Different Ways to Clean a Shower Curtain

How to clean a shower curtain

You may not always instantly notice that your shower curtain is unclean until that absolute soap scum begins creeping more and farther up it. While removing a shower curtain of its rings can be challenging for cleaning, it is well worth the trouble. Showers are a favorite hiding place for germs, and black mold and orange mildew make your home appear bad and harm the air quality.

Thankfully, there are numerous straightforward techniques for cleaning them; battling with its rings could be the most challenging step. Start by forming healthy post-shower behaviors. Keep on reading to learn how to keep your shower curtain clean.

How to clean a shower curtain

How Frequently Should a Shower Curtain Be Cleaned?

Include a fast cleaning of the shower curtain, paying particular attention to the curtain liner, in your weekly to-do list. Spray, rinse, and wipe after spraying with a vinegar solution. Regular cleaning prevents the growth of soap scum on shower liners, as well as mildew and mold.

Wash both the inner and exterior curtain more thoroughly once or twice every month.

Cleaning a Shower Curtain Without Taking It Off

You can use a vinegar mixture to clean a shower curtain if you’re short on time and do not want to pull the curtain down. The vinegar can help break away mildew and soap scum which has accumulated on the curtain.

Step #1: Prepare the cleaning mixture

In a spray bottle, combine one part vinegar with four parts water. The curtain should span the entire rod.

Step #2: Spray the mixture on your curtain

Spray the mixture on the curtain, paying special attention to the side that falls into the tub, and thoroughly saturate it.

Step #3: Thoroughly rinse before drying

From top to bottom, thoroughly rinse your shower curtain using warm water. Allow it to air dry.

Cleaning a shower curtain in washing machine

Cleaning a Shower Curtain in the Washing Machine

The majority of shower curtains, as well as liners, may be washed in a washing machine. Prior to bringing them to your laundry area, however, make sure to check the label of the curtain for any further instructions.

Shower Liners

When washing the liner, you have to include some towels. The towels will assist in absorbing some water throughout the washing process. Instead of putting the shower curtain in the dryer, use a cold water cycle and allow it to dry naturally.

Put 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar in the rinse cycle to provide further mildew defense.

Fabric Shower Curtain

The majority of fabric shower curtains can be washed in the washing machine with other clothes. Check the tag and adhere to any manufacturer’s recommendations. It is best to use the gentlest cycle and the highest water level. To prevent damage, wash your curtain and other clothes in warm water with mild soap. Forget the dryer and allow the curtain to air dry, just like with a liner.

Plastic Shower Curtains

If you are unsure if it is safe to clean a plastic shower curtain in the washer, the answer is yes! Utilize cold water and, similar to the plastic liner, add a couple of towels to the water to prevent wrinkles.

Cleaning a Shower Curtain by Hand

Some say washing the curtain by hand is the safest way to clean it. This can be true only if you know how to wash it properly by hand. Follow the steps below to learn how.

Step #1: Fill your tub with warm water

The curtain liner should be removed from the rod and placed in a warm water-filled tub. 

Step #2: Add laundry detergent and baking soda

Add a small amount of laundry detergent and 1/4 cup of baking soda to the tub. Stir it with a gentle hand motion until suds appear.

Step #3: Wash the curtain

Using both your hands, wash the curtain well, especially the areas with discoloration.

Step #4: Thoroughly rinse before drying

From top to bottom, thoroughly rinse your curtain using warm water. Allow it to air dry.

cleaning shower curtain rings

Keep the Shower Curtain Rings Clean Too!

Take a moment to clean your curtain rings as well as the rod while the curtains are being taken down.

You probably won’t need anything more than a damp rag, but if there are any stubborn stains, an all-purpose cleaner made specifically for the material of your rod and rings will work.

moldy shower curtain

How to Eliminate Mold and Mildew on your Shower Curtain

Bleach may be the ideal option for cleaning a moldy plastic shower curtain.  Utilizing bleach as your washing solution is highly recommended if you especially want to destroy mold spores or eliminate mildew. Hang the plastic curtain right back to dry upon cleaning.

Constantly keep in mind that the warmth and humidity of a bathroom can cause mold or mildew to form on shower curtain liners and that this must be dealt with to prevent health problems.

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