Before you begin grout sealing, it is essential that you clean the tiles thoroughly. The first step in this process is to remove any old sealer from the tiles. This can be accomplished with a dry cloth and water. Alternatively, you can use cheesecloth pads to clean the tiles.
1. Cleaning your shower before sealing your grout
Before sealing your shower grout, you must thoroughly clean it. Water runs on the tiles and will inevitably get grimy. A thorough cleaning will remove dirt and soap scum that might otherwise hide between the tiles. This will also prevent mold from growing. Use a non-toxic cleaning product for this task.
Bleach is an effective cleaner for grout. If your grout is very dirty, you can use a bleach pen to clean the area. However, you should not use it on the entire grout. It can damage the grout and might discolor the tiles. If you are worried about the health effects of bleach, you can use an oxygen bleach pen.
Using a high-quality grout sealer will also help maintain the color and consistency of your shower. After sealing your grout, you can expect to spend less time cleaning the shower. In fact, it will be a great time saver if you can incorporate this into your spring cleaning routine.
2. Avoiding penetrating sealers
Before sealing your tile, be sure to check the grout’s condition. If it’s cracked, has holes, or has separated from the tile, it needs to be repaired. When using a penetrating sealer, follow the directions on the bottle to apply it properly. You also want to avoid applying too much of the sealer to the grout.
A penetrating grout sealer is a type of grout sealer that penetrates the grout, protecting it from stains and grease infiltration. While these products do protect your grout from damage, they don’t provide a permanent solution, and you have to reapply them frequently. Also, they don’t leave a shine and don’t change the grout’s color.
A non-penetrating grout sealer forms a thin film on the grout, preventing water and stains from penetrating into the pores. Over time, this layer will become milky and you’ll need to apply a new coat. However, a non-penetrating sealer is a great way to keep your tile looking great and protect it from staining and mold.
3. Avoiding steel wool
If you want to ensure the best possible results with grout sealing, you should avoid using steel wool. This metal scouring pad will damage the tile’s surface, and it can also scratch it. Also, it can cause rust stains in the grout. Hence, you should always use a stone-safe sponge or nylon bristle brush.
It is advisable to hire a professional for grout sealing, especially if you are unsure of how to go about it. Besides, the process is not as easy as it sounds. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, you could end up damaging the tile and grout. In addition, a bad job will leave the grout line peeling or turning slippery.
You should also avoid using acidic or alkaline cleaners on grout. The acids and ammonia in these products can weaken the grout sealer. They can also damage the stone tile.
4. Avoiding metal scouring pads
When it comes to grout sealing, it is essential to avoid metal scouring pads because they can damage the surface of your tiles. In addition to scratching the surface, metal scouring pads can also leave stains on your tile. You should only use nonabrasive cleaning products that will not scratch the tiles. A soft nylon scouring pad is an excellent option. It is also important to use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining residue from the grout.
Using a non-abrasive scouring pad on tile and grout is a good way to remove stains from the surface. This method works well with grout that is stained by food and pet stains. However, it should be used cautiously. If you do spill something on your floor, you should clean it as soon as possible. Deeply colored messes may stain the tile.
Before applying a grout sealer, you should identify the type of tile you have. Certain sealers require more time between coats. If you are using a sealer on unglazed tiles, it may not be effective. Also, some sealers require you to wipe the tiles before applying the sealer.
