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Besides feeling icky grit when walking barefoot in your home, not mopping the floors can create health risks. Pollen, dirt, dust, and overall filth lead to allergen, bacteria, and even mold buildup, polluting your home and creating an unhygienic environment. You also risk damaging the floors due to stains and scratches with neglect. Lastly, your home will become less inviting due to odors from the lack of cleaning.

You want the bonding process to get started but not finish before wiping away newly applied grout. That process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Use a wet cloth or sponge to remove the grout, but keep in mind that it will continue to dry and cure. Drying and curing times vary by the type of grout, so read through the instructions to know when it’s safe to walk on or use the room in which you tiled.

You should not use caulk as a direct substitute for grout, but it can be used as a temporary solution to fix minor cracks. Caulk is more flexible and doesn't dry as hard as grout, making it suitable as a supplement or for small repairs. To do this, first remove the old, cracked grout using a grout or rotary saw. Then, apply a matching caulk to fill the cracks, smooth it out, and let it cure. The curing time will vary, so follow the manufacturer's instructions; a full cure can take up to 48 hours.

Grout lasts about eight to 20 years, depending on the type of grout and where it’s installed. Grout in high-moisture areas, like showers, may have a shorter life span. When grout reaches the end of its life span, it may look discolored or have missing pieces. Old grout can also cause some tiles to loosen, which is a sure sign that it’s time to regrout.