7 Best Grout Sealers for Shower in 2023 Tested & Reviewed

If you have laid tiles in your shower then it is important to use the grout sealer on top of your existing grout line.

Indeed, the grout sealer will prevent your grout from degrading over time and help keep it look clean whether it is one-day or 10 years from now.

Additionally, the grout sealer makes your existing grout fully waterproof as well as more durable. But which type of grout sealer to choose?

If you are fresh on the market for the best grout sealer, we have handpicked a few good sealers that are particularly intended for use in showers. Let’s see which one you need to purchase right now!

7 Things To Check Before Buying Grout Sealer for Shower

If you want to find the best grout sealer for the money, here are some important factors to look for.

1. Surface

Both the surface as well as the surface area is important when purchasing the grout sealer. If you have to apply sealer to a larger surface area, then it is recommended to go with a gallon size grout sealer.

The manufacturer should be able to tell how much surface their product is able to cover. A typical grout sealer should be able to cover anywhere from 1000 square feet to 4000 square feet per gallon.

2. Penetrating or Non-penetrating Grout Sealer

Basically, there are 2 types of grout sealer on the market. Penetrating and non-penetrating.

– Penetrating Grout Sealer

As its name suggests, the penetrating grout sealer penetrates deep into pores of the grout line as it mixes with the grout.

This type of grout sealer is very effective in combating mold and will help keep your tiles look clean and brand-new for years. Moreover, the lifetime of the penetrating grout sealer is estimated to be anywhere from 10 years to 15 years.

– Non-penetrating Grout Sealer

On the other hand, the non-penetrating grout sealer works pretty much the same way as paint. It is a layer of transparent sealer that solidifies on top of the existing grout in the grout line.

One of the best advantages of the non-penetrating sealer is its long lifetime, much longer than the penetrating grout sealer. Indeed, this type of grout sealer is extremely durable and long-lasting.

However, the major caveat of the non-penetrating ground sealer is that it is very hard to remove.

3. Oil or Water Resistant

In addition to being penetrating and non-penetrating, the grout sealer is also either oil resistant or water resistant.

It is quite rare to get the grout sealer that is both oil and water resistant at the same time. Your choice between oil and water resistance will depend on your application.

For showers, the waters resistant ground sealer is the preferred type because you need your grout line to be fully water resistant.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a general-purpose grout sealer then you can safely go with an oil-based ground sealer.

4. Effectiveness

One of the most important aspects of the grout sealer is effectiveness.

Indeed, you want your ground sealer to perform its task of protecting the grout line as well as preventing the formation of mildew and mold.

Not all grout sealers are created equal and some are superior to others.

In our grout sealer for shower review above, we have handpicked a few highly effective sealers that are worth the investment.

5. Longevity

Moreover, you need your grout sealer to be long-lasting and durable. In most cases, a grout sealer should last you at least 3 years if you choose to go with a penetrating ground sealer.

If you need a longer lasting sealer, that it is recommended to go with a non-penetrating ground sealer because this type of sealer has been proven to last longer than 15 years.

As a matter of fact, sealers like the Miracles Sealants 511 Impregnator are champions of longevity because this sealer will provide your grout line no less than 20 years of protection.

6. Grout Color

Some grout sealers have a color added to them for aesthetic look. If you want to change the color of your grout line, this is an excellent type of grout sealer to buy.

On the other hand, if your grout is already colored and you just want to make the colors pop, you can go with a transparent grout sealer that will give the grout line a wet and attractive look.

7. Food Safe

For your safety, as well as the safety of others, especially small children, it is important to ensure that the grout sealer is food safe.

A food safe grout sealer will also not cause irritation to the skin, especially when it comes in contact with water.

How to Apply a Grout Sealer for Shower

Applying the grout sealer is extremely easy. Here is a stepwise manner on how to proceed with the job.

Step 1: Clean the Tiles

First and foremost, you need to ensure that the tiles, as well as the grout lines, are clean. This would allow for a better adhesion and a faster curing time of the grout sealer.

You can clean the tiles with a wet sponge or by gently brushing with a brush and water. Additionally, go through each grout line with a wet cloth so that it is free of dust and debris.

While you do so, make sure that the room is well ventilated so that the grout sealer can cure faster and more naturally.

Step 2: Apply the Grout Sealer to the Grout

If you are using a grout applicator with a bottle and roller top, then fill up the bottle with the grout sealer.

Afterward, roll the applicator wheels on the grout line in such a way that it fills each grout line with the sealer. Keep doing so until you have filled all the grout lines.

Step 3: Clean the Tile Again

Once you have applied the grout sealer, your ceramic tiles should be dirty and covered with the haze which is a typical effect of the grout sealer that has started to evaporate and cure.

You will need to clean it as quickly as possible so as to prevent the grout sealer from drying on the tile which will then be very difficult to remove.

Again, you can use a wet sponge or a wet cloth to clean the tiles. Avoid using too much water in this step as it may erode the grout sealer from the grout line.

Step 4: Allow It to Cure

Allow the grout sealer to cure. The sealer manufacturer should mention the amount of time it takes for their sealer to cure.

Once it has cured, it should be as solid as cement. Use a dry paper towel to buff your ceramic tile surface again and remove any haze that remains.

7 Best Grout Sealers Reviewed

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Miracles Sealants 511 Impregnator (Best Overall)	Long-lasting protection of 20 years Flexible. It can be used in a wide range of surfaces Decent coverage of 1,000 to 4,000 square feet It can safely be used around pets and children
	2. Rocklinite Labs Tuff Duck (Flexible & Easy to Use)	Flexible. It can be purchased as a gallon or as a spray Easy to use by beginners The sealer bottle can easily be stored It will not damage your tile
	3. Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold (Perfectly Food Safe)	Uses a 100% food-safe formula Choose a rapidly in 48 hours or less It will not discolor the grout line
	4. StoneTech Heavy Duty Grout Sealer (Protects Against Stains)	Protects against water and oil-based stains Provides a beautiful finish to your grout line It will not discolor or damage the surface
	5. Aqua Mix Grout Sealer (Repels Mildew & Kills Bacteria)	2-in-1 protection against mildew and bacteria Easy to apply by beginners Thick and does not need multiple coats
	6. Stella Sealants Ultra Dry 70 (Affordable & Good Value)	Affordable and value for money Fast curing time of 24 hours or less Decent coverage of 3,000 square feet per gallon
	7. Eliminate Grout (Does Not Emit Bad Odors)	It does not emit any bad odors The spray bottle is easy to use Long-lasting protection against mold and mildew

1. Miracles Sealants 511 Impregnator (Best Overall)

Photo: Miracles Sealants

The Miracles Sealants 511 is a popular grout sealer used in many homes. This product uses a special formula where the sealer penetrates deep into the grout and provides a long-lasting protection. In fact, the manufacturer claims that this grout sealer is able to protect the grout for up to 20 years.

Moreover, this product is food safe, so it is not toxic and children can safely play in the shower without the risk of contamination.

In addition, this grout sealer has excellent coverage as 1 gallon will easily cover 1,000 to 4,000 square feet. The container is also very easy to handle due to its ergonomic design.

Best, you can use this grout sealer on a wide range of surfaces, ranging from quartz to natural stone.

All in all, this grout sealer is definitely the best grout sealer for the shower as it is long-lasting, has a big coverage, as well as will make your grout fully waterproof.

The only issue we have with this sealer is that it is a bit pricey. The price could definitely have been a little better.

Notes: Since this grout sealer dries very quickly, you need to be careful during application as it will be extremely difficult to remove on the tile surface.

Pros:

• Very durable. Able to last up to 20 years
• Flexible. Can be used in a wide range of surfaces from natural stone to quartz, in addition to grout
• Excellent coverage. One gallon can cover 1,000 to 4,000 square feet
• Food safe. Can be used around pets and children

Cons:

• The price of this grout sealer could have been a little bit more competitive
• Very difficult to remove if it dries on the tile during application. Needs regular cleaning

2. Rocklinite Labs Tuff Duck (Flexible and Easy to Use)

Photo: Tuff Duck

The Tuff Duck is a flexible and easy to use grout sealer that can be purchased either as a 22 oz spray bottle or as a gallon. If you choose to go with a gallon, this product will give you 3,200 square feet per gallon coverage which is excellent.

Moreover, the spray bottle is extremely easy to use and if you have never used a grout sealer before, or if you need a small amount of sealer for a small surface area, then this is the model to get. You can safely store this sealer for future use.

In addition, the formula used in this grout sealer will penetrate deep into the grout for protection. 

A few caveats we have with this grout sealer is that it does not work well with colored grout as it has the tendency to discolor the grout line. Additionally, if you use this grout sealer outdoors then you will only get 3 years of protection. It could have been longer.

However, if you have a grout that is light in color and needs protection, then this product is one of the best bathroom grout sealers that you can buy.

Notes: It is recommended to apply this grout sealer in a well-ventilated room as it has a bad odor that will last for a few hours until it cures.

Pros:

• Flexible. Available as both a gallon or a spray bottle
• The spray bottle is very easy to use
• This sealer bottle can safely be stored for future use
• Uses a non-acid formula. Will not damage your tile

Cons:

• Does not work well on dark or deep colored grout
• Only 3 years of protection if used outdoors

3. Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold (Perfectly Food Safe)

Photo: Aqua Mix

This Aqua Mix product is a top-rated grout sealer used by both amateur and professionals for sealing shower grout. One of the good things about this product is that it is food safe, so it can technically be used anywhere, even in places like the kitchen.

In addition, it uses a water-based formula that sinks deep into the grout and will not discolor it. This is a big problem with acidic formulas that tend to discolor the grout. Moreover, this sealer cures very rapidly in less than 48 hours with a clean and natural look.

If you’re looking for a grout sealer that cues very rapidly, then this is an excellent choice.

The only issue we have with this sealer is that you may require multiple coats to get the desired protection. This is because it is quite thin.

Notes: This grout sealer can leave a haze if you do not clean the surface regularly. We recommend you keep a sponge and water handy to clean the surface every minute or so to prevent the sealer from curing on the surface.

Pros:

• Fully food safe. Can be used anywhere, including the kitchen
• Cures rapidly in less than 48 hours
• Water-based formula. Does not damage or discolor the grout

Cons:

• This sealer is thin. You may need multiple coats to get a decent finish

4. StoneTech Heavy Duty Grout Sealer (Protects Against Stains)

Photo: StoneTech

The StoneTech is one of the most versatile and top-rated grout sealers for shower. Indeed, this sealer will protect your grout line against any oil or water-based stains. This will ensure that you get a cleaner tile for a longer period of time.

Furthermore, you can purchase this model in multiple sizes to suit your need. Clearly, this grout sealer focuses on quality rather than quantity.

Indeed, even if it is a bit more expensive when compared to the competition, the finish of this grout sealer is simply superb. It can be used on a wide range of surfaces, from quartz to granite.

Additionally, the water-based formula used in this grout sealer offers excellent resistance not only to water but also to oil stains as well.

The only caveat is that despite being one of the best bathroom grout sealers on the market, it does not have a large coverage when compared to other models.

It is limited to only 1,000 square feet coverage. Therefore, this grout sealer is intended for those who have a small bathroom and do not need a big quantity of grout sealer.

Notes: This grout sealer is superior when compared to other sealers, and you should apply this sealer generously to get a shiny and mirror-like finish.

Pros:

• Protects the grout line against water and oil-based stains
• Cures with an excellent finish
• Flexible. Available in different sizes to fit your need
• Water-based formula. Does not damage the grout or surface during application

Cons:

• Weak coverage. Able to cover only 1,000 square feet per gallon

5. Aqua Mix Grout Sealer (Repels Mildew and Kills Bacteria)

Photo: Aqua Mix

This Aqua Mix product is another top-rated grout sealer that has up to 5 years durability. It uses a water-based formula that will repel any mildew formation as well as kill bacteria.

Also, it will repel any water-based as well as oil based contaminants, so it is a great 2-in-1 sealer. You definitely get a lot of value for your money with this sealer.

But one of the best things is that you do not have to use many coatings to get a decent effect.

Since the sealer is quite thick, especially when compared to the competition, you do not have to use much. Moreover, it dries a relatively fast and should cure completely in 24 hours or less.

The only caveats we have is that it does not have a big coverage like others showcased in this grout sealer for shower review. Also, the bottle may leak easily if the cap is not closed properly.

However, with its 400 to 1,200 square feet coverage, it is still pretty decent and more than enough for most people. Especially those who need to seal a small bathroom.

Pros:

• Excellent resistance to oil-based as well as water-based contaminants
• Easy to apply by beginners
• Thicker when compared to the competition. Does not need multiple coats

Cons:

• Weak coverage
• The bottle may leak easily

6. Stella Sealants Ultra Dry 70 (Best Affordable)

Photo: Stella Sealants

The Stella Sealants is sold in different sizes to suit your need and purpose. The 16 oz spray bottle is by far the easiest to use and also the most affordable of all the offerings in this review.

But for more convenience, you have the possibility to purchase this sealer in larger quantities, up to 5 gallons if you require that much.

Additionally, this is a water-based grout sealer that is perfectly food safe. You can safely use this sealer around pets and children, no problem. It will also provide your grout line with a shiny and durable layer of protection that will last for years.

Since this water-based formula is quite thin, you will need at least 2 coats to get a good protection. Curing time is also quite small at 24 hours which is excellent.

All in all, if you’re looking for a flexible and yet simple to use grout sealer and grout cleaner, the Stella Sealants is one of the best grout sealers for shower that you can currently buy.

Notes: When freshly applying the sealer, you need to keep children and pets away as it is toxic. However, once it cures it becomes perfectly safe.

Pros:

• Affordable and value for money
• Flexible. Available in different sizes to suit your need
• Fast curing time of 24 hours or less
• Excellent coverage of 3,000 square feet per gallon

Cons:

• This grout sealer is toxic before it cures

7. Eliminate Grout (Does Not Emit Bad Odors)

Photo: Eliminate 

This grout sealer is another extremely easy to use the product. It comes in a spray bottle and does not emit any bad odors that you normally get with other tire sealers.

Another good thing about this grout sealer is definitely its ability to block mold and mildew formation.

Further, due to the formula used, it can also be used to remove existing mildew formations as well, so it’s a good grout cleaner too.

In addition, once this product cures, it will also protect your grout line and surface with a durable and long-lasting transparent layer.

All in all, this product is one of the best grout sealers for shower if you need a small amount of grout sealer for a small bathroom.

The only problem we have with it is that you get only 25 oz of sealer. This is not a lot and only intended for sealing small surfaces.

Notes: This grout sealer is versatile and can also be used to remove mildew and mold from tile surfaces. In addition, it will also further provide protection for those surfaces.

Pros:

• Does not contain any bad odors or smell
• Comes as a spray bottle. Very easy to use
• Provides long-lasting protection against mildew and mold formation

Cons:

• Contains only 25 oz of grout sealer

Conclusion

As we have seen, you need to apply a grout sealer on the grout of your shower tiles to prevent it from accumulating dust and make it fully waterproof.

If you need a long-lasting protection, then check out the Miracles Sealants 511 Impregnator. It will last at least 20 years and it has a decent coverage as well.

But if you are simply looking for a very affordable grout sealer for a small area, then the Stella Sealants Ultra Dry 70 is an excellent choice.