The Dirty Truth About Shower Curtains

Confession time: I used to be one of those people who would just toss my plastic shower curtain liner whenever it started looking a little rough around the edges. I mean, who has time to deal with all that soap scum and mildew buildup, right? Just buy a new one and call it a day.

Well, let me tell you, that habit was really starting to add up – both financially and environmentally. So, I decided to figure out the best way to clean a shower curtain and give that trusty liner a new lease on life. And let me tell you, it’s way easier than you might think. [1]

Cleaning the Liner

The first step is to tackle that plastic shower curtain liner. These tend to be the dirtiest part of the whole ensemble, what with all the direct exposure to soap, water, and humidity. But no need to replace them – they can definitely be salvaged with a little elbow grease.

The easiest way to clean a plastic shower curtain liner is to just toss it in the washing machine. Yep, that’s right – no hand-scrubbing required! Just remove it from the rod, give it a quick shake to dislodge any loose debris, and pop it in the wash. [2]

I like to add a couple of old towels to the load as well. They’ll help agitate the liner and scrub off any stubborn soap scum. And for an extra disinfecting boost, you can throw in a half-cup of bleach or color-safe bleach. Just be sure to check the care label first and adjust the water temperature accordingly. [3]

Once the cycle is done, all you have to do is hang that liner back up and let it air dry. Easy peasy! If you notice any lingering spots, you can always give it a quick hand-wash in the tub with some warm water and a mild detergent. [4]

Tackling the Fabric Curtain

Now, the fabric shower curtain itself is a bit more delicate, but still totally washable. The key is to use a gentle cycle and avoid the dryer.

Start by taking the whole thing down from the rod and removing any rings or hooks. Then, just toss it in the washing machine with a small amount of gentle detergent. I like to add a couple of old towels to the load to help keep everything balanced. [2]

When the cycle is done, shake out the curtain and hang it back up to air dry. Some fabric curtains can go in the dryer on low heat, but I always play it safe and let mine air dry. The last thing you want is for that pretty pattern to get all wonky and misshapen. [5]

Pro tip: If your fabric curtain is particularly grimy, you can try giving it a quick pre-soak in the bathtub with some warm water and a bit of laundry detergent or dish soap. Just let it soak for 30 minutes or so before tossing it in the wash. [6]

Maintaining Cleanliness

Okay, so you’ve gotten your shower curtain and liner all sparkly clean – now what? The key is to stay on top of it and do a quick refresh every month or so. [7]

For the liner, I like to give it a quick spray-down with a vinegar and water solution after every shower. The vinegar helps break down any lingering soap scum and mildew. Just spritz it on, give it a quick rinse, and you’re good to go. [1]

As for the fabric curtain, a monthly wash should do the trick to keep it looking fresh. But in between, you can give it a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or grime that’s built up. [5]

And don’t forget about those shower curtain rings! They can get pretty gunky too. Give them a soak in some hot soapy water every now and then to keep them looking their best. [2]

The Bottom Line

Keeping your shower curtain and liner clean doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little bit of regular maintenance, you can keep them looking (and smelling) fresh for years to come. No more tossing and replacing – just a quick wash here and there, and you’re good to go.

So, the next time you notice that dreaded soap scum creeping up the sides, don’t panic. Grab your cleaning supplies, roll up your sleeves, and get to work. Trust me, your wallet and the environment will thank you.

References

[1] Knowledge from https://www.reddit.com/r/CleaningTips/comments/rdf2mz/any_tips_on_the_best_way_to_clean_a_plastic/

[2] Knowledge from https://www.marthastewart.com/8102520/how-clean-shower-curtain-liner

[3] Knowledge from https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-shower-curtains/

[4] Knowledge from https://www.reddit.com/r/CleaningTips/comments/123nn6r/how_do_i_get_my_shower_curtain_white_again/

[5] Knowledge from https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-shower-curtain/

[6] Knowledge from https://www.queenofthehousehold.com/how-to-clean-a-plastic-shower-curtain/

[7] Knowledge from https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/how-to-wash-shower-curtains.html

[8] Knowledge from https://www.quora.com/Do-you-wash-your-shower-curtains-or-do-you-buy-new-ones