Epoxy-based grout: If you're looking for something more durable and resistant to stains, epoxy-based grout is your best bet. It's often used in high-traffic areas and works well with ceramic tiles, quarry tiles, and natural stone.
Epoxy grout is stain resistant and water resistant because it isn't porous like cement grout. This means epoxy grout lasts longer than cement grout. It also makes epoxy grout the best choice for both indoor and outdoor settings, particularly in spaces where you can expect a lot of moisture.
White grout is the easiest grout color to maintain. Plus it is the same color as your hard water deposits. In a shower grout turns white from hard water, pink from soap scum reacting with calcium in the water or black from mold. Bleach is your only and best defense against mold and it will turn any grout white.
Everyday Cleaning Tips to Prevent Tile and Grout Stains
SINGLE COMPONENT GROUT
It shares many of the benefits of epoxy grout: it has excellent color consistency, doesn't need to be sealed, resistant to breakage and chemicals, resists mold and mildew, is stain resistant, and doesn't effloresce.
You generally should not grout directly over old grout for longevity and adhesion, as it often leads to cracking and peeling; instead, you must first remove a significant portion (at least 2mm) of the old grout, thoroughly clean the area, and then apply the new grout to ensure proper bonding and a lasting finish. Special rejuvenation grouts or epoxy grouts might require less removal, but scraping out most of the old material is the best practice for standard grout.
Sealed grout protects it from those outside elements, bacteria growth caused by moisture, and spills that cause staining. Not only that, sealed grout helps strengthen it and slows down the wear and tear process.
An epoxy sealer can help you make your grout stain resistant. You need to seal your shower grout using a shower approved grout sealer. We have the best waterproof sealer – Caponi, which will not only give you stain proof grout permanently but will also prevent it from absorbing moisture and liquids.
Unless you have an epoxy grout, it all needs to be sealed.
Grout sealant is key to maintaining a clean and attractive tile surface. It increases stain resistance, durability, and moisture-resistance.
Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grouts are the most durable of all grout choices because they are resistant to stains and water damage, and will hold up against harsh cleaners (please don't use harsh acidic cleaners on our tile!).
The 1/3 rule for tile is a layout technique for long rectangular tiles (like wood-look planks) that recommends staggering joints by one-third of the tile's length, not the traditional 50%, to minimize lippage (uneven tile edges) caused by natural tile bowing, creating a smoother, safer, and more visually harmonious floor or wall. Instead of a standard brick-like pattern, it creates a diagonal or "stair-step" grout line, which looks more natural and helps hide slight height variations between tiles, making the surface feel flatter and more professional, especially under raking light.
Tile and Grout Color Trends for 2025
Expect to see shades like terracotta, sage green, and deep blues in tiles. Grout trends lean toward seamless matching for a clean look or contrasting colors to make the tiles pop. Metallic Grout Finishes: For a modern twist, metallic grout finishes are gaining popularity.
Acrylic Grout: Acrylic grout is a great option for wet areas like decks and showers. It's intended to be mildew-resistant and retains its color well. Epoxy Grout: Epoxy grout is less do-it-yourself-friendly than other types. It's a common choice for countertops due to its hardness.
If you need a strong, durable bond with high chemical resistance, epoxy adhesives are the way to go. However, if flexibility, weather resistance, and ease of application are your priorities, silicone adhesives are the better option.
Alternative cleaning methods
Bleach, ammonia, and cleaners with these harsh chemicals added in can cause grout to yellow, fade, or become discolored. They can also degrade the grout and cause it to erode over time.
You generally should not grout directly over old grout for longevity and adhesion, as it often leads to cracking and peeling; instead, you must first remove a significant portion (at least 2mm) of the old grout, thoroughly clean the area, and then apply the new grout to ensure proper bonding and a lasting finish. Special rejuvenation grouts or epoxy grouts might require less removal, but scraping out most of the old material is the best practice for standard grout.
Epoxy grout is a premium option known for its exceptional durability and stain resistance. Unlike cement-based grout, it doesn't require sealing and holds up well against water, grease, and chemicals—making it a top choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces.
Most recommendations suggest re-sealing grout lines once a year. Depending on where the grout is, it might be necessary to do it more often. Moist areas or areas where the grout lines are subjected to harsh weather conditions might require more frequent maintenance.
The main disadvantages of epoxy grout are its higher cost, difficult and time-sensitive installation (requiring precise mixing and fast work), and potential for discoloration (yellowing in sunlight or staining porous stone). It's harder to clean up if dried and can look plasticky, but the biggest hurdles are the specialized skill needed and the cost, often necessitating professional help.
How to Seal Grout
Sealer is not a waterproofer it is considered a moisture barrier and stain resistant. In over 30 years demoing tile showers the only time water gets behind grout is if it cracks and doesn't get repaired. Grout sealer is also not a one and done thing it wears and needs reapplied.
Floor Tiles: Epoxy grout is ideal for high-traffic areas due to its durability and resistance to cracking. However, cement grout may be sufficient for low-traffic areas if properly sealed and maintained.