Knowing how to clean a shower curtain can save you the hassle and costs of buying a new one – not to mention it’s the most sustainable thing to do. With regular use, stains can quickly develop on shower curtains and liners, resulting in a blackish-orange discoloration and foul odor.
These stains form because the shower curtain is regularly exposed to soap scum as well as damp and humid weather, which can lead to mold, mildew, and even limescale. The good news is that you don’t have to throw it in the trash just because it’s made of plastic. It is already possible to clean the shower curtain; In fact it might be less effort than having to Descaling glass shower door. Here, we take you through 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 washable or hand wash only.
How to clean a shower curtain if it is machine washable
What will you need
towels
Laundry Detergent
baking soda
Distilled white vinegar (optional)
bleach (optional)
microfiber cloth
1. Loading the washing machine – Remove the shower curtain and liner from the hooks and place in the 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. Bulk loading – Add some towels to the load to settle the weight – this will stop you washing machine from vibration. Scraping off the extra towels will also help remove the stain.
3. Add the usual detergent – Biological cleaners are best if you’re dealing with heavy stains, along with ½ cup of baking soda. You can also add ½ cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra cleaning power. (This is why baking soda and vinegar are so effective at cleaning.)
If you’re dealing with a lot of mold, you can instead add ½ cup of bleach and reduce the detergent to about ½ cup. Bleach is very effective on mold, but your curtains should be either white or sheer to avoid damage.
4. Wash the shower curtain – Run a gentle cycle using the highest temperature allowed on the care label (this will likely be cold if you are washing the plastic and hot if you are washing a fabric shower curtain).
There’s no need to spin at the end if you’re washing a plastic shower curtain, as it won’t retain water, although you’ll want to spin the towels separately.
If your shower curtain is made of a soft fabric, such as cotton, follow the care label for the recommended spin cycle.
5. Dry the shower curtain – Discard the shower curtain and liner and re-hang to dry. Remember to let it dry in an open, open position. If you are washing a fabric shower curtain, you can tumble dry it to speed up the process; Check the care label for guidance.
How to clean a shower curtain by hand
1. Use a damp microfiber cloth – If you are dealing with light stains, you should be able to remove them with a damp microfiber cloth, sprinkled with a little baking soda.
2. Start cleaning – Scrub the stains to remove them gradually, then rinse the shower curtain with a damp microfiber cloth.
3. Repeat and dry – Repeat if necessary and leave hanging to dry, or tumble dry if care label allows.
If you’re dealing with particularly tough stains, you can also hand wash your shower curtain in a bathtub filled with warm water, ½ cup of baking soda, and a few drops of detergent. Scrub with a microfiber cloth, rinse and hang to dry. If you are using this method on a fabric shower curtain, be sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible before drying.
And that’s it: Your shower curtain should look as clean as the day you bought it. Remember that stains can always be removed – you don’t need to buy a new shower curtain unless it is damaged.
How to clean shower curtain rings
Since your shower curtain is off, why not take the time to clean the grommets? Moisture can cause stains to appear on these as well.
Fill a sink with warm water and add a cup of distilled white vinegar. Then remove the rings and let them sit in the solution while you wash the curtain. Once the time is up, rinse the rings and rub them with a microfiber cloth and you are done.
How often should I wash the shower curtain?
Ideally, you should clean your plastic shower curtain or liner every 1-2 months, although this varies depending on the traffic in your bathroom and how well it is ventilated. Fabric shower curtains will need to be cleaned less regularly. If you notice stains or start to smell, they need to be cleaned.
How can I prevent a moldy shower curtain?
- Leave your bathroom for air after every shower by opening doors and windows.
- You should also lay the shower curtain on the rail to dry, rather than leave it bunched up.
- One of the The best dehumidifiers It can also help keep humidity levels low in your bathroom.
- If you want to prevent mildew, you can also spray a plastic shower curtain with a solution of distilled white vinegar and water daily.
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 clogged shower drain, and how to 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 house.
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