However, there are significant drawbacks to consider. White grout is notorious for showing stains, dirt, and discoloration over time, which can make maintenance a challenge. In a kitchen environment, where spills and splatters are common, white grout can quickly become an eyesore.
It's true—grout needs to be deep cleaned every four to six months to stay looking like new. However, by using a sealant and cleaning up spills quickly, you can keep white grout looking great with less time on your hands and knees scrubbing.
Numerous grout types are prone to yellowing. For example, white epoxy grouts are notorious for turning yellow. Certain cleaners, especially those that contain dyes, can cause discoloration of grout. Household bleach commonly discolors grout.
Since white is timeless, using white tile and grout will allow you to be versatile with your decor choices. White will stand the test of time and outlast interior design trends.
For balancing aesthetics and upkeep, you can't go wrong with a neutral grey or beige grout. These lightly pigmented grouts will enhance the pattern of both light and dark colored tiles, have less risk of staining your tile compared to a dark grout and will conceal dirt and stains better than a white grout.
The grout color that's easiest to keep clean is likely to be a neutral shade such as a gray, or a tone of beige. These are super-practical choices for both kitchen and bathroom tile, and will demand less maintenance to stay looking good as new.
Using grey grout is a simple and affordable way to quickly add some wow-factor to a room. Another benefit to grey grout is that it can be a saviour for tiles in high traffic areas that are prone to dirt and debris, grey grout will mask this so you don't feel the need to clean the tiled area every day.
If you're trying to unify your tile, such as with a wood look tile floor, go for a close match that's a little bit lighter than your tile. If you want to highlight a color or accent in your tile, like the gray veins in a marble tile, go for a close match, or a bit darker than that shade in your tile.
To do this, we'd again recommend regularly using a specialist product such as Fila Fuganet Grout Cleaner. Products of this kind are formulated to prevent absorption of stains by grout and because they're often water-based, won't harm your tiles in the process.
Grout is much more porous and absorbent than tile. So when it isn't sealed properly, or the sealant has been stripped off with harsh cleaners, this means that it can easily stain, absorb water/dirt, and generally get dirty more easily.
What is important to know is that white grout will show dirt more, therefore you'll have to spend more time cleaning it. If you're set on white grout, you might consider using Epoxy Grout, which is stain-resistant.
This really works! The grouting around the tiles in our kitchen and bathroom was looking very tried with several black damp spots. The grout pen covered it all in one coat and was very simple and quick to use. We added an extra coat on the very stained sections and now it all looks like fresh grouting.
Yes, you can absolutely stain grout a different color.
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.
Cleaning Grout with Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is a safe, natural cleaner and disinfectant you can use all around the house. Pour or spray undiluted vinegar onto your grout and let it sit for 10 minutes before using a toothbrush, scrubbing in a circular motion. Next, rinse away the dirt and mildew.
Epoxy grout is stain resistant and water resistant because it isn't porous like cement grout. This means epoxy grout lasts longer than cement grout. It also makes epoxy grout the best choice for both indoor and outdoor settings, particularly in spaces where you can expect a lot of moisture.
The no-drip foam in OxiClean™ + Bleach Mold & Mildew Bathroom Stain Remover penetrates and breaks down tough mold and mildew stains in grout on vertical surfaces, and there's no need for endless scrubbing! Additionally, it works on vinyl curtains, sinks, counters and even no-wax floors!
You don't have to remove all of your old grout to apply the new grout. The new grout can be applied right over the top of the existing grout. You will need a grout removal tool, which is a small tool with a sharp blade capable of chipping away the grout.
It's important to remember that black grout can be very messy and difficult to clean up. Grout is similar to kinetic sand in texture—it's gritty, and it can go everywhere, even with the most experienced professional. And because there's such a contrast between the tile and grout color-wise, any mistake will stand out.
White and black are two of the most common tile grout colors. Shades of gray, brown, beige and mossy green are also popular choices. There are even more colors available, depending on what you need.
Regular Cleaning Routine
Daily maintenance: Wipe down tiled surfaces regularly with a damp cloth or sponge to prevent dirt buildup. Weekly cleaning: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the grout lines and let it sit for a few minutes.
As mold and mildew grow, they produce enzymes and acids that break down the structure of the grout. Their growth can also result in dark or discolored patches on the grout. These microorganisms can extend hyphae or filaments into the grout's pores, potentially causing physical damage and further deterioration.
Blend in with the Surroundings
The idea here is that the best grout to see is no grout. By choosing a color that totally blends with the tile, you will get a very seamless look. This allows you to focus less on the tile joints and focus more on the pattern of the tile itself—and hello, that's what you're paying for!
First of all you don't really need to seal your grout. I assume it is a cementitious grout, which is porous. Put generally speaking you don't have to seal it. It will get darker over time whether you seal it or not, but it will be easier to clean and will less likely stain if you do seal it.