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.
It's worth considering the practical differences between choosing dark or light grout. On one hand dark grout is easier to keep looking clean, and will need less treatments for mold, but lighter grouts are less prone to fading, keeping your grouting looking better for longer.
Pro tip: Darker grout is appreciated for its ability to hide dirt better than lighter-toned grout in between cleanings. This can be something to consider if you're using your tile for flooring in a heavily trafficked area, or for an application that is exposed to food and grease, such as a kitchen backsplash.
SHOULD GROUT BE DARKER OR LIGHTER THAN THE TILE? This is somewhat a matter of taste, but if you have a variegated tile with several shades, you have several options to choose from for grout color. Choosing lighter colors blends your design together. Darker colors create a more dramatic effect.
If you're looking to consider a grout colour for its practicality, remember that light neutral-coloured grouts in greys, beiges and browns is always a safe bet in bathrooms or kitchens that are likely to get grubby over time. The lighter the grout the more regular maintenance it will need.
Grey Grout
Softer than a dark grout but much more user-friendly than a white grout, grey is the perfect solution for a kitchen splashback as it will keep looking cleaner for longer. Large white tiles often look better with a grey grout as it will frame the tile.
Disadvantages. White is the color most susceptible to staining and discoloration. Grout is porous and even after being sealed will attract dirt and possible discoloration from dirt, water, and some cleaners. It may even yellow slightly over time.
Dark grout can lose its color when cleaned with products that are too harsh or with tools that are too abrasive. Once the color is impacted, it is difficult to bring it back to its original luster.
Black grout will never be out of style and will always look timeless and classic paired with white subway tile.
Here are the pros of using the black grout and white tiles:
It's modern and different. It won't stain like a white or gray grout. It is dark and will never show any dirt.
Grout is a material that is applied between tiles in order to fill the spaces and hold the tiles together. It is a rough and porous material, which allows dirt and grime to adhere to it very easily. Furthermore, liquid substances can penetrate deep within the grout causing it to look discolored.
The best way to keep grout clean is to prevent it from getting dirty in the first place. Applying a sealer (penetrant, barrier, etc.) will help the grout repel soils and odors which will make cleaning easier.
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.
Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grouts are the most durable of all grout choices because they are resistant to stains and water damage, and will hold up against harsh cleaners (please don't use harsh acidic cleaners on our tile!).
Most grout is made of sand and is porous, therefore things like dirt, debris, soap scum, and water get ground into the grout. All this can lead to the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, which is why your grout looks stained. Even if you seal your grout, that can wear down over time.
The only drawback to epoxy grout is the price. In the end, the low maintenance demands and the high durability make it worth it.
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.
Just as light grouts make dark tiles appear bolder, dark grouts add visual interest and striking contrast when paired with light-colored bathroom tiles. Unlike white grouts, they require less cleaning and upkeep, though they are prone to fading and staining from strong bathroom cleaners.
Gray Grout
Best of all, it's less likely to stain than white, and less likely to fade than black – it's the best of both worlds. Project managers can work with clients to ensure that they're comfortable and happy with the bathroom remodel process, from beginning to end.
Overall, white tile with black grout is a great option if you are looking to make a statement with your tilework whether it's in kitchens, bathrooms, or even laundry rooms. It's important to keep in mind the maintenance required to keep black grout looking its best and be sure to seal it properly.
This is a natural phenomenon known as efflorescence. It is due to soluble salts rising to the surface of a cement based product. When they dry out on the surface, the remaining salts appear white and powdery.
Recoloring Grout
Recoloring tile joints involves painting a grout colorant onto the grout. Colorants are usually a blend of colorant and sealer. Application is a matter of simply painting the material onto the thoroughly cleaned grout lines with a stiff brush.
White Grout can be a stunning, yet sleek look, but it can be quite a bit of upkeep because it shows dirt and stains a little more easily. This depends on the location of the tile too. Using white grout for a backsplash is going to be easier to keep clean than using white grout for a bathroom floor.
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.
The consistency of grout should resemble smooth peanut butter. It should be malleable but not dripping from the trowel when lifted. If the mix is too stiff or dry powder is visible, add more water.