10 Best Grout Sealers of 2023 — Reviews & Top Picks

We all hate the look of stained tiles, but if you don’t protect your surfaces by applying the correct grout sealer, the same fate awaits you. The good news is that the market is flooded with many great brands to help you avoid this catastrophe. Unfortunately, with so many options, searching for the right sealer for your needs can be frustrating.

Luckily, we did the heavy lifting to bring you these reviews of the best grout sealers this year. We also included a buyer’s guide to ensure you go home with the right product.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Miracle Sealants 511GAL4 511 Impregnator Sealers	20-year warranty Interior and exterior applications Easy to apply	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		StoneTech Heavy Duty Grout Sealer	Value for money Indoor and outdoor application Water-based	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Black Diamond Stoneworks GRANITE SEALER	Low odor Easy to apply Low VOC	CHECK PRICE
		AQUA-X PGS16O Grout Sealer	Easy to apply Low VOC No foul odor	CHECK PRICE
		Tuff Duck Grout Sealer	Non-acidic formula Low odor Wide coverage	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Grout Sealer

1. Miracle Sealants 511GAL4 511 Impregnator Sealers – Best Overall

You can protect medium to dense porous surfaces with Miracle Sealants without altering their natural look. Whether you are using it for exterior or interior applications, this sealer will work with most surfaces, including ceramic tiles, granite, and marble. However, porous surfaces will require a second application for maximum results.

It forms an invisible protective layer to keep stains and moisture out of the grout surface while allowing vapor to escape. You can use the surface for normal foot traffic after 2 to 5 hours. However, you should wait at least 24 hours to let it dry completely. The best thing about the Miracle Sealants 511GAL4 511 Impregnator Sealer is its 20-year warranty to protect buyers from faulty materials and poor workmanship.

The only drawback we found is the product’s high volatile organic compound (VOC) levels. Therefore, you may need to keep small children and pets away until it dries completely. You should also ensure the room is properly ventilated to protect yourself from the toxic fumes during application. Overall, this is the best grout sealer we have reviewed this year.

2. StoneTech Heavy Duty Grout Sealer – Best Value

If you’re looking for the best grout sealer for the money, perhaps the StoneTech Heavy Duty Grout will tickle your fancy. The water-based sealer is designed to protect cement-based grout, ceramic, natural stone, and porcelain tiles from water and oil stains without altering their natural look. It is durable enough to be used indoors and outdoors.

The application process is easy. You can cover up to 1,000 linear feet per gallon with a quality paintbrush. Just make sure there are no waxes or coating on the surface, and ensure you clean and dry the surface before applying. After applying it, wait 72 hours for the surface to dry completely.

Due to the harmful nature of the chemicals, you should keep small children and pets away until the surface is completely dry. In the same breath, you should ensure the area is well-ventilated if you are working indoors to avoid inhaling harmful chemicals. If correctly applied, this sealant can last for 3 to 4 years. However, you must apply two or three layers for maximum results.

3. Black Diamond Stoneworks GRANITE SEALER – Premium Choice

This water-based sealer is designed to protect against food, wine, ink, grease, coffee, and other types of stains, and it will work for various surfaces, including grout, concrete, natural stone, granite, brick, and slate. Since it only produces a slight odor that dissipates almost immediately, you don’t have to worry about closed windows or poor ventilation when applying it indoors.

The application process is made simple by the spray nozzle on the bottle. You only need to spray it uniformly across the entire surface and then use a clean towel to wipe off the residue after 3 minutes. After applying the appropriate number of coats, leave it for 2 to 5 hours to dry completely.

If you have small children and pets running around the house, you can rest easy since the Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Sealer is non-toxic. That also makes it safe to use in the kitchen or dining area. The only problem with this sealer is that it won’t cover a large area.

4. AQUA-X PGS16O Grout Sealer

If you want to prevent mold and mildew from building up on grout in your bathroom, kitchen, shower, or tile flooring, AQUA-X might be just what you need. It will protect your surfaces without changing their natural appearance. With the 16 ounces of liquid, you can cover an area of up to 75 square feet.

This sealer is easy to apply thanks to the spray nozzle that comes with the bottle. It works as a shield to protect water from penetrating through the surface, allowing it to bead up and roll off. For uniformity, you should wipe off the drips with a clean towel. If mold and mildew are on the surface, remove them before applying the sealer.

You should not expect to smell any foul odor when using this sealer. The low VOC also protects you from harmful toxins that could affect your respiratory system. However, the AQUA-X PGS16O Grout Sealer is non-penetrating, and you may need to reapply it after a while.

5. Tuff Duck Grout Sealer

The Tuff Duck Grout Sealer works best on porous surfaces such as slate, travertine, terrazzo, limestone marble, and granite. This penetrating sealer protects them from water and oil stains without changing their natural appearance. When applied properly, it can last for up to 5 years on interior surfaces and 2 years on external surfaces.

For maximum effect, you should apply the sealer on the porous surface liberally (until the surface can’t absorb any more liquid) and allow it to soak for about 20 minutes before wiping off the excess with a clean towel. Then, wait for 24 hours for it to dry completely.

Made from water-based fluoropolymers, this non-acidic formula produces a slight odor that dissipates quickly. You can cover up to 200 square feet with the 32 ounces of liquid, but the amount you apply will depend on the material’s porosity. With more porous surfaces, you may require frequent applications.

6. Grout-EEZ Tile & Grout Cleaner

With this water-based sealer, you don’t need to get on your hands and knees to apply it. Instead, you can reach your grout, marble, limestone, slate, and travertine using a paintbrush attached to a broom pole.  After the application, you should wait 5 minutes before wiping off the residue with a clean towel. The manufacturer also recommends cleaning the surface with a neutral PH cleaner to avoid breaking the sealer down.

Whether using it on white or colored surfaces, you can protect them from stains without altering their natural color. The one-quart bottle will cover an area of about 500 square feet, but it will also depend on how porous the surface is. This sealer is safe around the kitchen and dining area, thanks to its low VOC levels and odorless formula. However, it runs off easily, and you may need multiple coats to achieve the desired results.

7. Aqua Mix Sealers Choice Gold

The Aqua Mix Sealers Choice Gold will protect your limestone, granite, slate, marble, cement, and porcelain from water stains while retaining their natural look. You can use it for interior and exterior applications, and its low VOC levels make it safe to use around the kitchen and dining area. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about safety with small kids and pets around the house.

If the foul odor on grout sealers irritates you, you can relax because this water-based penetrating sealer only produces a scent that dissipates almost immediately. Expect the sealer to hold up for a long time. In fact, the manufacturer claims the sealer can last up to 15 years. The 32 ounces of liquid will go a long way. However, you may need multiple applications to get the desired results.

8. Seal It Green® Xtreme Impregnating Grout Sealer

If you are environmentally conscious, you will love the Seal It Green® Xtreme Impregnating Grout Sealer. This water-based sealer with plant-based surfactants has zero VOC and no odor. You can use it in the kitchen and dining area without worrying that it will contaminate the food. It also makes it safe to use in the presence of small kids and pets.

The sealer is easy to use thanks to the spray nozzle attached to the bottle, and it will work with different surfaces, including tile, granite, natural stone, and marble. After cleaning and drying the surface, spray generously and leave it to dry.

You can cover an area of about 100 square feet with the small bottle. However, you may need to apply several coats to achieve the intended results. Moreover, we also felt the sealer was quite expensive, based on the bottle size.

9. AFM 31203 Safecoat Grout Sealer

If you have respiratory sensitivities, the AFM 31203 is a perfect fit since it has a slight odor that diffuses as quickly as it comes. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about ventilation when using it indoors. Moreover, the environmentally-friendly sealer has zero VOC and does not contain formaldehyde. That makes it a safe product to use in the kitchen and dining area since it will not contaminate the food. And you don’t need to worry about safety when you have small children and pets.

AFM has tried and succeeded in creating a non-toxic product. However, we felt that the sealer was not as effective as expected. You can only cover a small area with AFM’s 32 ounces. The sealer is also not durable enough for outdoor applications, and you need to apply multiple coats to be effective.

10. Stella Sealants Ultra Dry 70 – Stone Sealer

The Stella Sealants Ultra Dry 70 is perfect for sealing natural stones such as granite, travertine, marble, and limestone. It protects them from stains, mold, and mildew without interfering with their natural look. You can use it for interior and exterior applications. This water-based sealant has low VOC levels and is thus safe to use around kids and pets.

Similarly, it won’t contaminate food when applied in the kitchen and dining area. If you’re worried about the quality, the manufacturer offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to return the product if you find it defective.

However, we had several reservations about the sealer. For starters, the smell was quite irritating, especially because it did not dissipate quickly. Secondly, frequent applications are necessary to achieve the desired results since it does not last long. Lastly, the sealer will likely leave marks on the surface if you don’t clean it properly.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Grout Sealer

After going through our reviews of the best grout sealers, you are probably wondering what you should consider to pick the right sealer for your needs. Our buyer’s guide will discuss everything you need to know about grout sealers.

Types of Grout

Not all grout requires sealing. Grout made from epoxy resins and filler powder are strong, durable, and easy to clean. However, it is expensive to install and doesn’t look as good. Contractors also don’t like it because it is harder to install.

On the other hand, cement grout is cheaper, easier to install, and more aesthetically pleasing. Unfortunately, its porous nature makes it susceptible to water and oil stains. This is most likely the grout in your home, and you need to seal it properly for a longer life.

Why You Should use a Grout Sealer

A grout sealer provides several benefits. They include the following:

Keeps the Surface Clean

Sealing your grout will protect it from liquid stains and discoloration. It makes your surfaces and walls look clean and new. Without a grout sealer, you would have to spend a lot of time and money buying expensive cleaners to clean the grout regularly. Some of the stains could also discolor your surfaces permanently.

Reduces Remodeling Costs

Remodeling your house helps raise the value of your property. But sprucing up the look of your house is expensive, especially if you have to replace stained floors and discolored tiles in your bathroom or kitchen. Applying a grout sealer on susceptible surfaces could save you a lot in remodeling costs.

It is a DIY Task

Applying a sealer on grout is a straightforward process you can handle without professional assistance. The sealers come with detailed instructions on how to use them properly. If you can follow simple instructions, you can do it yourself. You don’t need to waste your money hiring a professional to handle a simple DIY task.

Grout Cleaning is Tedious

Cleaning grout is a tedious process you would rather avoid. With a good grout sealer, you can save yourself the trouble of cleaning it regularly.

Keeps your Surfaces Shiny

Apart from protecting your surfaces from stains and discoloration, a grout sealer improves their overall look. If your surfaces are looking dull and worn, applying the right grout sealer will leave them looking shiny.

Protects Grout

If you leave your grout unprotected, it could warp and fall off after soaking in water. Grout sealer forms a protective layer impervious to water over the surface, thus prolonging the lifespan of the grout.

What to Consider Before Buying a Grout Sealer

All sealers are not equal. You should consider the following factors before buying a grout sealer.

Solvent-Based vs. Water-Based Sealers

Water-based sealers won’t penetrate beyond the surface and must be reapplied often since they don’t last as long. They are used in areas not exposed to too much water and thus unsuitable for your bathroom, showers, or tubs. These sealers also have low VOC levels, making them safe to use around young children and pets.

Solvent-based sealers will penetrate deeper beyond the surface. However, they are made using toxic chemicals and have high VOC levels. If you have small children or pets, make sure the surfaces are dry before they start running around the house again. You may also need to crack open the windows for proper ventilation. Unlike water-based sealers, solvent-based sealers don’t need to be reapplied as often.

Ease of Application

Some grout sealers include spray nozzles for easy application. Others come in large gallon containers, and you may need to use a roller-brush, paintbrush, artist brush, or sponge to apply. Make sure you choose a grout sealer that is easy to apply.

Colored or Colorless Sealer

Colorless sealers are more common and are preferred because they don’t alter the natural look of your grout. However, tinted formulas can also be good to spruce up the overall look. With a colored sealer, however, you may need to reapply often to maintain the color.

Odorless Sealers

Some grout sealers produce strong odors that take time to dissipate. Apart from being unpleasant, the smell can cause respiratory problems. Although it is difficult to find an odorless option, many produce only a slight odor that dissipates quickly.

Size of the Area

The amount of grout sealer you use will depend on the size of the area you want to seal. Smaller bottles will be adequate for smaller areas. But you may need to buy the large gallon containers if you want to cover large areas. The porosity of the surface will also determine how much you need. For instance, natural stones will require more than ceramic tiles due to their porous nature.

Durability

Some of the best grout sealers can last up to 5 years. Others are just a quick-fix solution and will require reapplication more often to be effective. A durable sealer saves you the trouble of resealing your grout regularly and saves you money in the long run.

Nature of the Surface

Not all sealers can be used for all materials. Some sealers can only be used on grout, while others will seal other surfaces, including natural stones, graphite, marble, and ceramic tiles. Make sure to use the correct sealer to avoid damaging the surface.

Price

Grout sealers are not costly but can be expensive if you require large amounts to cover an extensive area. A high price doesn’t necessarily mean high-quality. So don’t just consider price when buying a sealer.

Drying Time

You should also consider how long it takes the grout sealer to dry. Some sealers will take up to 72 hours to dry completely. They may not be favorable when you must use the space almost immediately. Ensure you give your sealant enough time to dry to avoid damaging it, thus rendering all your hard work useless.

Indoor vs. Outdoor application

Some grout sealers can be used indoors and outdoors, while others are only suited for indoor applications. The less durable options will not withstand the harsh conditions outside and are better suited for indoor use.

Conclusion

There are many grout sealers on the market, but finding the right product for your needs is easier said than done. We hope our reviews of the best grout sealers of the year and the comprehensive guide on what to consider before buying have made finding the perfect one for your needs less daunting.

Ultimately, the sealer you use will depend on your needs and personal preferences. However, if you want a durable grout sealer suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, consider the Miracle Sealants 511GAL4 511 Impregnator Sealer. If you need a brand that will not break the bank, the StoneTech Heavy Duty Grout Sealer will give you the best value for your money.