Don’t Forget to Seal Your Grout!

You just had your bathroom floor retiled. It looks perfect! You definitely want it to look this way forever. As the contractor finishes, you ask him if it needs to be sealed. There is a chance he may say, “No,” and there are a few reasons for this. One, he may have used an epoxy-based grout, which is a water-resistant material that doesn’t require a sealer. He may have used a grout that has a sealer in it. He may just personally feel the grout doesn’t need to be sealed. He may not feel like coming back. Or, he may tell you it needs to be sealed, but not yet.

You DO want to seal the grout. But after an installation, it is best to wait a bit to put a sealer on the area. You want to allow the new grout to cure 48 to 72 hours before sealing. Right before you seal, double check the entire area and make sure none of the grout lines aren’t cracked or compromised in any way.

The short time it takes to apply a grout sealer is something worth investing in. It’s a simple job. If you don’t apply a sealer, you run the risk of mold living in the grout or discolored and stained grout lines. That new bathroom floor you just had done? It could easily look old in a matter of days if not properly sealed. One small spill can ruin the entire look of the room.

The bathroom is home to so many different liquids and dirt that can compromise your grout, including: mud, water, mouthwash, toothpaste, makeup, perfume, and soap. By sealing your grout, you will preserve the color of the grout from these products. The grout sealer soaks into the grout creating a barrier against anything that comes in contact with the grout.

Depending on how much foot traffic goes on in your bathroom, you’ll want to reseal the area every six to 12 months.

Sealing grout is important. If you don’t, dirt and liquid stains may become permanent, and all that money and time that went into your bathroom floor was for, essentially nothing. Grout Shield sells grout sealers are penetrating sealers designed to revitalize and protect grout.  To learn more about these grout sealers, click here or call 1-800-631-0716 for pricing estimates and more information.