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jca2's avatar

Have you sealed your grout lately?

Asked by jca2 (16269points) September 20th, 2023

Last night I was googling something about my shower tiles and I came upon a handyman site that said you should seal your tile grout in the shower more than once a year. Sealing the grout protects it from moisture and prolongs its life.

It seems like a pain in the butt process to do it correctly. First you have to clean the grout with a toothbrush to get the dirt and mildew out (otherwise you’ll be sealing that in), let it dry and then you grout and wipe the tiles, otherwise they will have a hazy film that’s difficult to remove. Then you have to wait to use the shower for 24–48 hours, depending on the type of grout you used (quick sealing, regular, etc.).

I had my bathroom re-done about five years ago and the guy who put the tiles in sealed the grout at that time. I’ve never done any resealing since. I have read that bleach is very bad for grout, so I don’t clean the shower with bleach.

How about you? Have you sealed your grout lately?

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11 Answers

smudges's avatar

Sounds kinda personal to me. kidding

No, I never have, and have never heard that. ‘Course, it’s not the kind of reading I usually do. :)

jca2's avatar

Here’s a link. I feel bad but I’m not doing it any time soon:

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-seal-grout/

Tropical_Willie's avatar

One of the reasons this house has fiberglass one piece tubs and showers. !

JLeslie's avatar

I sealed my grout once, in one house, back in 1996. Never did it again. I’ve been in my current house seven years, no problems.

I was told some of the newer grouts don’t need sealing. I don’t know if that’s true.

I use bleach containing spray cleaner in my shower about every 6–8 weeks, just a little spray where it is needed, it’s not large areas.

SnipSnip's avatar

I have no tile floors; I do not like them. I don’t seal the grout in the shower.

Zaku's avatar

No.

Over six years.

longgone's avatar

No, but I did just clean it. If you ever do that, I would not recommend a toothbrush. There’s a device called grout brush that makes the process so. much. easier!

Blackwater_Park's avatar

The last tile I did in my bathroom I used an epoxy based grout that never needs to be sealed. It’s harder to apply, but once it’s done it’s done.

Forever_Free's avatar

I clean it regularly with a brush. I have not had to reseal. I also think that multiple times a year for resealing is a bit excessive.

Brian1946's avatar

I think I got it backwards- when I tried to grout my seal, she knocked me silly with one of her flippers! ;-o

YARNLADY's avatar

My husband has that in his foot. Oh wait, that’s gout.

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