Prevent dirt and grime from staining your grout by regularly applying sealer.

Use this guide to learn how to seal grout in kitchens and bathrooms.

BHG /Laura Wheatley

Do you oughta Seal Grout?

white subway tile backsplash in white kitchen

Credit:ADAM ALBRIGHT

Sealing grout lines cankeep the grout in good conditionand to prevent staining or discoloration.

The frequency with which you gotta apply grout sealer varies depending on the area of the home.

For tile countertops and bathroom walls, you should seal the grout once a year.

close up shot of cleaning grout with homemade cleaner

Credit:BHG /Laura Wheatley

Scrape out damaged grout and refill the gaps with replacement grout.

After cleaning and patching the existing grout, allow the grout lines to fully dry.

If you only cleaned the grout, then it should take about 45 minutes to dry.

While waiting for the grout to dry, keep the area clean and free of moisture.

Take your time to ensure that the grout is evenly covered to get to create a watertight barrier.

In some cases you may even need a third coat of sealer to get an effective seal against moisture.

Test the Grout

Give the grout sealer time to dry, then retest the grout.

Ideally the water will bead up into droplets on the grout, indicating that the grout is successfully sealed.

Check the manufacturer’s directions to determine exactly how long it’s crucial that you wait.