Cementitious grout, which is commonly used in residential homes, typically takes 48 to 72 hours before it is ready to be used. Epoxy-based grouts require a bit less time, but both need to dry before they are sealed.
The Temperature And Humidity Of Your Area Will Affect How Long For Grout To Cure
You can help speed up the drying process by keeping a room warm and dry. Using fans can also help circulate air.
Tiling is a big project, and one of the best things you can do to protect your investment is to wait for the grout to cure properly before walking on it or exposing it to moisture. Not only can exposing your new tiles to water and dirt too early weaken the grout, but it can also cause a lot of problems that will need to be addressed later on.
Ideally, you should not expose your newly-grouted tile to any foot traffic for 24 hours or more after you apply the grout. This way, the grout will fully dry and stay pristine for years to come.
For example, if your bathroom is being renovated and you’re working on the floors, move your furniture to another room or floor so that you don’t increase foot traffic. This is especially helpful if you’re tiling in an area that is highly traveled, such as the kitchen.