Sealing the grout is no big deal. Just takes time. I have seen more than one tile contractor roll their eyes at the sealing the grout issue. Why is this so universal ??? You should wait a couple of weeks (maybe a little less is okay) the grout needs to cure some more. Trust me as one friend of mine was not so careful. Brand new fabulous kitchen, big party....Red wine was spilled....mm you guessed it, STAINED forever, it was worked on, lightened, but they lived with very faint spotty new expensive floor ( grout) for a good while. Maybe a year later they bucked up and redid the floor. This time they sealed it a couple of weeks later. Careful of any wine until they did...lol.
They do have very simple spray sealers now. I am not an expert but used it when I tiled a kitchen in one of my rental houses. I haven't tiled anything in 5 or 6 yrs. I contract it out now. That kitchen floor still looks perfect today. I have had two different renters (families with young children) in that home. I imagine you have to test a spot for any color change. I was not concerned with the shade of grout or tile varying slightly.

We always recommend sealing grout unless it is an epoxy grout. Fila has a good sealer, as well as Gundloch. Sealing is pretty quick and easy!
You seal the grout to help keep it looking clean & new, but be aware you must clean your floors properly also - always rinse with clean water after cleaning.

If your installer used a standard portland cement-based grout, then you should certainly have your grout sealed after it has cured sufficiently.

Two of the Merkrete grouts we carry (the Versatile & ProGrout series) are premium polymer-modified grouts which don't require any sealing. Plus they're suitable for any ceramic or stone tile on floors or walls, can accommodate 1/16" to 1/2" joint widths, and come in up to 35 colours.

Although this is an old thread it will always be a current issue, so here's my position. Sealing grout is often an overlooked detail when your contractor is selling you the project. It is important to realize as a consumer that generally your new tile installation does not include sealing the grout. Flooring contractors exclude sealing because it requires a return trip well after the installation is complete and it is a time intensive process. For a larger job, with say a wood-simulated ceramic plank, the grout lines are extensive and to further complicate the process, the grout lines are staggered so as to emphasize the wood-simulation. Likewise with versailles patterns. Staggered grout lines don't permit you to quickly run through the lines with a sealing bottle. I have found that a grout additive is the best solution. A little money spent up front pays dividends with 1) no return trip, 2) no labor cost to seal all those grout lines, 3) a happy customer with a beautiful new floor that is impervious to spills. Two photos attached show case-in-point recent tile projects that no one wants to seal by hand. Add the additive!

my contractor added the additive to the grout but water does not bead on the grout lines...should it?

Mike Holmes, a trusted and knowledgeable contractor, says NO to sealing grout. His opinion is that grout needs to breathe. If you seal your grout and water somehow does get behind or under tiles, it's stuck there. It has no way out. Sealing grout can lead to sealing in moisture which can lead to bigger problems. He recommends tinting your grout close to your tile colour so that soiled grout is not as obvious, if that is your concern.

Don't believe everything you see or hear on TV, especially as knowledge and experience goes.

Mike Holmes has decades of experience and is a highly regarded expert in the field. The fact that he is also on TV does not in any way negate his expertise. He doesn't just do his work "to code" , he goes beyond that to make sure a job doesn't have to be redone. He's the kind of contractor I would have in my home anytime. He's a TV personality who actually knows what he's talking about, really does the work and runs a big organization, and is working hard to improve the industry so that people don't fall victim to contractors who don't. So in this case, I'll believe what this man says.

I will say Holmes has an opinion that does not make sense here. Some proper tile installations requires sealing of grout and the tiles themselves. Holmes should not push his celebrity weight around and go against manufactures recommendations for a maintenance friendly tile job. I will also add, I have been sealing and using epoxy and urethane grouts long before any recommendations to do so were prevalent and have never had a callback for moisture issues.

Couldn't agree with you more LCG... but then again what you expect from a TV poster boy... Some of the things they did on that show is the most ridiculous things anyone would come up with... I hope that TV show paid for all that nonsense they did in order to rectify some of the issues.

Mike Holmes's popularity comes from him selling himself by trashing the lowest bidder of the failed job. Many of his techniques are poo-pooed by real qualified tradesmen. The women like him though and ...nice hair.

Jason Pettinato Tile - what brand grout cleaner do you recommend? My builder says an additive was added to the grout to help with mildew, but the shower floor needs constant scrubbing to avoid mildew (like every few days), the rest of the grout in the shower is fine. Thanks!

Maura Lynn you already know how i feel. about sealers based on the comments made in this post. Grout additives that suggest the elimination of future sealing are more of a gimmick in my opinion and i don't use them as a tile contractor.

I personally use ceramictilepro grout cleaner which safe and odor free. it really is the key in keeping your grout in great condition.

I'm going to say that the mildew is forming at the perimeter of your shower floor where it meets the walls. If so, that is very common, especially if caulk/silicone was used but can also form with regular grout.

I stay very busy cleaning and repairing shower floors. Here is what I do: clean with grout cleaner, scrape and remove any caulk/silicone and replace with Epoxy Bond (google it). Epoxy Bond solves grout cracking issues at all corners and works way better that caulk/silicone. There are a lot of 5 star reviews on Amazon too.

thanks,

jason

Amazon Reviews - Epoxy Bond waterproof grout

Another old houzz thread I am glad is still going! Having tile grouted now. I didnt expect them to come back in a week to seal our backsplash but asked how long I should wait to seal it. They looked at me me funny. No sir we just did the sealer. Not the tile - the GROUT. They said no it didnt need to be sealed. It was nearly like they had never heard of sealing grout before. But I never trust what the installer says. And had always heard it was really important. So was planning to do it anyway.

My take away here is that its not a permanent thing if I understand correctly. If its something I have to do every year then I dont really see the point. Not using a white so yellowing isnt an issue. Y'all saved me a weekend of pointless, tedious sealing

Larry- in my experience it depends on the wear and tear how often it needs to be sealed. Since I imagine you won't be walking on your backsplash a sealant should last for years. If this is in your kitchen sealant would help your backsplash grout from getting grease and other cooking stains. I don't reseal that often because I live alone and have no pets, but I just noticed that my grout was looking dingy after about 7-8 years, time for a deep clean and reseal!

Thanks Jason Pettinato Tile. Surprisingly, the problem is the full shower floor, not the perimeter (yet), however, we already do have a vertical corner where the grout is cracking. So I watched all the videos and will definitely use the epoxy recommended on that.

I cannot find the cleaner though. I've looked on both sites referenced in the videos, Amazon, and a Google search - any idea where I can purchase it?

I'm attaching a photo of the disgusting brown mess that reappears every 3 or so days on the floor of the shower. I'm getting so sick of scrubbing the thing I'm to the point I don't even want to use the shower in my newly built house (we moved in in Sept 2015). I wish you were local and could help us fix this issue. One of the videos showed using the epoxy on a tile floor, but it didn't already have grout there, could I put a layer of the epoxy over top of the existing grout on the floor?

Thanks so much for your assistance!

Just in case it matters - I just got off the phone with the builder's tile vendor about what appears to be the wrong color grout used on a repair they did. I asked a bunch of questions about the grout used just in case it was needed.

They did not add any sealer additive, it's the grout brand they use that supposedly has it already in it. They use Tec Power Grout which she claims is the top of the line of that brand. She said the browning is because of the surface area of the grout to pebbles and the fact that some water does remain on the floor even properly sloped and short of towel drying the floor after every shower, it'll probably continue to occur. She thinks that had we done regular tiles on the floor, we would not of had this issue (and we haven't on any of the tiles, so maybe she's right). She agrees that the builder should have made people aware of this before taking the "upgrade" that was included in the price (this builder bases their price on the model home features which included some upgrades, and then any other upgrades you want get added, or any you don't want get subtracted from the model price). Not much of an upgrade if you hate using your shower.

They are coming out tomorrow to look at the grout. If it has to be torn up anyway because of their mistake with the grout, we can switch to tile. If they don't have to tear it out, she's going to work up a price (the same she'd charge our builder (supposedly)) to rip it out and replace with tile.

Any thoughts on if switching the floor to the tiles actually solving the issue? Maybe I can make them add the epoxy kit to the grout they use and then it'll be ok. I'd hate to pay to rip it out (assuming we have to) and still have the same issue.

Thoughts?

Maura Lynn there are so many variables that can cause problems similar to yours. If you do decide to install tile, porcelain tiles 2x2 work really well and is my preferred choice. You can then grout the entire floor with Epoxy Bond. I would ask whoever is doing the work how they intend to do it. Will they be tiling directly over your existing floor or removing tile only, or may be completely removing the entire shower floor? It is my opinion that any other method other than replacing with new tile will most likely not fix your problem.

Maura Lynn - I totally agree with all the explanations the tile vendor gave you. Pebble floors in showers are a poor choice for drainage. May I also suggest your staining is likely showing up from your colored soap or shampoo that is left after the water on the floor evaporates. All showers would stay like new much much longer if the last person to use the shower in the morning toweled off the walls and the floor just to get rid of the excess water. That rule also works great on acrylic showers and glass doors and as an added bonus - to get your teenagers to be the first out of bed in the morning. :-)

Thanks thunderhead!! They came out today. The guy's recommendation is that they rip out the existing floor and start over. He said that it'll actually be easier than trying to repair what needs to be repaired. Assuming the main office agrees (which talking to them yesterday I think we are fine), we are going to do the 2x2 tiles instead of pebbles, since they said we can do that. Thanks for the thoughts on the staining too. We squeegee the shower door already, we'll start drying off the floor too.

Jason Pettinato Tile - any ideas on where I can buy some of that cleaner you recommended? I've tried both sites from the videos, Amazon, and a Google search and can't find it. I'd like to have some on hand even if this issue is fixed because much of our flooring is tile too. Thanks again for all your advice. I'm definitely asking them to use the epoxy bond when they do the replacement.

Jason Pettinato Tile - Any advice for my backsplash nightmare? My installer did not seal the marble backsplash tile or grout ... and after one time of cooking, oil splattered behind the stove and ruined it. If they redo, what is the proper way to prevent this?

Although I haven't tried this product, Stonetech offers some good products. I would try

STONETECH Marble & Granite Oil Stain Remover

http://www.amazon.com/StoneTech-Professional-Oil-Stain-Remover/dp/B003849UNI

ask to see if your stone was sealed, if so what brand sealer was used? natural stone should always be sealed, especially kitchen areas where cooking is involved. Miracle 511 and Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice are both good sealers. Apply directly over marble and grout. Maybe even apply twice per year for added protection.

Maura Lynn, I think you can find Ceramic Tile Pro cleaner at Ceramic Tile Pro's Facebook Page. Looks like you can even purchase from them directly via facebook. Also available at The Grout Store.

Thanks Joe!

Maura Lynn, please let me know what links did not take you to my store regarding the grout cleaner so I can update. Thank you :)

Thank you Joe!! I ordered some :-).

Jason - I actually tried Ceramic Tile Pro and The Grout Store back when I first asked, but now both have it. So maybe instead of just saying out of stock, they took it off the site until it was available again. However, I wasn't able to order off the Facebook link Joe sent, it kept telling me to try back later. But I ordered off The Grout Store site instead. Looking forward to trying it (after they redo my floor - they are ripping out the stones next week and replacing with 2x2 tiles).

I found a company that uses a penetrating sealer and the say it will last 6-10 years. Too good to be true?

We remodeled the master bath and used epoxy grout in the shower so I'm really just interested in sealing the very light colored grout in the rest of the condo to protect it from staining and keep it looking like new.

We like to cook but we are also messy cooks and we have people over and red wine sometimes hits the floor.

I also don't want to spend a lot of time bent over scrubbing grout.

Can sealers last that long?

I just had my shower retailed. I have a pebble floor so there is a lot of exposed grout. He used Keri S grout and said he used Mapiel Maximizer grout additive. When I went to clean the tiles and pebbles I noticed that the water soaks into the grout and darkens it while wet.
A. Did he actually use the additive?
B. If he did, do I need to seal the grout?
C. What sealer should I use?

This thread is very interesting. I always thought one had to seal grout to keep it clean. Having said that I can attest that the sealer we used in our shower hasn't worked well. It's an off white color and there are areas now that are brownish color. While the shower was re-done about six years ago it hasn't been used more than 30 times in the past six years so I'm pretty disappointed. I've used numerous cleaners, even some biological cleaners and not has worked. If it's had a sealer applied, will a cleaner get underneath to actually clean?

We have a brand new house that has American Olean Creekwood tiled floor. The tile was put down over a month ago [we are still not in house]. We have a new puppy and are thinking that the grout needs to be sealed since he isn't yet housebroken. I would hate to have urine soak into the grout when he has an accident. I try to get any accidents wiped up ASAP but even if I get it up immediately, it does get into grout [at current house]. thoughts? The grout is from Custom Building Products and is sanded. Thanks!

Pamum- Considering most grouts are cement based, they will still absorb moisture. If you still want to seal the area to ensure maximum protection I will recommend you use Dupont Sealers, Pro series. They have 2 product within that line that will help for your project. If you want to enhance the colors of your stones (similar to the coloring when they are wet) use the Enhancer Pro. If you like the original look (as they are dry) use the Impregnator Pro. The Pro series I am speaking of is solvent based. With proper care this product should last 5-7 yrs. Solvent based products will protect better against the oils in your soaps and skin verses water based products.

Deb T- That type of grout needs to be sealed. Do not wipe the entire tile with sealer, you could cause a horrible haze on the tile, only the grout needs sealer.
Please keep this in mind: Grout sealer DOES NOT make the grout stain proof, it helps protect the grout for easier cleaning. If the puppy piddles it is best to clean immediately. If you are unable to clean within a reasonable amount of time, your grout could still stain. Dupont Sealers (as mentioned above) sells a product called KlenzAll. Great product to use for bi weekly cleaning, 50/50 mix with warm water.
Another route for cleaning would be a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar. But be mindful on the amount of vinegar used. Over a period of time vinegar will strip the sealer from the grout.

I just had my shower and vanity tiled with Mexican Talavera tiles and used a Polyblend Sanded Grout. The installer acted totally shocked when I asked him about sealing and said, "This isn't like 15 years ago. You don't need to seal tile or grout, especially if it's sanded." There is such a variety of opinions in this thead that I'm not sure what to do. Again, this is a shower and vanity so it'll get wet and dirty, and I don't want to spend my life cleaning grout. Advice??

Follow up: we had the tile installer seal the grout. I am not sure how great a job he did as water, when used as a test, does not bead up as I thought it should. He also took the lazy way out - he spread the sealer over the entire floor and then used rags to wipe up the tiles. There isn't a noticeable haze on the tiles but rather some shiny spots where I guess he didn't wipe it up. I paid $450 for labor, $300 for the sealer [3 gallons] and $60 for rags to wipe up. I am having him come back to check it out. I also didn't realize at the time, that the floors should have been washed first and that there were tiny stain droplets from ceiling beams that should have been removed prior to his sealing since he did the entire floor. I fear that the dirt and stain is now permanently sealed in. This was contractors sub who did the tile work in the house. All the other subs were good, except tile and the plumber. But that's another story.

Chornesco - There are some grouts that have a sealer in them. If your grout doesn't I would advise that it be sealed. Keep in mind, sealer does not make the grout water or stain proof. It helps protect it only. I normally see installers use #09 natural grey from custom building products with talarvera or saltillo tiles. If this product was used, seal your grout.

Deb T - If your tile is fire glazed it does not need to be sealed, sealer will not penetrate the surface. If your tile has a matte finish it will help hide any haze left by the sealer. Foot traffic over time could cause the haze to darken from soil deposits. There is a product called Restorer by Stone Tech Sealers that can be used to remove the haze.

Help! Cleaning crew used the wrong product (one strictly for laminate flooring) and now I have these random stains in my grout. I have tried a deep clean grout cleanser and even a bit of Clorox clean up. Nothing is working. Afraid to keep trying chemicals. Any suggestions other than regrouting?

You can try straight vinegar with an old toothbrush first. If that doesn't work, Restorer by Stone Tech would be my next guess, acidic cleaner.

If neither of these methods work then you will need to etch out the grout and regrout the affected area.

Thank you. Should the vinegar be white or cider? I sure hope I don't have to regrout! I appreciate your quick reply.

White, always white for cleaning.

its so easy need to seal your tile and grouts. make sure to clean the entire bathroom and keep it dry for a week without using then SEAL it let it dry for 24 hours. read instructions. it will keep your bathroom clean from mildew, mold and discoloration.!!!!

you guys are cleaning your bathroom tiles and grouts right>> ?? clean it good even if it take you a few days let it dry for a week and SEAL it after sealing let it dry for 24 hours then you can use your shower. you guys and use mr clean eraser white sponge for your glass door scum that is hard to take off with windex.. after rubbing the glass door with mr clean eraser white sponge use windex wipe dry w/paper towel. I have 6 full bath in my house. trust me on this

I also have pebble floors in my master shower

My mom and I installed a new tiled shower in her master bathroom 7yrs ago. We sealed the grout. The grout still absorbs water during showers. Sealing grout does not waterproof it, we learned. It still seems to get mildew, but maybe not as often? It's hard telling if it made any real difference. My advice is to completely avoid using small tile in showers. The fewer grout lines, the better. I just installed a new tiled shower in my master bath (tub to shower conversion). I didn't want to worry about scrubbing tons of grout lines on the shower floor, so I opted for a plastic shower floor base. No grout lines on the floor means no mildew. It's also a more cost effective option to tiling the floor. It's also not ice cold to stand on in the winter, unlike a tiled shower floor. As for the walls, to avoid a lot of grout lines, I opted for polished porcelain 12x24 tile with 1/16 grout lines for a clean, modern look.

Very little grout. Mostly shiny polished wall surface. Looks great. Easy to clean. As nice as mosaic and stones look on shower floors, you'll never catch me installing either. If you don't mind frequent cleaning and scrubbing grout, go for it.

@Seth - Grout sealer or any other type of grout/stone sealer does not make the product moisture proof, it slows the process of the stain making it easier for cleaning. There are grout products on the market that have built in sealers covering the entire body of the grout creating better protection from stains than a product that is applied after installation. There are also products that do not allow moisture to penetrate - I do not recommended these products for wet floors of showers.

Grout is porous and will absorb liquids that are spilled on it. It is always recommended to seal grout because sealed grout keep clean bathroom, kitchen. Even sealed grout prevent it from moulds. When professional sealed the grout it makes the tile and grout waterproof.

This is all helpful to read. We just built a house and chose "enhanced grout" for the shower wall and floors. I was under the impression at the time it was like an epoxy grout and didn't need to be sealed...

This is the product:

https://www.flooranddecor.com/tile-grout-installation-materials/mapei-103-cobblestone-ultracolor-plus-fa-grout-100221456.html

Here we are a year later and I have stains on my shower floor I cannot get out. I've tried all sorts of bleach type cleaners and also a grout deep clean product. Nothing is helping. I don't think we are particularly dirty but maybe this is from getting wet every day and drying slowly? It's almost like it stays wet in these areas longer than other parts of the floors. I know I should have sealed it right away but didn't know to. I'm trying to seal it now but I want to get it clean first! What do I do?

I just needed it. Thanks for sharing. In general, lately, I started to follow many threads that are related to cleaning because I noticed that I can find many tips and tricks that I can use. In addition, not long ago I moved with my husband to a new house and we had to do complicated repairs and cleaning until we liked everything and were satisfied. We also needed carpet water damage restoration and for sure we were not able to solve on our own and we were lucky to find a company that deals with this and they saved us a lot.

I'm planning on sealing my grout with Aqua Mix in a new construction home prior to moving in. I can only assume there wasn't a deep clean done prior to closing so, what's the recommendation for cleaning the grout prior to using the sealer? Is it necessary?

Why can't contractors be direct with consumers? Let us know the pros and cons of each installation and the what's/why's of each? Consumers are tired of being taken for a ride. Be transparent and give us options for our choices. Seal or not to seal, product choices, etc...