Epoxy grout is the absolute easiest type to maintain and clean. Because it is non-porous, it naturally resists water, stains, and mildew. Unlike traditional cement-based grout, epoxy never needs to be sealed.
Epoxy grout is more durable and stain-resistant than traditional cement grout, making it a great choice for areas with heavy moisture, frequent cleaning, or high traffic.
If you want grout that effectively "doesn't get dirty," epoxy grout is your absolute best option. Unlike traditional cement-based grouts, epoxy is completely non-porous. It naturally repels water, resists stains from grease or grime, and prevents mold and mildew from taking root in your grout lines.
Another option that's great for low maintenance kitchen floor tiles is epoxy grout. This type of grout is made from epoxy resins and a filler powder that's not cement. The key advantage to this material type is that it's non-porous, waterproof, and stain resistant.
The best grout for Saltillo (terracotta) tile is a heavy-duty, sanded Portland cement grout formulated explicitly for wide joints (typically 1/2 to 114 inches). Standard thin grouts will shrink and crack in these large gaps. Top industry choices include MAPEI 2-1/2 to 1 Saltillo Tile Grout and Custom Building Products Saltillo Grout Mix.
Epoxy grout: the modern performer
This type of grout is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces where spills and moisture are frequent. Pros: Highly durable, stain-resistant, easy to clean, long-lasting.
If your Saltillo looks dull, chalky, or covered in efflorescence, it may need to be stripped before resealing. Stripping can be messy, so we recommend a professional unless you're an experienced DIYer. Reseal every few years to avoid stripping. Protect floors with rugs, pads, and doormats.
Jim Whitfield, manager of Technical Services at Mapei told industry professionals, “Because epoxy grout is so tough, it wears extremely well. It doesn't wear down over time and become a tile gutter—like cement grout can—where all the dirt and liquid and junk collects.” Epoxy grout is a reactive grout.
Simple, safe, and seriously effective: Just mix: 💧 Warm water 🧴 A splash of Dawn dish soap 🧪 A little hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar Spray it on, let it sit, and wipe clean — your tile will thank you. Perfect for keeping grout bright and surfaces gleaming without harsh chemicals.
The short answer is no; you cannot simply smear new grout directly over old grout. Because grout is a porous mixture that needs a certain depth to bond, new grout will not stick to the old surface and will crack, flake, and fall out within a few weeks.
For showers, epoxy grout is the industry standard and the best overall choice. It is completely non-porous, waterproof, and highly resistant to stains, mold, and mildew. It also never requires sealing.
Builders often skip sealing grout to cut costs, save time, and avoid returning to the job site. Additionally, many modern polymer-modified grouts are stain-resistant, and sealing un-cured grout can trap moisture. Some installers even use it as an upsell or exclude it because sealing can leave a hazy film on certain tiles.
How to clean floor grout without scrubbing
Some may use mechanical brushes to scrub grout and remove tough stains. From there, professional cleaners may use a wet vacuum to extract dirty water and cleaning residue to dry the area, completing the job with a grout sealer to protect against future stains.
The most common types of grout are epoxy, sanded and unsanded. Epoxy grout is made of resins, silica fillers, pigments and hardener. Sanded and unsanded grouts are cementitious grouts.
One of the most frequent grouting mistakes is improper mixing and application. Grout is a precise material, and getting this step right is crucial for its strength and adhesion. Incorrect Water-to-Grout Ratio: Adding too much or too little water can significantly weaken the grout.
Hotels keep glass shower doors spotless by combining strong commercial cleaning agents with routine maintenance and smart preventative coatings. Because they deal with heavy daily guest turnover, housekeeping staff rely on quick but highly effective strategies to prevent soap scum and hard water buildup.
Just a few more important points: As the grout can absorb the soap as well as a stain, do not clean with oil or wax based cleaners (Murphy's Oil soap, Pine Sol, etc.). These products will leave a waxy or oily film in the grout. Even good alkaline cleaners, if not properly rinsed, will leave a sticky soap film.
The ultimate lazy shower hack is the "Shower and Soak" method. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and original blue Dawn dish soap in a soap-dispensing dish brush. Keep it in your shower, and while your hair conditioner sits, give the walls a quick scrub. Rinse as you shower for a perpetually clean bathroom.
Epoxy grouts are the best option for a shower – they are the most water- and stain-resistant of all grouts. Epoxy grouts are more expensive when compared to other grouts and require a qualified installer to apply them.
Let the grout set for 15 to 30 minutes and then begin gently wiping off the excess grout with a clean, damp sponge.
Polyblend is a highly popular, budget-friendly cement-based grout that is generally good for standard tile projects. It is affordable, easy to mix, and widely accessible. However, it requires proper sealing, is susceptible to efflorescence, and some users report issues with color consistency.
If you need something stronger, look for a neutral pH cleaner specifically labeled for natural clay or terracotta tile. Products like Aqua Mix Heavy-Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner or StoneTech KlenzAll are industry favorites for Saltillo care.
Saltillo tile is generally considered a timeless, classic material rather than outdated, largely due to its warm, rustic character and resurgence in popular, eclectic, and, particularly, Mediterranean, bohemian, or modern rustic interior styles. While highly polarizing, it offers durable, earthy charm that adapts well to warm, organic design trends, although it requires high maintenance and is not suited for minimalist aesthetics.
Yes, you can use a Magic Eraser on ceramic tile. Because ceramic is a very hard and durable material, the melamine foam of a Magic Eraser will safely lift away soap scum, stubborn scuffs, and dirt.