Do I have to seal tiles and grout?

Not all tile and grout require sealing. Glazed tiles are coated with a liquid glass, which is baked into the surface of the tile by the manufacturer. You should only seal cement-based grout, which is extremely porous and can harbor dirt, mold, mildew and bacteria. However, epoxy, urethane and other types of synthetic grouts do not need to be sealed.

Why should I seal tiles and grout?

The primary reason for sealing non-glazed tile and grout is to keep it looking fresh and clean. Non-sealed tile and grout will get grimy and stained over time, requiring a lot of scrubbing and sometimes even replacement to look good again.