It’s one of the most dreaded home-keeping chores: cleaning the grout in your kitchen or bathrooms. What a headache! Why is grout so dang hard to clean and yet so important to a beautiful and sanitary space?
Fortunately, cleaning your tile and grout doesn’t have to be a headache forever. Using a porcelain tile sealer not only protects your tiles and grout but also makes keeping them in excellent condition easier.
Here are 5 reasons you should be using a porcelain tile sealer if you’re not already.
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1. Prevent Grout Stains
Whether it’s from spaghetti sauce in the kitchen or nail polish in the bathroom, stains on your grout happen. The best way to prevent them is by using ADVANCED Sealers and Cleaners.
Because of the porous nature of grout, once stains settle in, they become nearly impossible to remove. Luckily, if you start out by applying porcelain tile sealer to your grout and tiles, your grout is less susceptible to stains that stick.
Once your tile sealer has been applied to your grout and tiles, any time something spills, simply clean carefully with warm water and dish soap.
For more stubborn messes and potential stains, using porcelain tile and glass cleaner will be essential. The sooner you clean a mess or remove a stain from your grout, the better. If left to sit, your stains will soak into the grout and become very hard to remove.
2. Prevent Discoloration
Stains aside, sometimes tile and grout simply become faded. Often, discoloration occurs over time. Keep your tile and grout looking new, longer, by using porcelain tile sealer when you first install your tile or purchase your home.
Thanks to Chip and Joanna Gaines, almost every new home in America seems to have white subway tiles in the kitchen. Unfortunately, those white tiles and that white grout can take on a yellowish color over time and use.
If you still have the option to choose a different shade of tile or grout, it’s worth considering. Beige or darker shades of grout often hold up better against discoloration.
Still, if you’re set on the immaculate look of that farmhouse-style white, you can have the clean tile and grout of your dreams. All it takes is regular use of tile sealers and cleaners.
3. Prevent Bacteria Growth
Perhaps one of the most important reasons to use a porcelain tile sealer is to prevent unwanted bacteria growth. Yuck.
Again, the porous nature of grout can sometimes create an ideal location for bacteria to grow. If your grout and tile are located in a darker area or one that tends to stay wet (think shower floors), then you may be asking for bacteria growth.
Some homeowners mistakenly turn to bleach when they detect bacteria growing between their tiles. This can cause a number of problems.
First, using pure bleach on your grout and tiles can be damaging. The harsh nature of bleach can discolor your grout and tiles. It can also seep into the grout and leave you with an overpowering smell.
Mold is another concern for grout and tile. Using a sealant helps stop mold and bacteria growth at the start. Not using the right cleaners and sealants can lead to expensive tile removal.
Mildew also occurs with water exposure to un-sealed tile and grout. Mildew causes an unpleasant smell and weakening of your surfaces.
With the right sealants, protecting your home and family is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
4. Prevent Cracking
Ugh! You spent time and money installing your tile and now you’ve got cracking? It’s a frustrating problem that can be hard to resolve without major renovations or re-installation costs.
The good news is, you can prevent it! Cracking often happens to tile and grout when the grout is weakened by improper care or overuse. …Or if your kid takes a hammer to it.
Still, a porcelain tile sealer works to strengthen your grout so it’s less likely to dry out and crack. Sealer makes your tile and grout water-resistant.
This means that even when your tile is located in a shower or near-constant water exposure, it won’t be as likely to wear down. Grout that gets wet and stays wet can develop mold, or become dried out and begin to fall apart.
Apply your sealant at least every 1-2 years to keep your grout healthy and robust. The stronger your grout, the better it will also hold your tile together.
5. Prevent Wear and Damage
The best time to seal your grout is 48 to 72 hours after it’s been installed.
This gives the grout enough time to properly dry and set. If there are chips, unfilled spaces, or cracks in the grout, reapply it and make sure to wait for an additional 48 to 72 hours before covering your grout with sealant.
Applying porcelain tile sealer works to preserve porous tiles like unsealed terra cotta or natural stones. While these tiles are less common today, their beauty and appeal make them a desirable choice for many homeowners.
Unfortunately, these types of tiles wear easily and can be damaged from use or impact. Terra cotta tile is especially porous as it essentially means “baked earth.” It is made from reddish-brown, iron-rich clay and needs to be both glazed and/or sealed properly to keep from breaking or corroding.
As with all surfaces in your home, tile and grout eventually erode. It’s vital to use either a spray or roll-on sealant so you get the best from your grout and tile.
Find the Best Porcelain Tile Sealer Today
Whether you’re doing home renovations or purchasing a new home, get the most bang for your buck and purchase a great porcelain tile sealer today. You’ll be glad you did when you enjoy beautiful, clean tile and grout for years to come.
For more helpful home-hacks, browse the Home and Real Estate portion of our blog. Happy reading!