Grout Sealing is an Essential Service of Enviro Clean
Protective barrier keeps grout and tile looking luxurious
To seal or not to seal? My Clean Grout knows the answer
Before we look at whether to seal grout or not, let's understand the different types of grout that are commonly in use today.
Typically, there are three types of grout which can be sanded or un-sanded:
1. Standard, cement-based (cementatious)
2. Polymer-modified
3. Epoxy
When considering whether a particular grout would benefit from sealing, what we are really doing is considering how easy that grout will be to keep clean and free of stains. One of the most important areas we can look at is porosity, or the grout’s capacity to absorb water (easy absorption means easy staining).
Water absorption is measured as the amount of water that can be taken up by the grout, expressed as a percentage of its dry weight. The typical WA figures for the three types of grout are as follows:
Grout type:
1. Standard Cement-Based – Water Absorption up to 12% - most popular, stains easily
2. Polymer-modified – Water Absorption up to 5% - used more and more, can stain.
3. Epoxy (true epoxy) – Water Absorption is 0% - least popular, difficult to stain.
How does my grout get so dirty?
So, if my grout absorbs easily (standard cement based) it will stain easily, but why? Anything that can be dissolved or suspended in water can also get into the sanded grout. When we wash our floors and do not clean the water often, or use a mop that spreads the dirty without removing the dirt, we leave dirty water behind. The water evaporates, whatever the water was carrying stays put and builds up on the grout line. Also, if water can get in, so can oil or solvent-based contaminants (permanent marker pen for example).
Grout that can readily accept moisture, or that has a texture (or worse if it has both) can be a perfect harbor for mold, mildew, algae and other air-borne spores to colonize.
By applying a good quality sealer to the grout joints, we can create a safety-net to resist deep staining and can significantly reduce the ability of the grout to harbor mold and mildew spores. But we must also change the way we clean our floors.
"Sealer alone will not keep your tile and grout clean!"
In conclusion, if the grout joint readily absorbs water (test by wetting the grout and leaving the water for a few minutes), the grout will benefit from being sealed.
Why is it important to have my grout sealed?
Grout sealers will help prevent spills from penetrating into the porous surface of the grout and gives you time to clean it up. Simply blot fresh spills with a clean cloth or paper towel. The sealer continues to protect even after repeated cleanings. Essentially, sealing grout with a "quality" grout sealer is the only way to protect your investment from water-based and oil-based stains.
Ceramic tile is a baked product and does not absorb like grout. It is usually the grout that causes the floor to look tired and dirty.
The Power of My Clean Grout Penetrating Sealers
Penetrating sealers absorbed by natural stone or grout fills the "nooks and crannies" with the sealer solids so that when spills occur (oil or water based) the liquid cannot get below the surface, and it sits on the surface of the grout.
Penetrating sealer repels water-based and oil-based liquids and beverages and protects the surface from dirt and impurities allowing you to wipe away dirt from the grout's surface. Keep in mind that your grout can still get dirty, even if it is sealed with a quality grout sealer. It will simply clean up with less of a chance of a stain occurring. If you want your grout to actually be "Stain Proof" you will need to have your grout color sealed.
Clear sealers offer protection without changing the original color, texture, feel or appearance of the surface. However, we also offer color-enhancing sealers for natural stone, marble, granite, limestone and masonry surfaces as well as our color sealants that can change you grout color to whatever color choice you may pick.
Why hire My Clean Grout to apply the sealer? Can't I do it myself?
Most sealers purchased at big box stores are quite expensive, are difficult to apply and don't last long. We use only professional grade sealers, our sealing programs are very affordable and can actually SAVE you money in long term cleaning, a floor can be completed in one day and save you on floor replacement costs.
Most DIYer’s do not clean or prep the floor properly prior to applying a sealer, this is very apparent when the floor is completed. It can look mediocre with time and your money is wasted. Improper sealing can also leave a sticky residue on the surface of the floor that is difficult, if not impossible to remove.
Hire Enviro Clean Grout and Stone Care Inc. Our team of professionals have the training, experience, tools and a wide variety of sealers for all types of natural stone, tiles and grout. Professional application ensures complete protection for the entire surface of the floor. Doing it correctly the first time will save you time and money and less frustration.
DIY Maintenance Tips a Part of the Package
We provide you with education on correct maintenance procedures for cleaning your tile and grout and most importantly what to stay away from in terms of cleaning solutions that might have an adverse affect on your newly sealed grout. We offer an excellent neutral PH tile and grout cleaner, call to locate a distributor near you. It is important to use the right cleaning solution, as the wrong type can actually break down the sealer and render it useless.
Ongoing Professional Care Options
On occasion you may need to have periodic sealing or cleaning in order to maintain your floors peak condition. When necessary we can provide a cleaning and re-sealing maintenance program for your tile and grout, the frequency will depend on the amount of traffic, frequency of spills, your cleaning habits, etc. A grout sealer will essentially make maintaining your floors much easier and more effective, but not maintenance free.
"You saved us thousands in replacement costs." "After our staff cleaning crew botched our stonework, it was a relief to have Enviro Clean come in and return our feature wall back to its original condition. You saved us thousands in replacement costs."
- F. B. (Edmonton, Alberta)
"Thanks, Enviro Clean!" "The staff from Enviro Clean were friendly, thorough and left our floor looking fantastic. Thanks, Enviro Clean!"
- M. K. (Leduc, Alberta)
"A great experience!" This is a thank you letter to the owner of My Clean Grout. Because of the age of my house and the worn out looking kitchen and bathroom floors I thought perhaps they should be replaced. Fortunately, I called Enviro Clean and after the one day, I feel like I have a new house. Their tile and grout cleaning has made the start of this new year so much easier.
I am happy, their cleaning and color sealing process was a straight forward and my goodnes...
Kitchen Floor Grout Cleaning & Sealing Our kitchen had been renovated by the previous owners who'd never sealed the grout. The tile floor was so dirty and beyond anything I seemed to be able to clean. Sue came to take a look and gave me an estimate; we chose the grout color sealant and we made a date. I was THRILLED when I saw all the residue from dirt buildup including sweaty sock feet yuck just lifting away from the tile and the grout. Sealing the grout went just as smoothly and the...
- Connie (Sherwood)
Kitchen powder room and back entrance grout cleaning.
The grout had not been cleaned in 14 years The result is excellent and the process was very user friendly. The company is knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with.
December 2019
Grout cleaning/colouring/sealing
Our grout hadn’t been properly cleaned in the 12 years we’ve lived in our house. It was so stained, and now it looks brand new! Or better! It’s like magic! Sue and Zoe worked very efficiently and I’m so impressed. I can’t stop looking at my floor. I love it! Thank you so much, Sue!
Tile grout cleaning and color sealing.
I was blown away by the 'like new' end result. We did a major renovation and moved back in 2 years ago. Since that day I regretted the color choice I made for my en suite bathroom tile. I went against the tile setter and interior design recommendations because I thought I knew better and have been living with the disappointment since. I didn't realize how much of a role the color of those tiny grout lines co...
Kitchen Tile restoration
Our tiles in the kitchen were approximately 15 years old and showing it. Sue and Zoie came in on 4 Oct. to do the task, they were on time and very professional. We would like to thank them for the fantastic job they did, restoring the look of our kitchen tiles and colouring the grout in the master bathroom. Sue gave us tips on how to keep the kitchen floor looking great and clean. We highly recommend them!!! John and Judy...
Deep cleaning of tile and grout; colour sealing of grout
Our tile had ground-in dirt and the grout was stained a dark unattractive colour from 20 years of use. No matter how hard I cleaned, the floor never looked good. It was very depressing. Enviro Clean has changed my life! They did an outstanding job! The tiles are now extremely clean and the grout is back to its original colour. This took only three and a half hours. The team was extremely pr...
Kitchen grout
I didn’t think it possible but these hard working people worked magic on our grout. Back to brand new in a couple of hours. Wow!!!
Grout sealing
I heard about this company from a girlfriend that sells flooring. This company is fantastic; great result (not entirely visible in photos), considerate, expert advice on what areas needed the treatment. —they were incredibly easy to deal with and we would recommend this company without hesitation. They understand service, they are experts in what they are doing, and were easy to deal with. I am grateful for the recommendation and fo...
Tile/grout cleaning and repair
The job done was impeccable! And very quick and efficient. The difference is like night and day!
Kitchen tile grout cleaning and re-color and seal
I wish I could remember the two ladies names who came and did the work, but they did a fantastic job. They cleaned and sealed and re-colored the grout. They were very pleasant and gave tips on maintaining the grout. I was very satisfied with how quickly they worked and the end result was great.
Kitchen, dining and bathroom floor cleaning and grout repair; bathroom wall tile cleaning and grout colour.
Tile work was about 25-30 years old; grout cracked in a few places and floor tiles had places that never quite came clean with regular floor wash. The ladies did a great job of making floors look clean and the grout colour really helps to make the space look new again.
Deep clean stone floor and grout. Grout sealer
Ladies did a fantastic job! Our beautiful stone floors look brand new. Those grout lines went from filthy to fab!!
Tile and Grout Cleaning
What a difference today in my tiles throughout the house - front hall, laundry room, kitchen and 3 bathrooms! From dull to fabulous in hours! We received an estimate of costs so we knew what the service would entail. The staff were very professional and efficient in their work. I would highly recommend Enviro Clean for anyone wishing to refresh their tired tile floors to bring them back to looking like new.
Complete tile/grout clean and reseal (approx 1300 sq ft)
Sue and Zoe came in and redid all of our tile - by hand !! They were done in 2 days and the tile looks brand new - not the 10 years old it is. Sue also explained how to maintain it as well. Very professional and quick.
Clean and reseal tiles and grout in condo
I am very impressed with the results, the tiles are 14yrs old and now they look new again! Thanks Sue!
Tile Grout Cleaning and Sealing
The tile flooring at both entrances, the kitchen and en suite has light coloured grout. Over the years the grout has become stained, primarily in the high traffic areas, and extremely difficult to clean. Even with a thorough cleaning a constant and continuous colour could no longer be achieved. Sue and her colleague from Enviro Clean completed the cleaning and sealing and the results were very impressive! With prop...
Tile cleaning
Fast and efficient. Clean and careful. Polite and personable. Great results, what more could you want?
Clean Tile Grout
Sue Had Lots Of Energy And Enthusiasm When She Arrived. The Grout Color ThroughOut Our House Looks Great. The Granite Counter Tops Are More Shiny Now, And Knowing Their Sealed Is A Good Feeling.
Clean and rejuvenate Marble floor
We had a sizable area of Marble flooring that after considerable consultation we had concluded the only solution was replacement. On the internet i found a process from italy that i thought was worth a try we then realized a Sherwood Park company was using this process. Enviro Clean Grout & Stone Care Sue made a quick trip to Lloydminster, to look at the job and felt confident she could return it to new and Belie...
Grout cleaning
The grout looks so much better! Almost like brand new. Was done quickly and professionally.
Home Renovation
Our flooring installer (ProSource Edmonton) installed the wrong grout color: completely their error. The project did not turn out as we had planned, and I was very upset and angry. I was also the biggest skeptic when they recommended Susan at Enviro-Clean to "paint" the grout to change its color. Susan was very patient and helpful. She made sure our color choice was the right one, and proceeded to correct the grout color. The work...
Clean and seal grout on approximately 800 square Feet of ceramic tile and replace one that was cracked.
They came when they said they would and did a thorough and complete job of cleaning and color grouting our tile flours as well as replacing a cracked tile. It is a hard to get someone to replace one tile at a fair price and was willing and able to do this for us. She did such a good job can't tell which tile was replaced now.
Kitchen, main bath, second floor besuited bathroom and second floor bathroom.
Enviro Clean did a great job. Showed up on time and took care of our grout issues on our main floor and in our bathrooms. The floors look like new! We even had them refresh our granite countertops while.
Night and day difference our floors look brand new!!! So happy :)
They did my hallway, all 6 bathrooms and a huge walk in shower. We have white grout so it was all stained and yellow/brown. Now its like new. I would recommend Enviro Clean to everyone.
Ceramic tile grout cleaning
These gals were fast and efficient. They made flooring look new again. They seemed like a happy bunch Lots of chitty chat and laughter
Grout clean and seal
Expertly done, clean fast and no dust no smell. Sue is very personable and helpful with little tips. I am very happy with the work.
Bathroom floor tile and shower stall
We contacted Sue to provide a quote and hired her company to deep clean tile/grout and then colour seal our bathroom floor and shower stall. We could not be more pleased with the results. Our floors look brand new as does the shower stall. We have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Sue and Enviro Clean.
Tile and grout restoration
Second time customer. This time the tile magic was worked on an apartment after renters had moved out leaving the tile and grout dirty and damaged. It now looks like a new floor - just wish I’d taken before and after photos!
Limestone floor cleaning, honing and seal.
I am a repeat customer so I think that says a lot about my trust in the Enviroclean service. My floors look amazing and are so soft to the touch. When the light shines into our home it has a beautiful sheen. Its nice to have new floor again that look like the day we bought this home! Highly recommend!
For grout repair..”the only game I town”
I contacted Sue, the owner, for information regarding my marble tile floor. She asked me a few questions and then suggested she come, at my convenience, and have a look at my floor. Well, once I met her and listened to her explain what was needed to bring my floor back to it’s original state, she had the job. Her workmanship, knowledge and reliability are second to none and I am completely satisfied with t...
Floor Tile Cleaning
Very pleased with how it turned out. Our grout lines had gone black... and now they are like it was when we bought the house 20 years ago.
Grout and tile cleaning and natural stone restoration
We had two projects: one was cleaning tile grout on our kitchen, laundry room and front entry floors. The floors are not that old, but definitely looked dirty. I hate dirty! The result is incredible - the floors look new! The second project was cleaning and resealing the marble floor in our ensuite shower; the tile was etched from incorrect use of cleaning product by a new housecleaner. Again,...
Read our article, "Colour Seal Your Grout"
