Cleaning
Removes existing buildup and restores grout's appearance without altering the grout itself, the right call when grout is simply dirty.
What grout cleaning and sealing actually does
Deep cleaning first
We clean ground-in soil and staining out of the grout before any sealer goes on, since sealing over dirt just locks it in.
A protective barrier
Sealer doesn't change grout's colour, it slows how quickly it absorbs moisture, oil, and staining agents going forward.
Honest timelines
We tell you realistically how long a fresh seal should last in your specific space based on traffic and moisture.
Why grout discolours over time
Grout's porosity is the whole story here. It gradually absorbs everyday grime, cooking oils in a kitchen, soap and body-wash residue in a shower, general foot traffic dirt on a floor, and that buildup darkens the grout's original colour from the inside out, not just on the surface. In a bathroom specifically, mineral deposits left behind as water evaporates add to the effect. None of this means the grout has failed structurally; it's simply done what porous material does when it isn't sealed or cleaned regularly.
Cleaning versus sealing versus re-grouting
Sealing
A preventive step applied after cleaning, meant to slow how quickly new buildup and moisture work their way in going forward.
Re-grouting
A repair, not maintenance, and is only needed when the grout itself is cracked, crumbling, or missing, a different job entirely from cleaning or sealing sound grout.
What sealing actually protects against
A grout sealer doesn't waterproof or stain-proof grout outright; it slows absorption of water, oils, and staining agents into the grout's pores, which in turn slows both discolouration and, in wet areas, moisture working its way toward the substrate behind the tile. How long a seal lasts depends on the sealer used, the traffic the area sees, and how much moisture it's exposed to, a shower floor and a hallway wall don't wear at the same rate, so we give you a realistic reapplication estimate for your specific space rather than a one-size-fits-all number.
When cleaning and sealing isn't enough
If grout is discoloured but structurally sound, cleaning and sealing restores it without the cost or disruption of removing and replacing anything. But if grout is cracked, crumbling, or has gaps where pieces have fallen out, that's a repair issue no amount of cleaning will fix, and we'll say so plainly rather than sealing over a problem that needs a different service.
How Much Does Grout Cleaning and Sealing Cost in Ottawa?
Grout cleaning and sealing is quoted per project based on square footage and grout condition, here's what we factor into the number.
Cleaning and sealing
Quoted per project
Total square footage of grout being cleaned and sealed
How deeply soil and staining has built up in the grout
Whether the grout has been sealed before or is being sealed for the first time
Access to the space and any furniture that needs moving
What Decides the Right Treatment
Cementitious or epoxy grout
Standard cement-based grout is porous and needs a penetrating sealer to resist stains. Epoxy grout is not porous and does not need sealing at all.
New grout has to cure first
Fresh grout is sealed only after the cure time on the grout maker's label. Sealing too early traps moisture and can leave a haze.
When sealing will not help
Cracked, crumbling or hollow-sounding grout is a bond or movement problem, not a stain. Sealing it hides the problem for a short time; regrouting or repair fixes it.
Our Process
How Grout Cleaning and Sealing Works
1
Inspect the grout
We look at the grout's current condition, checking for staining, wear, and whether it's been sealed before.
2
Deep clean first
Ground-in soil and staining is cleaned out of the grout lines before any sealer is applied, since sealing over dirt just locks it in.
3
Apply sealer
A sealer is applied evenly across the grout to slow how quickly it absorbs moisture, oil, and staining going forward.
4
Set realistic expectations
We tell you honestly how long the seal should last in your space based on traffic and moisture, so you know when it'll need doing again.
Tiles Experts provides professional grout cleaning and sealing throughout Ottawa, Ontario. Grout is one of the most overlooked surfaces in a home, and it's also one of the first things to visibly age a tiled floor, shower, or backsplash, since it's more porous than the tile around it and shows dirt, staining, and mineral buildup long before the tile itself looks worn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does grout get darker or discoloured over time?
Grout is porous, so it gradually absorbs dirt, oils, soap residue, and in bathrooms, minerals from water evaporation, all of which build up and darken its original colour. Unsealed grout in a high-traffic area like a kitchen floor or a shower typically discolours faster than sealed grout, simply because there's nothing slowing down what soaks into it.
What's the difference between cleaning grout and re-grouting it?
Cleaning removes the buildup that has accumulated on and inside existing grout, restoring its appearance without touching the grout itself. Re-grouting is a more involved repair that removes the old, often cracked or crumbling grout entirely and replaces it with new material. Cleaning is the right call when grout is simply dirty; re-grouting is needed when the grout itself is physically failing.
How often should grout be sealed?
It depends on the sealer used and how much traffic and moisture the area sees, but many sealers need reapplication every one to two years in a high-use area like a shower or kitchen floor, and less often on a lower-traffic wall. We'll give you a realistic estimate for your specific space rather than a generic number.
What does sealing grout actually protect against?
A sealer sits in the pores of the grout and slows how quickly it absorbs water, oil, and other staining agents, which in turn slows discolouration and, in wet areas, reduces the amount of moisture that can work its way through the grout over time. It doesn't make grout waterproof or stain-proof, just more resistant than it would be unsealed.
Can grout cleaning fix grout that's cracked or crumbling?
No, cleaning only addresses surface buildup and staining, not structural damage to the grout itself. If grout is cracked, crumbling, or missing in sections, that's a repair issue rather than a cleaning one, and we'll tell you honestly which situation your grout is in before recommending a service.