How Often Should You Apply Grout Sealer?

Applying grout sealer can not only make tiles last longer, but they'll also look more attractive. Find out how often you should apply it here.

Tile adds beauty and durability to your floors, but it also requires a bit of maintenance to keep them looking clean and new. in 2022, approximately 3.07 billion square feet of tile were purchased in the United States alone. 

Whether you currently have tile floors or you're thinking of getting new tile installed, applying grout sealer is an important part of your maintenance plan.



So, how often should you seal grout? Read on to learn more about the process and how many times you should apply this important product to your floors.

Low-Traffic Areas

Some areas of your home might see less "traffic" than others including the laundry room, guest bathroom, or even the basement. When it comes to these low-traffic areas, it's best to apply a grout sealer product at least every two years.

This guideline applies to tile floors, but it's not the same for wall tile, such as a kitchen or bathroom backsplash. Aside from keeping that tile and grout clean, applying grout sealer here can typically be done much less often. For these areas, you should re-apply new grout sealer every 10 years or so.

How often you seal the grout in these low-traffic areas also depends on how frequently they're used. Keeping the tile and grout lines clean will ensure that they still look clean and new for years to come.

Always use grout-friendly tile cleaners that won't cause the grout to dissolve or the sealer to come off. If the grout starts to become discolored, it may be time for professional grout removal, some new grout, and a brand-new coat of sealant.

Applying Grout Sealer in the Shower

Tiled showers see a lot of activity, including exposure to toiletries like soap and shampoo, as well as lots of water. If you have a tiled shower floor and walls, then you should keep an eye on your grout lines.

Ideally, it's best to reapply sealer to the tile in your shower every six months. This simple step will keep your grout from becoming weak and will prevent it from coming out altogether.

Not only will sealing grout in the shower regularly protect it, but it will also keep your shower protected from mold and mildew, too. choose Advanced Seals & Cleaners to keep your shower tile and grout lines looking brand-new.

High-Traffic Areas

The high-traffic areas in your home get the most activity, and this typically includes the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. When it comes to applying grout sealer to these areas, it's highly recommended that you re-apply it at least once a year.

If you follow this maintenance schedule, you'll protect your tile and grout from damage. Sealing the grout is the best way to keep it from getting stained and becoming brittle.

Before you seal the grout, make sure that all of your grout lines are clean and dry. This step will ensure that your grout is ready to accept a brand-new coat of sealer. Do this every two years, and the tile in your home's high-traffic areas should continue to look beautiful for years to come.

Why is Applying Grout Sealer Important?

Grout is designed to fill in the gaps between tiles, keep them straight, and hold them in place. This material is porous and includes a mixture of cement and Portland sand. Some grout may also include colored pigments and other materials, too.

Since grout is a powdered substance, it's not naturally waterproof. This means that water can easily penetrate deep into the grout lines, causing issues with your tile and mold or mildew growth.

It doesn't matter whether you have sanded or unsanded grout. Both types are vulnerable to water damage, stains, and other issues over time. However, epoxy grout includes special resins that are water and stain-proof.

Most people have standard grout in their homes, so applying a high-quality sealer is vital. Doing this on a regular schedule is the best way to ensure that your beautiful tile floors, showers, and backsplashes continue to look beautiful.

Applying grout sealer also adds strength to your grout. That means that as time goes on, your floors will remain stable and each tile will stay neatly in place.

Tips for Applying Grout Sealer

Some grout sealer products only require one coat of application, while others may require two. Always read the instructions from the manufacturer carefully to ensure that you're following the correct application recommendations.

Most homeowners use water-based grout sealers since they're easy to use and won't affect the original matte look of your grout lines. This is also a great option if you have colored grout since it won't affect the colors.

Solvent-based sealers add a glossy, shiny look to your grout lines. This type of sealer should immediately be removed from adjacent tiles since it dries quickly.

No matter which type of sealer you use, always make sure that you apply it to clean, dry floors (and clean, dry grout). When you apply the sealer, open your windows and use fans to keep the air circulation. Wear gloves and use a respirator or wear a mask to avoid breathing the product in.

Some sealers are applied using a brush, while others are sprayed onto the surface. Once you apply it, let it stand for at least 15 minutes or per the manufacturer's advice. 

Once the sealer is on the grout line, wait the recommended time, then wipe or buff off any excess. Repeat the same step one more time if a second coat is needed.

Your floors should be ready for traffic immediately after the final application is completed. Most sealers will be fully cured within approximately 24 hours.

Protect Your Investment with Sealer

Follows these tips for applying grout sealer to protect your beautiful floors. With the right maintenance schedule, you can be sure that your tile remains in great shape for years to come.

If you're interested in learning more about ADVANCED Sealers and Cleaners products or need help choosing the right options for your home, contact us today!