It’s best to seal grout right after it’s installed. This helps preserve it when it’s in its newest state, before it has a chance to deteriorate and become damaged.

But that doesn’t mean that grout can’t be sealed later in its life. This will keep it in the best shape possible until it’s time to reseal or replace.

The question is, how do you know if your grout needs to be sealed or resealed? And are there special steps you need to take when sealing old grout? This article will provide the answers to your questions.

How Do You Know If Your Grout Needs to Be Sealed?

If you’re not sure if your grout is properly sealed, try dropping a few drops of water on the dry grout. It may bead up and sit on the surface or it may soak in. If it soaks in, you need to regrout.

How Do You Seal Old Grout?

If you are sealing old grout, you will need to clean it and repair it before beginning the process. Grout can be cleaned with a grout brush or toothbrush. From there, it’s pretty intuitive. Just get in there and start scrubbing.

You will also want to repair any type of damage to the grout such as cracks and chips. To do this, simply apply new grout anywhere you see damage. Wait 48 to 72 hours to allow the grout to dry. Then begin sealing.

If any stains appear on the grout before you start sealing, you will want to clean them. After all, once a stain is sealed in, there’s no going back. You can clean stains with a soft brush and bleach. A brush that’s too hard will chip off the grout and is not recommended.

Can You Seal Over Grout That’s Already Been Sealed?

Yes, you can seal over grout that’s already been sealed. In fact, if you deep clean pre-sealed grout, a resealing may be necessary. In other cases, the sealant may just wear off.

The method for resealing pre-sealed grout is the same as it would be for any other grout. You will want to do your water test to see if it absorbs. If you determine that a reseal is in order, clean, repair and apply your grout as if it has never been sealed before.

It’s important to note that if your grout passes the water test, you should not reseal it, even if you think it’s time to do so. If there is a sealant coat on your grout, a new coat of sealant probably won’t stick to it.

Sealing grout is a very important step. If your grout has never been sealed or if the sealant has worn off, you’ll want to apply a new coat. The tips in this article will get you headed in the right direction. Will you be adding a new layer of sealant to your tile grout this coming season?

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