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Should Kitchen Grout Be Sealed?

Kitchen grout should be sealed to help repel moisture and germs, unsealed grout has been determined to absorb stains, bacteria and water; however, if you installed your tiles with epoxy-based grout then you don’t need sealing.

Also, if you just moved into a new house and are not sure if your grout had been sealed, then just pour some water on them and observe their color if they darken or change then it is not sealed.

Grout sealer, therefore, helps protect the grout that you have just applied making it water-resistant and gives it the ability to repel germs and moisture.

Additionally, when you seal the grout it helps prolong the shelf life of the tile, enhances its texture and consistency, and even better is that it prevents the growth of mold and mildew.

How to Seal Kitchen Grout

Sealing the kitchen grout is not just about the application; there are a couple of processes that need to be undertaken before you can attain the perfect sealed finish.

So the first thing that you will do is to ensure that the area to be sealed is clean and the cracks and crumbles within the grout lines repaired.

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To clean the grout, find a grout cleaner and a brush, then spray the grout cleaner on the grout lines, and remove the dirt by scrubbing with the brush.

And then using a sponge and a bucket of water, you can wipe the area that you have just cleaned being careful not to redeposit the dirt that you were removing back into the grout lines, and as you do this ensure to wear gloves to protect your hands.

The next step is to seal the grout lines and all you have to do is pour the sealant on the already cleaned grout lines, where it will be absorbed.

You will then find a small paintbrush and use it on top of the sealant on the grout lines to make it penetrate deeper and break the surface tension.

You will then use some clean towels to wipe on the areas that you have poured the grout sealant to ensure it is dry and then move on to seal other areas.

And for a better finish you can apply the second coat of the sealer, however, if the grout is still absorbing water or the sealant then you will have to add more coats of the grout.

For the latter, you will have to do it one day after the other.

You will thus apply a thin coat of grout then leave it to dry, but be sure to wipe off any excess, same to the second day.  

In cases where mold and mildew have grown on the grout then you will have to implement a different strategy before cleaning.

In essence, therefore, is that you will first deal with the mold and mildew by using a bleach solution, you will then saturate the mildew and mold, let it sit for about an hour to get rid of the growth before you clean them away.

The next process will be to clean the grout just as we have described above, important to note, however, is that you need to find a solution that fits the state of your grout.

Also, don’t use very acidic solutions as they might damage your grout.

The most common solutions used during this process are a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to one part warm water, for the moderate stains you could use a solution that contains hydrogen peroxide and baking powder.

Some grout might need repair, and you can, therefore, use grout saw, grout float, and the new grout treatment.

Once you are done with applying the sealer you must wipe it off because if you don’t, it will affect your tiles and make them look rather ugly.

Types of grout sealant

Initially, we mentioned that certain types of grout don’t need a sealant and there are those that need, so before using a sealant ensure that you know the type of grout used.

Penetrative grout sealer

Is also known as an impregnating sealer and is best used in areas with mildew and oil damage.

As you go with this option, you might want to find a product that will work with your tile material and in the end achieve a natural-looking finish.

Impregnating sealers are available in two variations the color and the colorless.

The former is effective when working with a stained grout, thus works to restore the original grout color.

Non-penetrating grout sealer

This is virtually the easiest grout sealer to apply, it does not penetrate thus the name surface coating.

This type of sealer is best when used in the backsplashes and the kitchen floors, and it also protects against grease and dirt.

For homeowners who have glazed tiles then this might not be a good option and for the other applications then you will have to re-apply after a year or two.

Types of grout

Epoxy-based grout

This is the best grout that you can use in when installing your kitchen tiles simply because it is very durable, can be cleaned easily, and is non-porous.

The sealer is characteristic of epoxy resins and filler powder which makes it to create a very tight bond.

While this sealer might be effective it also has its downsides, and the first one is that it has a plastic appearance thus hard to remove, needless to say, that installation is not any cheaper.

Cement-based grout

This type of grout is made up of a mixture of water cement and sand, and with this type of natural compounds, it is predisposed to water and grease damage, not to forget bacteria, dirt, and mold.

And that is why using a grout sealer on this type of grout is mandatory as it will seal the microscopic spaces thus prevent the growth of mold and bacteria and even keep water out of the grout lines.

The best grout sealers in the market

If you are still learning about the grout sealers then we have made it even easier for you and provided you with some of the best grout sealers that you can adopt for home use.

Remember that the application of the grout sealer does not necessarily need a professional so you can DIY in your free time.

Our Top Pick is: The Black Diamond UGS PT Ultimate (Amazon link)

It has been constituted to get rid of mildew and mold, and repels oil and water.

The grout sealant works well in the high moisture areas that is the kitchen and the bathroom, and you can, therefore, forget the constant maintenance of the tiles after extensive use.

2nd Choice: The Aqua Mix sealer’s choice Gold Quart (Amazon link)

Well though this sealant comes number two in our favorite list, it happens to have some very attractive qualities.

For one it is decorative and forms a solid surface by covering the spaces between the tiles.

Additionally, it offers the most natural look and is highly protective, and if you are keen, you will notice that it dries up without the sheen finish.

3rd Choice: The Miracle Sealant 15oz (Amazon link)

This comes in a convenient spray bottle, which consequently makes achieving a uniform finish quite easy.

The constitution of the formula makes it easy to use in different applications and you can, therefore, apply it on brick, concrete among other natural stones.

The best feature of this sealant is that if you are using it on the floors, it can be used both inside and outside, as it has been designed to resist the moisture levels found in the outside environments.

NOTE: If you’re wondering if you should be grouting between the counter top and backsplash, check out my article here.

Conclusion

The kitchen grout should be sealed to prevent the development of harmful bacteria mildew and mold, remember also that not all types of grout are to be sealed, so best you find out which type of grout that has been used in your kitchen before rushing off to get a grout sealant.

Also, there are different types of sealants, and the list above should give you an idea of what to expect in the market.