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How to seal grout

Sealed grout tiled floor with light-colored grout lines

Overview

Sealing your grout lines helps protect them from moisture, dirt, and stains, keeping your tiles looking fresh and clean for longer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to seal your grout and achieve lasting protection.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Clean the grout

Before sealing, it’s important to thoroughly clean the grout. Use a tile grout cleaner or a mixture of water and mild detergent. Scrub the grout lines well with a stiff brush to remove any dirt, stains, or mildew. Once clean, wipe the tiles down with a damp cloth to remove any residue. Allow the grout to dry completely - this can take up to 24 hours.
A person is holding a grout cleaner and brush for grout cleaning.

2Choose the right grout sealer

There are two types of grout sealer you can use: sprayer sealer which is easy to apply and suitable for large areas or brush sealer which offers more precision and is ideal for small spaces.
Choose the right grout and tile sealer

3Apply the grout sealer

For spray-on sealer: Hold the can around 30 cm away from the grout lines. Spray evenly along the grout, ensuring you cover all the joints thoroughly. Be careful not to spray too much on the tiles. If any sealer gets on the tiles, wipe it off immediately with a clean cloth.

For brush-on sealer: Hold the bottle upside down and apply gentle pressure as you work along the grout lines. Work in small sections and cover all joints carefully. A steady hand helps you avoid getting excess sealer on the tiles.

Apply the grout sealer to a tiled floor

4Wipe away excess sealer

After applying the grout sealer, wipe off any excess from the tiles with a dry cloth. This prevents the sealer from drying on the surface of the tiles and leaving marks.
Wipes away excess sealer from tiles with a dry cloth

5Apply a second coat

Once the first coat has dried (check the manufacturer’s drying time), apply a second coat for added protection. Make sure to follow the same method you used for the first coat.

After the second coat, allow the sealer to cure for at least 24 hours before exposing the grout to moisture. This ensures that the grout is fully protected and sealed for long-lasting use.

Apply a second coat of grout sealer on a kitchen tiled wall

6Now that you’ve sealed your grout…

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.