We evaluated grout sealers based on effectiveness, longevity, ease of application, and versatility. Our top choice, Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold, protects and seals not just grout, but also most types of tile and stone, to keep your counters, floors, or surrounds looking their best. Here, the best grout sealers on the market. Grout is both decorative and protective, and acts as a filler to cover any space between tiles to form a solid surface. Since grout contains a portion of sand, it needs protection from a sealant to last, as otherwise moisture and regular use wears the grout away. Also, sand is porous, having small holes where dirt and mold spores can remain. The best sealers block these holes as much as possible to help prevent the buildup of mildew, which stains grout gray or black. The Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold Quart takes the top spot for its natural looks and extensive protection. This product is a water-based sealer that provides ample protection over the entire surface, including grout and tiles. It also dries with a no-sheen finish for a natural, non-slippery look and feel. For ceramic tiles, this will provide additional protection against staining and wear, and it can be used with stones such as granite, marble, masonry, and limestone. Use this as a pre-grout sealer on your tiles for extra protection in areas such as bathrooms or kitchens. Price at time of publish: $56 The sealer is designed to repel oil and water, which can lead to extensive damage in the grout over time. In places where moisture is common, such as the kitchen or bathroom, this type of protection can reduce the amount of maintenance your grout and tiles will need after extensive use. The sealer helps repel food, grease, mildew, as well as mold to prevent ugly stains and damage from developing. Price at time of publish: $25 This is a water-based sealer with low VOCs, so you won’t have to deal with awful fumes or odor. While highly effective at protecting grout that’s routinely exposed to moisture, it’s also a great choice for sealing grout elsewhere in your home, including the kitchen or even the backyard. Price at time of publish: $26 You can apply this sealer with a sprayer, a brush, or a roller, whichever is most convenient for you. It dries quickly, generally in less than an hour. The sealer won’t leave a slippery surface, won’t dull the appearance of surrounding tile or stone, and won’t change the color of your grout. As a plus, it is highly effective at sealing most types of materials commonly used outdoors, including flagstone, limestone, brick, stucco, travertine, porous tile, and concrete. You can even use it around your swimming pool. Price at time of publish: $48 This sealer uses a solvent-based formula that penetrates deeper into the grout layer than similar water-based products. The deeper penetration means extra, longer-lasting protection for the grout and surrounding tiles. The sealer dries into a slip-resistant finish, so it is safe to walk on treated tile floors without worry. The extra protection will also keep stains from forming, preserving the look of the tile surface. Formulated for both interior and exterior use, you can also use this sealer to protect outdoor tiled surfaces on patios or around swimming pools. Price at time of publish: $37 The Miracle Sealants 15-ounce spray bottle uses a consistent pressure spray for equal coverage on the surface. The formula can be applied to grout, concrete, brick, and other natural stones (should you want to have a single protective layer over the surface as well). For floors, you can use the spray inside and out since it will resist the common moisture levels found in outdoor environments. The product resists stains and damage from oil and moisture, and doesn’t change the appearance or color of the underlying grout. Price at time of publish: $15 The brush-topped tube contains 6 ounces of sealant, which should last a long time for the occasional touch-up or repair. Once fully dried, the sealer will resist mildew and stain build-up, making cleanup in bathrooms and kitchens easier and safer. The sealant also provides stain protection on tiles. It’s a quick and easy way to tackle grout maintenance. Price at time of publish: $8 The spray-on sealer is water-based and non-corrosive, making it safe for granite, concrete, and most stone surfaces in addition to grout. The effective formula repels even tough stains from wine, oil, ink, and coffee, making it a great choice for kitchen counters and other dining surfaces. Price at time of publish: $25 StoneTech Heavy Duty Grout Sealer is a multipurpose sealant formula designed for both sanded and unsanded grout used with natural stone, porcelain, and ceramic tile. It’s formulated to provide the utmost protection against both water-based and oil-based stains, maintaining the good looks of your countertops, floors, or shower surrounds, and warding off ugly black spots, mildew growth, and other imperfections for months at a time. Price at time of publish: $57
Water vs. Solvent Based
Some grout sealers are water-based formulas, while others are solvent-based. Water-based grout sealers offer more surface-level protection and won’t penetrate as deeply into porous grout, but they also don’t produce as many odors or VOC’s as some solvent-based formulas. For deep protection of your grout, however, a solvent-based impregnator-sealer is the best bet since it’ll fill spaces and protect your grout from deep within.
Treatable Surfaces
While some grout sealers are intended for grout only, other formulas can be used on cement, granite, and other types of natural stone. Look for a non-corrosive formula to ensure that it won’t damage your treated surface. And if you plan to use it on a food prep or dining surface, like kitchen counters or a bar top, then look for a product that’s labeled as safe for contact with food.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs.
Eddie McFarlane, Strategic Advisor for Provider Experience at HomeX, adds “You’ll want to decide on a layout before you get started. We recommend testing the layout in your space beforehand to make sure it’s exactly what you want by first laying the tile pieces in place without mortar or grout. Make sure you have the right tools on hand: a tile cutter, a rubber mallet, tile spacers, a level, a tile trowel, and mortar. Above all, take the extra little time to clean your tools after use. A dry piece of mortar coming loose and getting on your fresh floor can be very annoying.” For this roundup, she considered dozens of grout sealers, evaluating each for effectiveness, ease of use, and feedback from customers. She also received advice from Thomas Hawkins, who is a handyman, master electrician, and owner of Electrician Apprentice HQ and Eddie McFarlane, Strategic Advisor for Provider Experience at HomeX.
