Is Sealing Grout Required After Cleaning?

A thorough cleaning is necessary when the grout lines between the tile on the shower, bathroom walls, and the kitchen floor start to look dingy and gray. Removing the dirt trapped between your tiles significantly transforms the surface. Many experts recommend sealing grout after cleaning. 

Here at Steam Smart Pro, we are Tucson's trusted grout cleaning services. Our experts can revive soiled and discolored grout lines. Call us to schedule a consultation.

What Is Grout?

First off, what exactly are grout lines? If you didn't know, grout is a mixture of water, cement, and sand. This dense fluid fills gaps and reinforces structures. 

Grout is in various places in the home, including between the tiles in the shower and the kitchen floor. Some grout mixtures are color tinted so that it's visible. When it comes to tile floors and walls, grout is necessary to fill the open spaces and help align the tiles perfectly. It also serves as a bonding agent by adhering the tiling to the floor or wall assembly.

The grout lines prevent water, dirt, debris, and other contaminants from getting underneath the tiles because these components can cause the tiling material to lift. 

The Different Types of Grout 

Before you can even consider sealing the grout after cleaning, you must first determine what type of grout it is. Many people don't know that there are several types available in various colors. Additionally, knowing the kind of grout between your tile can help you determine the best method for cleaning it. 

Sanded grout – Made with cement, sanded grout has fine pieces of grit that you can feel and see. Sanded grout is used to fill larger joints and is ideal for high-trafficked areas. 

Unsanded grout – Unsanded grout contains cement, but it's void of fine grains. This type of grout is incredibly durable and made for narrow joints. It's typically much easier to clean and ideal for vertical surfaces like shower or bathroom walls. Sanded grout is porous and requires a sealant after application.

Synthetic grouts – Synthetic grout, also called epoxy grout, is ultra-durable and can withstand water stains better than any other grout material. This type of grout material works well in the kitchen and bathroom because it's less prone to cracking, easier to clean, and absorbs 50 times less water than other types of grout. 

Deep Cleaning Grout Lines

Fresh grout looks amazing, but it doesn't take long before the porous material collects dirt, crumbs, liquid, and other unsightly debris. When the grout is dirty, it can ruin the beautiful appearance of the tile work. Without proper cleaning and maintenance, the grout will start staining, cracking, and may even fall apart. Water can seep behind the tiles or the shower wall, causing mold and mildew growth. 

You can use many cleaning agents to remove dirt and debris from the grout lines. Some people prefer to use commercial grout cleaning products, but if you don't have any of these products handy, you can use everyday household items, such as:

Dish soap – Mix hot water with dish soap to create a mild cleaning solution. Scrub the mixture deeply into the grout and wipe away the grime. 

Baking soda – Use water and baking soda to create a paste. Apply a generous amount of the paste to the grout lines and leave it there overnight. Wipe away the paste the next day. 

Lemon juice – Lemon juice and baking soda works wonders on stubborn stains. Work the mixture into the grout lines with a brush for best results. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before washing it off. 

Hydrogen peroxide – You can use hydrogen peroxide as a standalone solution or mix it with baking soda for more rigorous cleaning.

Vinegar Solution – Use a vinegar and water mixture to scrub away the dirt and debris. Since vinegar is acidic, you don't want to use this solution on porous tiles. 

In some cases, you may need to combine several of these cleaning methods, depending on how tough the stains are and how much dirt and debris there is.

Sealing Grout After Cleaning – What You Need To Know

Sealing the grout after cleaning is imperative. All the cleaning and scrubbing you did to make the grout look new again removed all traces of the grout sealer. The sealant serves as a protective layer, and if you don't reseal the grout immediately, all of your hard work will go to waste. Once the seal is gone, the grout will begin to deteriorate rapidly.

The only time sealing the grout after cleaning isn't necessary is if you have glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles. 

How To Apply Grout Sealer 

Sealing grout is essential to keeping the floors looking clean. Shower grout requires resealing once a year to maintain its good condition. After cleaning the grout lines, you'll want to make sure it's dry before you begin applying sealant, or it won't bond properly. 

You can use a multi-purpose sealer or a solvent-based sealer for high-traffic areas. If the tiles are small, you'll have to deal with considerable grout. When applying a grout sealer, do so sparingly on wall tiles and more frequently on the floor tiles. 

There are three main application methods for sealing the grout after cleaning. They include:

Roller: Use a sealant with a roller wheel for maximum precision. It will apply the sealant in even layers.

Spray: A spray-on grout sealer will suffice, but it can be challenging to use if you're not sealing the tile.

Paint: If you're decent with a paintbrush, a sealer with an applicator brush can seal the grout lines precisely. 

Top-Rated Professional Grout Cleaning Service 

Unfortunately, many homeowners don't understand the importance of grout cleaning until the dirty grout completely ruins their tiles. Our professional grout cleaning service thoroughly removes dirt, mold, bacteria, and other debris, which keeps your home healthy and helps you save money on tile repairs. We'll even cover sealing grout after cleaning to protect your investment further. Call the professionals at Steam Smart Pro today at 520-462-1183 to schedule an appointment. 

Author Bio:

Eric Bullard

The owner of Steam Smart Pro in Tucson, AZ, brings over 20 years of invaluable experience in the field of carpet, tile, and air duct cleaning. With a strong dedication to quality and a deep understanding of effective cleaning techniques, Eric consistently delivers outstanding results to his satisfied residential and commercial clients.