Yes, you need it. Grout sealing is essential after the tile is professionally cleaned. Grout is a porous substance. So, once grout has been applied and dried, it is ready to absorb any liquid that comes its way. At KleenSmart Carpet & Tile Cleaning we alway's recommend sealing the grout after cleaning.
So, get one step ahead of the moisture, and penetrate the grout with sealer. It should be noted that grout sealer is very messy to work with. It is laborious, and the immediate results are not visible, but it is a must .
Be aware that there are two main types of grout sealer, "the applicator kind" and the "spray on kind." The smaller the tile size, the more grout you will have. If you happened to install 1" tile, you're in for a lot of grout sealing; if 12" tile, then obviously the amount of grouted area to be sealed will be reduced.
Why does this matter? Because using the "applicator kind" of grout sealer on an entire roomful of 1" sized tile can take up a whole weekend. In this case, use the spray on type of grout sealer.
- 1. Applicator or "Brush On" Grout Sealer - This sealer is milky in appearance, and is applied directly to the grout itself by way of a roller ball or brush tip. Avoid getting the grout sealer on the tile itself, though a bit does not really matter.
- 2. Spray-On Grout Sealer - With this type of grout sealing product, you do not have to laboriously follow the grout lines with an applicator tip - you just spray on. You do pay the price for this convenience, because you have more tile surface cleaning later on, but it can be worth it.( Check with your local hardware store for the correct sealer for the application you have in mind.)
You never want to get grout sealer on the surface of non-glazed tile. Otherwise, the sealer will soak into the tile itself and never come out. Apply two coats, and allow for the 24 hour drying time (or more, as the product instructions recommend). These are just a few suggestions for those who want to be part of the cleaning process and do the sealing of the grout themselves after we clean. Frankly, most consumers won't mess with doing it themselves, especially when they see how much labor is involved. But this article at least gives you some insight into how much is involved and grout sealing is so necessary. At KleenSmart in Rogers Arkansas 72758 ,we carry all the tools and the finest sealers so that the grout lines will stay protected and stay clean. So, when the time comes to have your tile professionally cleaned, you will have some valuable information here that will give you a yes to the question: Is grout sealing necessary. For service, call us at KleenSmart Carpet & Tile Cleaning at: 1-800-846-5608.
