As the grout in shower is typically made from cement and sand, it naturally can absorb water. If you’re experiencing dirt, grime and stains in the tiles, frequent changing of the grout, molds in the shower wall, it’s because your shower grout is not capable of resisting air and moisture.
Seal grout in shower
Grout sealant in shower works really well to prevent any potential or severe damage of the grout and tiles. It gives a longer lifespan to the tiles and provides a bright new looking outlook. Moreover, it also resists growing any kind of microorganisms like bacteria or mold from the tiles and walls.
The grout in the shower should be sealed to make it water resistant and to keep the microscopic pores of the tiles from splitting. Molds thrive on moist surfaces, and water can seep into the grout during showers.
Therefore, sealing is also efficient in keeping microorganisms from growing on the shower wall. When new grout is placed in the shower, it is usually advisable to use sealant two or three days later for better locking. Furthermore, using sealant will improve the appearance of the shower tiles by creating a more shiny surface. So the only method to ensure that the tiles last a long time is to seal them.
Unsanded grout:
In general, unsanded grout does not require sealing, but some people like to do so. Cement-based grouts typically require sealant because they have pores that can retain water and weaken the grout over time. Unsanded grout, on the other hand, is made of epoxy or polymer and is non-porous, allowing it to be utilized without sealant. Because unsanded grout is less likely to crack, some people prefer not to add a sealant on top of it to save money.
New grout:
It’s important to seal new grout. New grout has to dry promptly before it can be sealed. If the new grout is cement-based, it takes around 3 days for it to fully cure before it needs to be sealed to prevent cracking and limit porosity.
Tile grout:
To ensure that tile grout lasts as long as possible, it is usually necessary to seal it. Whether to seal the tile grout is up to the owner’s discretion. Cement-based tile grout is more likely to require sealing than synthetic tile grout.
Sanded grout:
Sanded grout should be protected since it can fade over time and increase the chance of water getting into the grout and dampening the surface. It also raises the possibility of cracks forming in the shower, so it should be sealed.
When to seal grout in shower?
Grout sealing does not have a defined schedule, but the state of the shower wall will dictate when it should be done. If the grout is flaking out and the color is fading, a stain on the shower tiles is the most obvious sign that it’s time to seal it. If the damage to the shower tiles is severe, it is usually recommended to seal the grout once a year. If the damage to the shower tiles is severe, it may be necessary to seal them earlier, usually six months a year.
But if you see cracks in the shower tiles, it’s time to re-seal the grout. Because grout is a porous material, water can easily penetrate it if it is not sealed, causing damage to the shower wall. You’ll need to re-seal the grout if there’s any damage to the outside of the shower wall or mold growth.
How often should you seal grout in shower?
The condition of the grout and the elements used to make the shower grout will determine how often it has to be sealed. Sealing it every year or within six months of the prior time is usually suggested. If the shower is prone to mold growth or displays signs of cracking or flaking, it should be sealed as soon as possible. If the shower grout is composed of cement, it may need to be sealed more frequently, usually every six months.
However, if the grout is made of polymer or epoxy, which is not porous by nature, there is less possibility of water entrapment and dampness. So, waterproofing the shower tiles once a year is a good idea to keep them stain-free. If the shower tiles are not sealed once a year, there is a greater danger of future deterioration and a higher cost of restoring all of the damage.
What happens if you don’t seal the grout in shower?
Here are the circumstances you’ll experience if you don’t seal the grout in shower:
Hard to clean:
Grout without sealing attracts oil and dirt particles and even soap can get stuck on the floor and you’ll need a frequent deep cleaning at least every week. Whereas sealing the grout in shower makes sure a deep clean to your shower area that will provide a clean and bright surface and keep the home looking new.
Stain:
As the dirt and grease get stuck in it, the grout will stain very quickly. It will be discolored and look very dirty. But grout sealant helps to soak this grease and dirt that prevents stain.
Rapid growth of molds:
Molds grow in places where they could get proper moisture and the air. As the water and air get stuck in the grout, the environment is very attractive for the molds and mildew. And once, if they can enter the house, it’ll be very difficult to stop their rapid growth and get rid of them.
Short lifespan of grout and tiles:
Water, moisture get stuck on the pores of the tiles in the shower if the grout has not sealed. It will weaken the grout and as a result, it will easily get cracked up and will be broken. But sealing the grout will prevent small cracks and slow down any potential damage or wear and tear and so you don’t have to worry about frequent tile replacement.
What do I use to seal my shower grout?
It’s necessary to seal the shower grout to keep a washroom clean and dirt free and also to prevent bacteria, germs and molds. The process of sealing is also quite easy and hassle free. With some precautions, you can do it by yourself. The process is not very time consuming or costs much. Once it’s done, you can easily pass a few years with that waterproof shower grout.
Wear gloves and eye protector to start the process. You’ll need the sealant applicator to apply properly in the right place. Choose the grout sealer that comes with an applicator to proceed faster. Keep dry paper towels or any damp cloth to clean the excess sealer. You have to wait for 1 to 2 hours after each coating and after finishing it’s better to leave for 8 to 10 hours.
What is the best way to seal grout in shower?
Follow these steps to seal grout in shower easily:
Start by cleaning the grout:
As you’re going to apply the sealer you’ve to clean the grout thoroughly so that there’s no dirt, debris or grime in it. You can take a scrubber or a toothbrush to eradicate as much dirt as possible and then wait till it’s properly dry. If you find any cracks or breaks in the grout first you’ve to repair that first.
Ventilate the washroom area and take precautions:
The area has to be properly ventilated so the air passes properly. It’s better to take some precaution steps like using a vapor mask, eye protection glasses and also gloves while applying sealer.
Time to apply grout sealer:
Pointing toward the floor and keeping the sealer minimum 30 cm away, spray on the grout surface. Work in a small portion and sweep it from up to down and side by side. From the center move to the grout line and spray each line. Wipe off the excess sealer from the surfaces using dry paper towels or a damp cloth. It’s recommended to wait not more than 10 minutes to remove the standing sealer from the grout lines.
Wait and apply the second coat:
After applying the first coat, wait approximately 2 hours. Using the same process apply the second; even you can apply multiple coats if you find it necessary.
Leave it for drying:
After applying your desired coats, you’ve to leave it for a minimum of 8 hours. Do not use this washroom till then and make sure the area is not wet. After passing the time check first if the sealant is working and then use it.
Final Thoughts
To improve the appearance of the shower tiles by creating a bright, shiny surface it’s really necessary to seal the grout of the shower. The process is also easy and doesn’t cost too much. In fact, it helps to prevent the surface of the tiles from any severe damage and gives a longer shelf life.