How to Clean a Shower Curtain
Clean your shower curtain every one to three months to combat mildew growth and bacteria. You can clean most shower curtains by running them through the washing machine and allowing them to air dry.
Washing a shower curtain is an often overlooked task, and it’s easy to see why. Most of us don’t realize we need to clean it until there’s noticeable mildew or yellowing.
Here’s how to clean a shower curtain and liner to keep your bathroom looking clean and sanitized.
Do Shower Curtains Carry Germs?
If you’re looking for a reason to stay on top of shower curtain cleaning, a 2021 study by SafeHome.org found that the average shower curtain harbors 60 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat.
Shower curtains ranked number one for bathroom germs, followed by shower floors and toothbrush handles.
How to Clean a Fabric Shower Curtain
Most fabric shower curtains are machine washable. Check the label to be sure, then follow these steps:
- Start the washing machine with warm water on the regular cycle
- Add ½ cup of baking soda and your usual laundry detergent to the washer
- Place the shower curtain and two towels in the washer (the towels help with the scrubbing action)
- After the washing machine finishes, air-dry the curtain by hanging it on its rod
How to hand wash your shower curtain: If you don’t have a washing machine, fill your bathtub with warm water, add ½ cup of baking soda, and a couple of drops of laundry detergent. Swirl the mixture and then submerge the shower curtain.
Let the shower curtain sit for 15 minutes, then wash it by hand, scrubbing with a sponge or soft cloth when needed. Rinse with fresh water, wring out excess moisture, and air dry by hanging it back on its rod.
How to Clean a Plastic Shower Curtain
If you have a plastic shower curtain, you can wash it in the washing machine, but you’ll need to use cold water. Here’s what to do:
- Start the washing machine with cold water on the regular cycle
- Add ½ cup of baking soda and your regular laundry detergent to the washer
- Place the shower curtain along with two towels in the washing machine (the towels help with scrubbing action)
- After the washing machine finishes, wipe excess water with a fresh towel and air-dry the curtain
How to Wash a Shower Curtain Liner in the Washing Machine
You can clean a shower curtain liner in the washing machine. Doing so can save you the $10-$15 it costs to replace it.
It’s important to wash your shower curtain liner before it’s full of mold. While a bit of mold or mildew buildup is okay, you’re better off replacing a liner with a heavy build-up.
Here’s how to wash your shower curtain liner in the washing machine:
- Start the washing machine with cold water on the regular cycle
- Add ½ cup of baking soda and a gentle laundry detergent to the washer
- Place the shower curtain line along with two towels in the washer (the towels help with scrubbing action)
- After the washing machine finishes, towel dry the liner and then hang it on its rod to air dry
How to Wash a Shower Curtain Liner by Hand
If you don’t want to place your shower curtain liner in the washing machine, you can wash it by hand. You’ll need white distilled vinegar, water, a spray bottle, and a scrub brush.
- Fill a spray bottle with half white distilled vinegar and half water
- Spray the shower curtain liner, concentrating on mold and mildew
- Scrub the liner with your brush
- Repeat on problem areas
- Wipe dry
The acid content in the vinegar will break down stains and kill mold spores.
How to Clean Your Shower Curtain Rod and Rings
Clean your shower curtain rod and rings by spraying them with a mix of half-white distilled vinegar and half water. Wipe with a microfiber cloth after spraying them.
Tips for Keeping Your Shower Curtain Clean
- To kill mold on your shower curtain and liner without using bleach, spray it with undiluted vinegar.
- If you cannot get the mold off your shower curtain, even after washing and scrubbing, it’s time for a replacement.
- You can prolong the longevity of your shower curtain and liner by washing them once per month.
- When you clean your shower, mist the liner with your tub and tile cleaner and wipe dry.