Whether made of fabric or plastic, cleaning the shower curtains ensures that you have a properly maintained and hygienic bathroom.
Even though they are inexpensive and simple to replace, doing so frequently can accumulate over time and have negative environmental effects. When they start to show wear, think about cleaning them rather than throwing them away – it's usually easier than you might imagine!
The buildup of soap scum, grime, and mildew on both kinds of shower curtains can be unsightly and take away from the aesthetics of your bathroom.
Using a few basic tips and techniques will make cleaning your shower curtain a breeze; handling the rings might be the most difficult aspect! We'll give you thorough instructions in this blog on how to maintain the clean, welcoming appearance of your fabric and plastic shower curtains and liners.
A Quick Fix
Let’s look at something simpler at first – an easier formula to keep your bathroom curtains clean, this is a good hack without taking the curtains off. This applies only if you're in a rush and need to freshen up your shower in between deep cleanings.
What you need to do is, fill a spray bottle with one part white vinegar and four parts water. Spray the vinegar solution onto the shower curtain from the tub side after closing it so that it covers the entire length of the tub or stall.
Mold and soap scum can be broken down with the aid of vinegar – use a brush or sponge to scrub away soap residue, dirt, and bacteria that cause odors from particularly dirty areas at the bottom of the curtain.
Lastly, what you can do is, use a bucket of water, a watering can, or a handheld showerhead to rinse the shower curtain and liner from top to bottom. While rinsing, make sure the curtain remains in the tub – this is to eliminate any remaining smells and to ensure proper drying, keep the curtain closed and fully extended.
Best Tips to Clean Your Shower Curtains
Essential Supplies for Cleaning Your Shower Curtains
Cleaning your shower curtains at least once a month is a must-do thing to maintain the hygiene of your bathroom.
Frequent use can cause mold and bacteria to grow, so cleanings must be done once a month to avoid buildup.
What Washing Items Would You Need?
Get yourself sorted with these standard supplies before beginning to clean your shower curtain or liner:
- Dish soap
- White vinegar
- Towels made of cotton bleach
- Bucket, microfiber cloth, washing machine
How to Wash Your Shower Curtain in the Washing Machine?
For the majority of fabric, vinyl, and plastic curtains, cleaning your shower curtain is a simple process that can be completed in the laundry. Always read the care label for detailed washing instructions before beginning.
Supplies for washing machines:
- One or two towels for the bathroom
- Laundry soap and white vinegar
Follow the Instructions For Better Results
Step 01:
Remove all of the rings and separate the shower curtain or liner from the rod. Clean the rings separately in the sink by soaking them in hot, soapy water if they seem dirty.
Step 02:
Put the liner or shower curtain in the washing machine, where you can choose the highest water level and a mild cycle with warm water. It is advised to use a delicate or handwash cycle with a slow spin speed for plastic curtains. To help absorb dirt and balance the wash, include a couple of bath towels in the load.
Step 03:
Fill the machine with one cup of white vinegar and a tiny bit of laundry detergent. Any mold or mildew that may have grown on the curtain will be removed with the aid of the vinegar.
Step 04:
Shake out the curtain and hang it back on the shower rod to air dry after the wash cycle is finished. Vinyl or plastic curtains should always be air-dried, but certain types of fabric curtains can be tumble-dried on low heat. Before putting any fabric curtains in the dryer, consult the care label.
How to Hand Wash Your Shower Curtain?
Shower curtains that are made of synthetic materials that cannot be machine washed are the best candidates for hand washing, which can be a time-consuming procedure.
Hand washing a cotton curtain can be difficult and may not produce the best results, so if it can't be washed, it might be better to take it to a laundrette.
Supplies for hand washing:
- Washcloth, sponge, or gentle scrub brush
- A bucket that can accommodate the shower curtain
- Baking soda, dish soap or laundry detergent, and bleach (optional)
Follow the Instructions For Better Results
Step 01:
Remove all of the rings and separate the shower curtain or liner from the rod. Clean the rings separately by soaking them in hot, soapy water if they appear to be dirty.
Step 02:
Fill a bucket with enough water to completely submerge synthetic shower curtains that are not machine washable. If you decide to use bleach, soak the curtain for approximately five minutes, adding 1/4 cup for every gallon of water.
Step 03:
After removing the curtain from the bleach solution, give it a good rinse. After that, add a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent to the bucket of fresh water. Once more, immerse the curtain and allow it to soak for fifteen minutes – finally, use your sponge or cloth to scrub any stains, rinse well, and repeat as necessary.
Step 04:
After cleaning, hang the curtain back on the shower rod to air dry after shaking it out.
What To Do With a Moldy Shower Curtain?
The high humidity in bathrooms makes it easy for mold and mildew to grow on shower curtains.
To get rid of mold and mildew, our experts at Little Squiffy advise soaking the curtain in a diluted bleach solution if you see any. Bowen also suggests a homemade spray solution to address the problem.
Get Your Cleaning Solution Ready:
In a spray bottle, mix one part of water with two parts of hydrogen peroxide.
Spray The Molds Away:
Before rinsing the curtain, spray the mixture directly onto the moldy areas and let it sit for five to ten minutes.
Rinse, Scrub, And Dry:
To gently remove any lingering mold stains, make a paste with baking soda. After giving the curtain a thorough rinse with fresh water, hang it up to dry naturally.
Conclusion
It can make a big difference to include a quick cleaning of your shower curtain in your weekly chore list, especially if you have a curtain liner – minimizing soap scum accumulation, mildew, and mold can be successfully repelled with a straightforward vinegar solution spray, rinse, and wipe down.
At least once a month, try to give the outer shower curtain and the liner a more thorough wash in the washing machine for a more thorough clean.
Take a moment to clean the shower curtain rod and rings while you are taking down the curtains. Most cleaning should be done with a damp cloth, but any tough residue can be removed with an all-purpose cleaner made for the material.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to pick a shower curtain?
When selecting shower curtains, take into account the material, dimensions, water-repellent features, design, and ease of maintenance, which is why you need to buy a shower curtain that enhances your bathroom decor keeping it simple to clean and goes with your bathtub fits.
What temperature should you use to wash a shower curtain?
When cleaning a shower curtain, it’s best to use warm or cool water to avoid damaging the fabric or plastic liner. If you’re unsure, opt for a gentle cycle with a low temperature and slow spin speed.
