Grout Stop grout going black in new bathroom.

[Bathfix Bob]

Just doing a bathroom with white ceramic wall tiles and grey porcelain floor tiles. I've been asked to prevent the grout going black and dirty over time and to ease cleaning. Can I use something like Stain Stop on the grout?

Its Mapei on walls and Bal on floor.

 

[hmtiling]

Grout sealant will help. Try to avoid white grout. Epoxy only sure fire way

 

[Dumbo]

Also tell them keep their bathroom warm in the winter and use their extractor fan so that water doesn't condensate on the tiles surface . This will help with black mould which is caused by condensation .

 

[Bathfix Bob]

Thanks guys, which is the best grout sealer?

 

[Qwerty]

In my experience it is the LTP aerosol

 

[Bathfix Bob]

In my experience it is the LTP aerosol

Really? So you wouldn't use Lithofin stain stop, is that just for tiles?

 

[Qwerty]

Really? So you wouldn't use Lithofin stain stop, is that just for tiles?

No, it seals grout too and is an excellent product. I just find the aerosols easier to work with on just the grout

 

[Dumbo]

No, it seals grout too and is an excellent product. I just find the aerosols easier to work with on just the grout

Got a feeling they are not to concerned about drying times as well unless that is just the universeal one

 

[Bathfix Bob]

We've got some aerosol already on site but its been warned from CTD that you need to be careful around the bath and other plastics as it may mark them. I don't want to spray stuff around that's going to ruin everything it lands on.

 

[LM]

Have any of you tried this before?
Seal-Guard Spray On Tile & Grout Sealer 600ml Seal Guard Aerosol - https://www.northantstools.co.uk/product/seal-guard-spray-on-tile---grout-sealer-600ml-seal-guard-aerosol?gclid=Cj0KCQjwof3cBRD9ARIsAP8x70PcOC2FGj71OkhVsuGsJZR_6AQP_7PM8MO2_Huu0CHskiY_qILFsDoaAl2tEALw_wcB

 

[John Benton]

Have any of you tried this before?
Seal-Guard Spray On Tile & Grout Sealer 600ml Seal Guard Aerosol - https://www.northantstools.co.uk/product/seal-guard-spray-on-tile---grout-sealer-600ml-seal-guard-aerosol?gclid=Cj0KCQjwof3cBRD9ARIsAP8x70PcOC2FGj71OkhVsuGsJZR_6AQP_7PM8MO2_Huu0CHskiY_qILFsDoaAl2tEALw_wcB

Used this product quite a few times in bathrooms at rental properties and it works

 

[GoneGuy]

We've got some aerosol already on site but its been warned from CTD that you need to be careful around the bath and other plastics as it may mark them. I don't want to spray stuff around that's going to ruin everything it lands on.

I’ve used LTP grout sealer and I spray it into the lid and apply it with a paint brush so I know I got 100% coverage and it’s less messy

 

[Bathfix Bob]

I’ve used LTP grout sealer and I spray it into the lid and apply it with a paint brush so I know I got 100% coverage and it’s less messy

Does it stain or mark the tiles? I can't bring myself to use what smells like clear laquer all over the tiles.

 

[Qwerty]

These sprays are invisible once sprayed and dried, plus it works!

 

[Waluigi]

The biggest cause of mould will be lack of ventilation, as already mentioned.

You need a mixed flow or centrifugal extractor fan. They’re not expensive (about £60 to £100) and will clear the room far better than the in line all in one kits.

 

[Bathfix Bob]

The biggest cause of mould will be lack of ventilation, as already mentioned.

You need a mixed flow or centrifugal extractor fan. They’re not expensive (about £60 to £100) and will clear the room far better than the in line all in one kits.

We have a centrifugal fan, yes I know ventilation is key.
There has been no problem in the past, its more of keeping everything showroom condition for 10 years.

 

[Waluigi]

The best way I have found to keep a bathroom looking good is a water softener or if that’s not feasible a water conditioner like the Aquabion or Stuart Turner conditioner and everything cleaned with a microfiber or E-Cloth. No chemicals whatsoever other than a drop of Fairy.

Modern grouts and silicones have anti bacterial additives in so last a lot longer than they used to.

My apologies if I’m teaching you how to suck eggs, I’m just speaking from experience with Bathrooms

 

[hmtiling]

The best way I have found to keep a bathroom looking good is a water softener or if that’s not feasible a water conditioner like the Aquabion or Stuart Turner conditioner and everything cleaned with a microfiber or E-Cloth. No chemicals whatsoever other than a drop of Fairy.

Modern grouts and silicones have anti bacterial additives in so last a lot longer than they used to.

My apologies if I’m teaching you how to suck eggs, I’m just speaking from experience with Bathrooms

I was going to get an Aquabion softener fitted but have heard mixed reviews. Do you rate them then? @ShaunCorbs what's your take on them?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

There a great bit of kit fit what they are but cost is an issue around the £300 mark but then it's smaller than a standard softener but then again it only lasts for around 6-7 years depending on use

So if space is an issue it's the one for you

If you have a bit of space get a softener fitted

 

[Waluigi]

They’re not water softeners. They are water conditioners, they change the state of the water so that the calcium carbonate (limescale) doesn’t stick to things. It’s still present but it just washes away.

They IMHO aren’t as good as a traditional water softener by any means as a water softener actually provides soft water.

The conditioners are still good though and effective. The question is though, is it worth spending the extra on an Aquabion over a Stuart Turner (for example) that I don’t know.

I’m friends with the Developer of Aquabion and he’s not given me a clear answer

 

[ShaunCorbs]

They’re not water softeners. They are water conditioners, they change the state of the water so that the calcium carbonate (limescale) doesn’t stick to things. It’s still present but it just washes away.

They IMHO aren’t as good as a traditional water softener by any means as a water softener actually provides soft water.

The conditioners are still good though and effective. The question is though, is it worth spending the extra on an Aquabion over a Stuart Turner (for example) that I don’t know.

I’m friends with the Developer of Aquabion and he’s not given me a clear answer

He won't give a clear answer he's always vague

And that's why I said they only last around 6-7 years

 

[Waluigi]

Yeah, theres definitely smoke and mirrors somewhere.
7 years is the manufacturers spec I believe.
As with all of these things, I’d want one in my house to test myself

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yeah, theres definitely smoke and mirrors somewhere.
7 years is the manufacturers spec I believe.
As with all of these things, I’d want one in my house to test myself

yea you would think he would give a discount to engys but nope have to pay full price

 

[Wayne Brown]

Permanent ventilation, air changes, and warmth are the only way to avoid mould I always fit a in line extract fan or a through the wall unit with a built in humidity stat. Kop

 

[Unused Account 1]

Use grey grout