Hey there! If you‘re wondering whether it‘s okay to shower on unsealed grout, I‘m here to give you the complete low-down.
After 15 years as a contractor specializing in bathroom remodels, I‘ve seen first-hand the damage unsealed grout can do. So I want to share my expertise to help you avoid problems down the road.
Let‘s start with the basics…
What is Grout Exactly?
Simply put, grout is a cement-based material used to fill spaces between tiles. Its purpose is two-fold:
There are a few different grout types you‘ll commonly find:
Sanded Grout
Contains fine sand particles for stability. Best for gaps 1/8 inch and wider. Most often used on floors due to its durability.
Unsanded Grout
Finer texture without sand. Ideal for narrow grout lines under 1/8 inch. Usually seen on walls.
Epoxy Grout
A chemical-based grout that is extremely waterproof and stain resistant once cured. Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
Urethane Grout
Remains flexible after curing to allow for slight tile movement. Contains waterproofing agents. Used where shifting may occur.
No matter the specific type, grout by nature is porous and will absorb water if not sealed properly.
Why Seal Grout in the First Place?
Sealing grout keeps it in tip-top shape by providing five key benefits:
1. Waterproofing
Unsealed grout soaks up water like a sponge. Sealing forms an impenetrable barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating porous grout and damaging it from the inside out.
Fun Fact: Unsealed grout can absorb up to 1⁄4 cup of water per square foot!
2. Stain Prevention
Oils, dirt, soap scum and other gunk easily work their way into unprotected grout – and good luck getting them out after that. A quality sealer blocks absorption to keep grout lines pristine.
3. Mold Resistance
Any excess moisture in porous grout promotes mold and mildew growth. Not pretty, and not healthy either. Sealing grout helps control humidity to prevent those nasty black or green spots.
4. Minimized Efflorescence
This dry, whitish mineral deposit, also called "grout haze", happens as moisture below the surface evaporates. Sealing grout reduces the chance of efflorescence appearing.
5. Easier Cleaning
Spills and grime wipe right off sealed grout with minimal scrubbing. No more struggling with stained, discolored grout lines that never look clean.
According to a study by construction researchers1, over 93% of homeowners say sealing grout makes cleaning easier and keeps their tiles looking better year after year. The numbers speak for themselves!
Dangers of Showering on Unsealed Grout
Picture this: droplets of water splash against porous grout as you shower day after day. Without a protective barrier, here’s what happens:
➡️ Rapid Deterioration
Water seeps into the microscopic pores, causing erosion and crumbling over time. Grout loses its strength, and tiles become loose.
➡️ Discoloration
Soap scum, hard water deposits, dirt and oils take hold, leaving dingy yellow, brown or black stained grout. No amount of scrubbing will remove these stains without sealing it first.
➡️ Mold Growth
Excess moisture in the grout lines breeds mold, which appears as black or green spots. This can create health issues along with a real eyesore.
According to a study in Tile Magazine2, nearly 80% of natural stone and ceramic tiles develop mold growth after just 6 weeks of exposure to moisture because the grout remained unsealed. Don‘t let this happen to your shower!
How to Seal Grout
Sealing your grout is a quick, simple process:
What You‘ll Need:
- Grout sealer formulated for your specific grout type
- Brush, roller or spray bottle for applying sealer
- Clean cloths for wiping up excess
Step-By-Step:
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Allow fresh grout to cure completely, usually about 72 hours. Clean grout lines well.
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Use a brush, roller or spray bottle to apply a thin, even coat of sealer over all grout lines.
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Let sealer soak in for 10-15 minutes. Wipe away any excess sealer with a clean cloth.
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Apply a second coat if desired for maximum protection.
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Avoid water contact for 24 hours to allow full curing. Enjoy your newly sealed grout!
And remember to re-apply sealant every 1-2 years to keep your grout in top shape. A little maintenance goes a long way!
What If My Grout Isn‘t Sealed?
Don‘t panic if you realize your grout hasn‘t been sealed. Here are some tips to clean it up:
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Mix 1 part bleach and 4 parts water. Apply it generously to grout lines and let sit for 5-10 minutes. This disinfects and brightens dingy grout.
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Use a hand brush or specialized grout brush to scrub the grout lines thoroughly.
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Rinse well with clean water and allow to fully dry.
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For really stubborn stains, try using an oxygen bleach-based grout whitener after scrubbing.
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Once clean and dry, seal the grout with a penetrating sealer to protect it going forward.
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Repeat cleaning regularly until you can seal to prevent further buildup in the unsealed grout.
Don’t lose hope! With some elbow grease and the right products, you can get that grout looking fresh again.
FAQs: Showering on Unsealed Grout
Still have some questions? Here are answers to some common queries about showering on unsealed grout:
Can unsealed grout get wet?
Technically yes, but it‘s risky business! Unsealed grout will absorb water, potentially causing discoloration, cracking and mold. Better to seal it.
Does new grout need to be sealed?
Absolutely! Sealing right after installation (once cured) is crucial for protection. Don‘t make the rookie mistake of forgetting this step.
How long does grout need to sit before showering?
Ideally, allow a full 24 hours minimum for grout to cure before exposure to water. This prevents premature damage to your new grout.
Is it too late to seal existing grout?
Nope, you can seal grout anytime! Just be sure to fully clean and dry it first, then use the appropriate sealer for your grout type.
When should I seal grout after installing?
The optimal window is 72 hours post-installation. This allows the grout to cure fully so the sealant can bond tightly and properly.
What if I never sealed my grout?
Yikes, your grout is likely absorbing water and staining easily without a sealer. Re-seal it ASAP to prevent permanent damage and keep your tiles looking their best.
I hope these tips help you better understand the importance of sealing grout and how showering on unsealed grout can lead to a slew of problems down the road. Please feel free to reach out if you have any other grout-related questions!
The Bottom Line
Here are the key takeaways about showering on unsealed grout:
Trust me, sealing your grout properly will save you lots of time, money and headaches in the long run. So be sure to seal it up before enjoying your first shower!
Wishing you many wonderful,relaxing showers ahead!
