Knowing how to clean a shower curtain can save you the hassle and expense of buying a new one – not to mention it’s the most sustainable thing you can do. With regular use, stains can quickly develop on shower curtains and liners, resulting in black and orange discoloration and an unpleasant odor.
These stains form because the shower curtain is regularly exposed to soap scum as well as a damp, damp atmosphere, which can lead to mold, mildew, and even limescale. The good news is that you don’t need to throw it in the trash just because it’s plastic. It is indeed possible to clean a shower curtain; in fact, it might be less effort than having to remove limescale from a glass shower door. Here we tell you what to do step by step. Here’s how to clean a shower curtain.
Before attempting to clean your shower curtain, you should check its care label to see if it is machine or hand wash only.
How to clean a shower curtain if it’s machine washable
What you will need
Towels
Laundry
Baking soda
Distilled white vinegar (optional)
Bleach (optional)
Microfiber cloth
1. Load your washer — Remove the shower curtain and liner from the hooks and place them in your empty washing machine. (Need a new one? Check out our picks for the best washing machines.) You’ll also want to make sure no one needs to use the shower for the next few hours before doing so.
2. Regroup the load — Add a few towels to the load to even out the weight — this will prevent your shaking washing machine. The abrasiveness of the extra towels will also help remove stains.
3. Add your usual detergent — Biological detergent is best if you’re dealing with tough stains, along with ½ cup baking soda. You can also add ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra cleaning power. (Here’s why baking soda and vinegar are so good at cleaning.)
If you have a lot of mold, you can also add ½ cup bleach and reduce your detergent to about ¼ cup. Bleach is very effective against mildew, but your curtains will need to be white or sheer to avoid damage.
4. Wash your shower curtain — Run a gentle cycle using the highest temperature allowed on the care label (it will likely be cool if washing plastic and hot if washing a fabric shower curtain).
There’s no need to wring out at the end if you’re washing a plastic shower curtain, as it doesn’t hold water, although you may want to spin the towels separately.
If your shower curtain is made from a soft fabric, like cotton, follow the care label for the recommended spin cycle.
5. Dry your shower curtain — Shake out your shower curtain and liner and hang up to dry. Remember to let it dry in a spread out and open position. If you’re washing a fabric shower curtain, you may be able to tumble dry it to speed up the process. see care label for advice.
How to clean a shower curtain by hand
1. Use a damp microfiber cloth — If you’re dealing with light stains, you should be able to remove them with a damp microfiber cloth dusted with baking soda.
2. Start scrubbing — Scrub the stains to gradually remove them then rinse the shower curtain with a damp microfiber cloth.
3. Repeat and dry — Repeat as needed and air dry or tumble dry if care label allows.
If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn stains, you can also hand wash the shower curtain in a tub filled with warm water, ¼ cup baking soda, and a few drops of detergent. Rub with a microfiber cloth then rinse and hang to dry. If you’re using this method on a fabric shower curtain, be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible before drying.
And that’s it: your shower curtain should be as clean as the day you bought it. Remember that stains can always be removed – you shouldn’t need to buy a new shower curtain unless it’s damaged.
How to clean shower curtain rings
Your shower curtain being out of service, why not take the time to clean the rings? Humidity can also cause stains to appear on them.
Fill your sink with warm water and add a cup of distilled white vinegar. Then remove the rings and let them sit in the solution while your curtain is washed. When the time is up, rinse and scrub the rings with a microfiber cloth and you’re done.
How often should I wash my shower curtain?
Ideally, you should clean your plastic shower curtain or liner every 1-2 months, although this will vary depending on your bathroom traffic and ventilation. Fabric shower curtains will need to be cleaned less regularly. If you notice stains or it starts to smell, it needs a cleaning.
How can I prevent a moldy shower curtain?
- Let your bathroom air out after each shower by opening doors and windows.
- You should also lay the shower curtain on the rail to help it dry rather than leaving it in a ball.
- A die best dehumidifiers can also help keep humidity levels low in your bathroom.
- If you want to prevent mildew, you can also spray your plastic shower curtain daily with a solution of distilled white vinegar and water.
Looking for more bathroom cleaning tips? Check out our guide on how to clean a glass shower door, as well as how to unclog a shower drain and unclog a clogged toilet. We also have 15 water saving tips to lower your bill.
Your bathroom isn’t the only room in your home; Here’s how to clean every room in your home.