How Long Does Grout Take to Dry? What professionals say

Grout can make your bathroom or kitchen look amazing, but it can sometimes be a pain to apply. How long does grout take to dry? And, more importantly, how long do you have to wait before you can start using the shower again?

Grout takes anywhere between 24 and 72 hours to dry completely. This usually depends on the type of grout used, the weather, and the humidity levels in your home. So, if you’re in a hurry to get that shower back up and running, use a pre-mixed grout.

This article will help you understand the different types of grout, how long they take to dry, and some tips on how to speed up the process.

Why Does Grout Take So Long to Dry?

Grout is a type of mortar used to fill in the gaps between tiles. It’s usually made of cement, water, and sand and comes in various colors. 

Once it dries, grout forms a waterproof seal that prevents water from seeping through the cracks and into your subfloor. It also helps to keep tiles in place and provides a finished look to your floors.

Grout takes up to 72 hours to dry because it’s made of cement, a material that needs time to set and harden. That’s why it’s important to follow the instructions on the grout package and to allow the grout to dry completely before applying a sealer or wetting the tiled surface.

You don’t need to water the grout like you would with a cement project. It is specially formulated to set without the need for water, so all you have to do is apply it and let it dry. In fact, too much water can weaken grout and make it more susceptible to cracks.

How to Make Grout Dry Faster

If you’re in a hurry to use the shower, you can do a few things to speed up the drying process.

• Open windows: Open all the windows and doors in your bathroom to allow good ventilation.
• Use a fan or air conditioner: Turn on the fan or air conditioner to help circulate the air and dry out the grout faster.
• Don’t use heaters: Avoid using heaters or hair dryers as they slow down the drying process.

Tip: I have found that pre-mixed grout dries faster than traditional grout because it doesn’t contain any water. Just apply it according to the instructions, and you should be able to use the shower within 12 hours.

When Can I Use the Shower After Applying Grout?

As I mentioned, grout needs time to dry completely before you can use the shower. You should wait at least 24 hours, but it’s recommended to wait for 72 hours. This will give the grout plenty of time to set and harden and help prevent any cracks or damage.

It is a good idea not to grout all your bathrooms at the same time. That way, you’ll always have a place to shower while the grout dries in the other bathroom.

Types of Grout and When to Use Them

There are three main types of grout: cementitious, epoxy grout, and furan resin grout. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your project.

• Cementitious grout. This is the most common type of grout used in bathrooms. It’s made of cement, water, and sand and comes in various colors. Once it dries, cementitious grout forms a waterproof seal that prevents water from seeping through the cracks and into your home. It takes about 72 hours to dry, especially if it’s not premixed.
• Epoxy grout. This is a newer type of grout that’s becoming more popular in bathrooms. It’s made of epoxy resin and doesn’t require any water to set. Epoxy grout is also waterproof and stain-resistant, making it a good choice for areas prone to mold and mildew. It takes approximately 24 hours to dry.
• Furan resin grout. This is another type of grout that’s growing in popularity. It’s made of hardened furan resin, and it comes in a wide variety of colors. Furan resin grout is also stain-resistant and waterproof. It needs about 24 hours to dry.

Maintaining Your Grout

One of the best things about grout is that it’s easy to clean and maintain. Just use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any dirt or debris, and you’re good to go.

However, cementitious grout can be susceptible to stains, so it’s important to be careful with what you use around it. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the grout and make it more difficult to clean.

If you get a stain on your grout, you can try scrubbing the stain with a toothbrush using a mild bleach solution or a grout cleaner.

Clean the grout as soon as you notice a stain for the best result. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove.

● Tips for Repairing Cracked or Broken Grout

If you have cracked or broken grout, there are a few things you can do to repair it. You can start by using a grout sealer to fill in any cracks or gaps. You can also use caulk to fill in larger gaps or holes.

If the damage is too severe, you may need to replace the grout entirely. Just remove the old grout with a grout saw or utility knife, and then apply the new grout to the area.

Remember: it’s always best to repair grout as soon as you notice the damage. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will become.

Wrapping Up

The time your grout takes to dry will depend on the type of grout you use, the weather, and the temperature of your bathroom. Cementitious grout usually takes 72 hours to dry completely, while epoxy grout can take up to 24 hours.

Once the grout is dry, you can use the shower as usual. Just be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the grout.