The only type of grout that doesn't need sealer is epoxy, which is inherently pre-sealed. Grout sealers typically come in two forms-- spray-on sealers and applicator sealers. Applicator sealers are applied directly to the grout with a roller ball or a brush.
Porous grouts attract water, dirt, oils, etc. While the tile industry does not require sealing, it is always recommended, especially in wet or high-traffic areas. Penetrating sealers are the most commonly used and offer high water, chemical and stain resistance.
As it's made of cement it means that it's naturally very porous. Sir Grout writes that this means that, unsealed, it will absorb a lot of the water, dirt, and debris that it comes into contact with. This can mean within a few short months your tiling can go from looking immaculate and clean to discolored and dirty.
When grout is not sealed in time, grime and water can seep into it, causing cracks on your tiles and forcing them to break at a certain point. By sealing your grout, you get to prolong your tile surface's lifespan and minimize damage to a considerable extent.
Grout is porous and therefore absorbs liquids. Because of this, the reason you should not seal your tile grout is that the sealer's liquid chemicals combine with the grout to create a surface that is actually much more difficult to clean.
The grout in your shower should always be sealed; this will block any moisture that could easily enter the very porous material. A sealer will prevent water from becoming stuck behind the tile and grout, forming mold and mildew.
You can seal the grout the day after you applied it or 100 years later. If it isn't dirty, seal all three sides of the shower with a tile sealer or masonry sealer. That will make the grout water-resistant, if not waterproof, and help prevent the growth of mold and dirt.
Assess the Grout
Another way to check if the grout has been sealed is to monitor the water beads. If the water beads flow done from the ground, it is correctly sealed. However, if the grout absorbs the water, either the grout hasn't been sealed or the sealer has worn off.
To tell if your grout has been sealed or not, you can splash a little bit of water on the grout lines. If water beads repel from grout, it's sealed. If the water beads absorb into the grout lines, the grout has not been sealed or it needs to be sealed again.
While vinegar is a standard household cleaner, you shouldn't use it to clean unsealed grout. Vinegar seeps into the air spaces in the grout, weakening them. With time, the vinegar deteriorates the grout by etching it or wearing it away.
Grout needs to be sealed. It's naturally porous and will stain easily. Most installers of tile floors do not seal them because grout has to cure first. It's something you should do to keep your grout looking its best.
Grout sealers will break down over time, so you're going to have to reseal grout on a floor every three to five years. Shower grout should be resealed once a year. Always clean grout carefully before doing this resealing.
Seal the tile, not the grout
Many tiles - especially natural stone such as slate, marble and limestone - are porous and need to be sealed. (Note: porcelain and ceramic tiles are not porous.) You have to seal natural stone tile before the grout is applied, however.
Grout that hasn't been sealed, needs to be resealed, or is in poor shape should not be cleaned with vinegar. The vinegar penetrates into the pores of the grout, further weakening the material. Over time, vinegar will deteriorate the condition of the grout by etching or wearing it away.
Sealing grout helps to protect wet areas from water damage and prevents bacteria and mould from growing. It's a simple but important process to do and will even improve the longevity of your tiles.
How often should you regrout shower tiles? Moisture and direct water contact contribute to grout deterioration over time, and eventually, the tiles will crack. This is why you should consider regrouting shower tiles every six months.
All Sanded and Unsanded grout needs to be sealed. Grout Sealer will prevent water and other liquids from entering the grout, and will help to keep stains from liquids reduced.
Epoxy grout is water resistant and made from resins and fillers that help it work like a sealing adhesive. Epoxy grout is a better choice for showers, kitchen, bathrooms, and other damp areas because it is stain resistant and requires no sealing, unlike cement-based grout.
The only type of grout that doesn't need sealer is epoxy, which is inherently pre-sealed.
No matter what, moisture - steam and water - eventually will get through the grout, or through a crack in your tile.
For high-traffic areas, like the main bathroom, you should consider sealing it every six months, while low-traffic areas like the guest bathroom can be resealed every two years. If you are using epoxy grout, it might not be necessary to reseal it as it is highly water-resistant.
You want to get your tile and grout really really clean before you seal it. If you seal dirty tile, it will forever remain dirty! So, cleaning it thoroughly is a must.
But does grout color really change when sealed? In short, the color doesn't change after sealing. But you can expect the shade to darken a bit. And don't worry; it's not a drastic change.
Grout doesn't last forever. You can expect a lifespan between eight and sixteen years. Its lifespan will vary depending on how you treat your shower. Odds are, you have no idea when your grout was installed.