Definitely agree with millworkman - have some samples done before you make a final decision.

thank you @millworkman @Norwood Architects, yes I just spoke with GC and we will do the test.

Let's say after the test I still like Snow white --- will going 1 step darker to Alabaster, will the payoff be significant, in showing less grime and staining?

pongstress - I am always surprised by how many people select grout colors based upon how much easier it will be to clean the grout.

Two of my tile surrounds that have been torn out in the last couple years were 4x4 square white tile with white grout (from 1996). I had ZERO grout discoloration in either bathroom (or in my other shower surround that also had white grout). One of the bathrooms was shared by my two daughters - and they took over the cleaning of it (so, the tile/grout wasn't scrubbed as much as I would have done - but it still was white).

My understanding (based upon comments posted by experts on this forum) is that as long as you have the correct ventilation fan, you won't have issues with mildew/mold turning white grout ugly. I didn't even have discoloration on my caulking. There was a post in the past few weeks about this exact issue - and many pros commented that it was all related to the ventilation fan (and that it actually is used correctly = left on after the shower for several minutes = not turned off as soon as the person is finished showering).

My daughters were pretty good re: always turning on the fan (I guess I trained them correctly!)

All I know is that grout products today are better than those that existed back in 1996 - and since I had zero issues with white grout from back in 1996 - I selected the grout for my new surrounds based purely on aesthetics - not on whether a darker grout would be easier to keep clean (one shower surround has Bedrosian Cloe White tile - while it still took me longer than it should have to select the color of the grout - it wasn't due to worrying about keeping the grout clean - it was whether to use the whitest white or a white that was a bit less stark).

With respect to a shower floor - maybe there is a difference re: light grout staining due to people having really dirty feet OR the shower pan not being built correctly = water sitting in the pan instead of draining correctlyI?) I suspect the latter - however, I didn't have issues with the light grout used on my custom tiled shower pan in my primary bedroom. The shower pan in my guest bath was a solid surface material + my daughters' bathroom was a tub/shower combination = no grout.

Personally, I would select the grout color that you think looks the best with your tile.

Have him set 4 or 6 tile on a pc of plywood and use the actual grout, that's what I meant. Only way to fly.

@dani_m08 - I appreciate your input! Thank you for taking time to write and explain. You answered my question! While I will still do the board test, I can now choose Snow White if I like the result of the test, and rest easy.

I have installed a Panasonic Whisper Warm fan, and will be turning it on during and after the shower.

The bathroom that got demo'ed, I had installed a Panasonic fan and used it heavily; however the shower pan was leaking so there was mold on the caulk at the bottom.

I see what you say about the shower pan. It seems unavoidable to have grouts close to the drain hole to be permanently darker than the rest of the floor grout. That's what I see in majority of showers.

I was willing to compromise on the look of the grout by a shade or two, but at the same time, I was skeptical. If I settle for a touch darker grout, and grout discolors, discoloration won't happen uniformly - (see the shower pan wet stained grout example above) - so overall it still won't be a great look. it "may" be just a smidgen less noticeable, but hardly worth the trade off.

@dani_m08 I debated Cloe and Makoto for quite some time! I hope you love your new-ish bathroom. pictures? ☺️

I have had white grout for DECADES!! It hasn't had any attention beyond normal spray wipe of shower walls. every week.

You use a FAN,,,,,,beyond when bathroom use is finished. You let it run a while and you leave the door open!

I simply do not understand this grungy grout issue. Darkening around the drain? That's half assed cleaning. for which you may need the scrub brush, and Bar Keepers Friend.

I have lived in homes where the water makes a tinge to the grout - hard water, iron in the water, I don't know. It can be cleaned but man it is a PITA. I also use non-toxic cleaners that require tons of elbow grease and don't ever make things sparkling white. So I do hear your concern. If you vent as others have advised and a religious about cleaning every nook and cranny with enough chemicals or oomph, then go for white grout. I used grey grout on my floors because I wasn't willing to fight that battle. On my wall and shower tile it has not been as much of a problem.

"NON toxic " cleaners clean nothing well, and require four times the elbow grease. Sad but true. Open your windows.....and if you are sensitive and everything kills you one way or another? Hire it out.

Me? I just blast the grime, and open the windows when I clean, as my gram did. You could eat one her floors, she cleaned a high school until she was 65 and she lived to 97. Toxic all the way........: )