Complete Guide to Grout Sealers

Tiles are the feature of any room, with their designs and patterns. But what ensures their longevity is the protective shield of grout sealer. This vital step is important to, ensure that the spaces between the tiles remain pristine and protected. Jump in as we chat more about grout sealers and discuss their essential role in maintaining tiles.

What is a Grout Sealer?

Grout sealer is a protective layer specifically designed to shield the porous grout from moisture, stains, and daily wear and tear. While tiles are often resistant to moisture and stains due to their glazed finish, the grout that holds them together is more vulnerable. Grout, being porous in nature, can absorb moisture, leading to potential mould growth, staining, and even weakening over time. 

A grout sealer acts as a barrier, preventing these issues by repelling moisture and contaminants, ensuring that the grout remains clean, vibrant, and intact for years to come. Whether you're installing new tiles or refreshing an existing space, applying a grout sealer is recommended to ensure the longevity of your tiled surface.

To Seal or Not to Seal?

The question of whether to seal grout often pops up during the tiling process. While the benefits of sealing are numerous, is it always necessary? Let's break it down:

Consider the Location: Areas frequently exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, benefit immensely from sealed grout. The sealer acts as a moisture barrier, preventing potential mould growth and staining.

Type of Tiles Used: If you're using non-porous tiles like porcelain or ceramic, the grout lines between them become the most vulnerable spot for moisture absorption. Sealing these grout lines ensures uniform protection across the tiled surface.

Ease of Maintenance: Sealed grout is easier to clean. If you're someone who prefers low-maintenance home solutions, sealing your grout can save you significant cleaning time in the long run.

Aesthetic Longevity: Over time, unsealed grout can discolour or stain, especially in high-traffic areas. If you want your grout lines to maintain their original hue and keep your space looking fresh, sealing is a good idea.

TileCloud's Mapei Grout: At TileCloud, we offer Mapei grout, known for its quality and durability. While Mapei grout is designed to resist moisture to a certain extent, sealing it can offer that extra layer of protection, ensuring the longevity of both the grout and the tiles.

Grout Sealers: Which One's for You?

Navigating grout sealers can be a tad overwhelming, especially with so many options available. At TileCloud, we've curated a selection of top-tier sealers to ensure your tiles remain in pristine condition. Let's get into our offerings to help you make an informed choice:

• Aqua Mix Grout Sealer (237ml): This is a water-based sealer specifically designed for cementitious grout joints. It offers standard protection against moisture and stains, making it a great choice for areas with moderate exposure to moisture.
• Aqua Mix Sealers Choice® Gold (473ml, 946ml & 3.8L): A premium, no-sheen, natural-look, water-based penetrating sealer formulated to provide maximum stain protection. Ideal for high-traffic areas, this sealer is perfect for those looking for top-notch protection without altering the natural appearance of their tiles.
• Cleaning Products: While not sealers, it's essential to mention our range of cleaning products that ensure your tiles and grout remain spotless:
• Aqua Mix Cement Grout Haze Remover (946ml & 3.8L): Ideal for removing cementitious grout haze.
• Aqua Mix Heavy-Duty Tile and Grout Cleaner (946ml): Perfect for periodic deep cleaning and stain removal.
• Aqua Mix NanoScrub® Abrasive Stone and Tile Cleaner (946ml): An innovative product that uses nano-sized particles to penetrate below tough stains, dissolve and lift them out.

How Often Should You Seal Your Grout?

The frequency of sealing depends on the area's usage and the type of sealer used. As a general rule of thumb:

High Traffic Areas: Places like kitchen floors or commercial spaces should be sealed every 1-2 years.

Low Traffic Areas: Residential walls, backsplashes, or areas with minimal moisture can be sealed every 4-5 years.

Remember, the key is regular maintenance. A well-sealed grout not only looks better but also extends the life of your tiled surfaces.

Ready to Seal?

Grout sealers are an under-recognised yet important part of tiling. Whether you're renovating, building, or just in the mood for some home improvement, don't forget this crucial step.

Ready to start sealing? Explore TileCloud's extensive collection of sealers and tiles. Let's make sure your tiles not only look amazing but also stand the test of time!

P.S. Want even more info on grout and sealers? Check out our comprehensive guide on Grout 101 for all the nitty-gritty details!