When mixing the grout together, you want to use an additive instead of water. This will ensure that the grout is stronger and more consistent in color. There are a variety of different grouts that can be used, including cementitious grout, furan resin grout, and epoxy grout.
Myth #9 - Why would I worry about grout additives? They're a waste of money. Grout additives are sometimes required for commercial and exterior applications, since they enhance the grout's performance in high traffic or freeze/thaw environments.
Remember the tip on avoiding bleach, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals to clean grout. It would be best if you also avoided vigorous scrubbing. A rough brush and too much elbow grease will remove the dirt, but it could also remove the grout. Another way to prevent grout damage is to use a squeegee on shower walls.
While the tile industry does not require sealing, it is always recommended, especially in wet or high-traffic areas. Penetrating sealers are the most commonly used and offer high water, chemical and stain resistance. They provide protection without changing the appearance of the grout joint.
An enhancing sealer will darken your grout by several shades, and is used if you want to make your grout a little darker. You can find this product online and at many professional tile stores and with the links below. The links will take you to Amazon to order.
The Grout Medic recommends that homeowners have their grout cleaned and re-sealed at least once every two years, as grout sealant will eventually wear out over this period of time.
You can try using a grout enhancer over the grout and tile to darken the grout, but immediately buff dry the tile and grout surface with a lint free cloth. Do this as a test in an inconspicuous spot in case it doesn't work well enough.
Whoever installed your floors most likely did not seal the grout because it needs time to harden and cure completely.
The Drawback of Using Grout Sealer
Moisture can still pass through most sealers, meaning grout isn't entirely waterproof even when sealed. Over time, grout in areas like bathrooms will naturally stain or show signs of aging, regardless of sealing.
Epoxy grout doesn't need to be sealed at all.
Acidic Cleaners
Cleaners that have a high chemical pH or are acidic will begin to eat away at your grout and make it more fragile and porous. Stay away from cleaners that contain vinegar and citrus. This will eat away at the top layer of the grout and cause the need for replacing grout lines sooner.
If you're trying to clean grimy grout between your bathroom shower or floor tiles, then OxiClean™ bathroom cleaners are here to help! They get rid of grout stains on vertical and floor tiles for a refreshed bathroom.
Soft Scrub has an array of powerful cleaning products to ensure your tile and grout is as immaculate as the day it was installed. Try our Soft Scrub Oxi Cleanser for a deep clean that penetrates the dirt, grime and buildup accumulating on your floors.
Unsightly Grout Stains and Discoloration:
One of the most noticeable effects of neglected grout sealing is the gradual accumulation of stains and discoloration. Grout is porous by nature, which means it readily absorbs liquids, dirt, and debris.
Prepare a solution of 1 part Davco 4 in 1 Grout Additive to 1 part clean water. Pour the diluted Davco 4 in 1 into a clean bucket then slowly add the powdered grout stirring continuously until a lump free consistency is achieved. Apply the mixed grout into the joints using a rubber squeegee.
If you notice your tile grout is changing color, specifically getting darker when it's wet, you can be pretty sure the seal is broken and needs to have some grout sealing reapplied by a professional. You may also notice dirt and grime gathering between your tiles that doesn't wipe off when you apply a grout cleaner.
Why Does My New Grout Crack? Adding too much water or additives when blending your grout leaves air pockets. This weakens grout and causes cracks. Insufficient adhesive during tile installation, tile and subfloor movements, and poor grout selection also causes new grout to crack.
For high-traffic areas, like the main bathroom, you should consider sealing it every six months, while low-traffic areas like the guest bathroom can be resealed every two years. If you are using epoxy grout, it might not be necessary to reseal it as it is highly water-resistant.
Acrylic Grout: Acrylic grout is a great option for wet areas like decks and showers. It's intended to be mildew-resistant and retains its color well. Epoxy Grout: Epoxy grout is less do-it-yourself-friendly than other types.
Any type of material can be susceptible to cracking if not sealed correctly. This will keep moisture out to keep the grout from deteriorating.
Not all applications require grout additives, like those that prevent mildew or enhance the grout's color, but some do benefit from an additive. Although they'll cost more money, the investment is worth it to get a high-end outcome for projects that require additives.
White-colored grout can be stained with a darker tinted grout stain for a fresh look. However, ordering a stain sample is recommended to ensure the new color complements the color of the interior.
ARDEX Grout Booster is a specially formulated, water-based, synthetic polymer grout additive. When mixed with ARDEX cement-based grouts, ARDEX Grout Booster improves adhesion, flexibility to reduce cracking and abrasion strength to avoid powdery grout.