treatment after cooking or showing a shower. You have no excuses, but you have the clean joints.
8. Electricity: Trapante for turbo cleaning accessory
If your hand hurts just to think of cleaning the escapes, you could buy a brush for your drill. The detergent is applied, the accessory is connected and the technology is let it be its job. Perfect for large bathrooms and kitchens and for those who want a “electric utensils” cleaning experience.
9. Protect your efforts: Sealant for joints
It is simply fantastic. Clean, protected and durable: even more. Once the joints are cleaned, it covers with a special sealant that rejects humidity, spots and mold. Apply with a brush or applicator according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Repeat every 6-12 months. It is like an invisible sheet for your joints: a soft protection from the impurities of life.
10. The order is law: Regular cleaning = less work later
Maybe it’s not sexy, but the best advice is: clean regularly! Even if you limit yourself to cleaning the escapes with a delicate detergent once a week or drying the water after the shower, you will avoid most of the problems. And if you ever lose the motivation, keep a “fierce for escapes” at hand, a marker for escapes that you can use to quickly refresh the paint without rubbing.
Conclusion: escapes are the watchword of your bathroom
Do not let the dirty escapes cause you an existential crisis. With a little willpower (and sodium bicarbonate), the space can return to shine like new. Choose the most suitable make -up to your style: from natural delicacy to mechanical precision. And when are you finished? Take a step back slowly and admire your job.
