How to Clean Shower Tile and Grout

Shower tile and grout accumulate soap scum, mineral deposits, and mildew faster than almost any other surface in your home. The difference between a shower that looks grimy and one that looks clean comes down to a regular cleaning routine and knowing which tools actually work. Grout is porous and traps moisture, which makes it a magnet for discoloration—but it responds well to acid-based cleaners and proper scrubbing. Tile itself is forgiving; the real work is the grout lines. Done right, you'll have clear, bright grout that makes the whole bathroom feel fresher, and you'll prevent the deep staining that becomes nearly impossible to remove later.

1. Clear the Space First. Remove soap bottles, razors, and any items from the shower floor and shelves. Use a squeegee or old towel to wipe down the walls and floor, pushing water toward the drain. This step prevents your cleaning solution from being diluted immediately and makes it easier to see what you're working with. Leave the space as dry as possible before you start spraying.
2. Mix Your Weapon. Pour equal parts white vinegar and water into a spray bottle, or use a commercial bathroom cleaner designed for tile and grout. If you prefer a stronger solution for heavy buildup, use straight vinegar. For stubborn mildew stains that vinegar won't touch, mix baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste. Label your spray bottle if you're keeping it around. One spray bottle lasts most households through several cleanings.
3. Saturate Every Line. Aim your spray bottle at the grout lines, not the tile surface. Work from top to bottom so drips run downward naturally and you don't miss lower lines. Saturate each line so the solution pools slightly in the seams. Pay extra attention to corners, the base of the shower, and any lines that show visible mildew or discoloration. The acid in vinegar or the active ingredients in commercial cleaners need time to break down buildup.
4. Let Chemistry Work. Set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes and let the spray do the chemical work. You'll often see the grout lines visibly lighten during this time. If you're dealing with heavy mildew or years of buildup, let it sit longer—up to 30 minutes—but don't let it dry out completely. If it starts to dry, spray again lightly to keep the grout moist.
5. Attack the Grout Lines. Use a grout brush, an old toothbrush, or a small-bristled deck brush to scrub each grout line with firm, vertical strokes. Work section by section, using pressure to work the bristles into the seams. You should see dirt and buildup coming loose. For corners and narrow spaces, an old toothbrush is more precise. Keep rinsing your brush in clean water between sections so you're not just spreading dirty water around.
6. Coat the Tile Surface. Now spray your tile with the same vinegar solution or bathroom cleaner. Cover all visible tile surfaces, including the walls and floor. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. The tile itself is non-porous, so it needs less dwell time than grout. This step removes soap scum and hard water deposits from the tile face and prepares it for rinsing.
7. Wipe Tile Clean. Use a non-abrasive sponge, microfiber cloth, or soft brush to wipe the tile surface in downward strokes. You don't need the same pressure you used on grout—tile is harder and less porous. Wipe until you see no more soap residue or streaking. Flip to a clean side of your cloth or sponge often. One cloth can usually handle a small shower; larger bathrooms might need two.
8. Flush Everything Away. Use a handheld shower head or a bucket and sponge to rinse the entire shower, starting at the top and working downward. Make sure all cleaner residue, loose dirt, and suds are gone. Pay special attention to grout lines—any remaining vinegar or cleaner solution will leave white residue as it dries. Rinse the floor last, letting water flow toward the drain. You should need at least two passes to fully rinse.
9. Dry It Down. Use a squeegee or clean towel to remove standing water from tile and grout. This step prevents new mineral deposits from forming as water dries and helps the grout dry faster, which reduces mildew regrowth. Start at the top and work down, pushing water toward the drain. Hang your towel to dry immediately if you used it.
10. Banish the Moisture. Run the exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after cleaning, or open a window if you have one. This pulls remaining moisture from the air and from deep in the grout, which prevents mildew from establishing quickly. Keep the bathroom door open if possible to encourage airflow. This is especially important in climates with high humidity.