How to Clean Shower Curtains: By Hand or Machine

The shower is where you go to get clean. But that can only work out if the shower itself is clean. This includes the tub, the walls, the faucets, the shower head and of course, the shower curtain.

When was the last time you cleaned your shower curtain? If you’re struggling to remember, or know the answer is “never”, we’ll show you how to clean shower curtains. From now on, they’ll be sparkling clean, free of mold, dirt and bad odors.

Why Do Shower Curtains Get Moldy?

Most mold is caused by dampness and condensation. After your shower, if you don’t air out or thoroughly dry your shower curtain, it remains wet pretty much all day. This inevitably will lead to mold.

When it comes to preventing mold on shower curtains, our number one tip is to dry your curtain after every use. Instead of leaving it scrunched up after your shower, completely open out the shower curtain — like you would while you’re in the shower — and let it air dry.

How to Clean Shower Curtains in the Washing Machine

When it comes to washing your shower curtain, there are a few different methods. Firstly — how can you wash the curtains in the machine?

Let’s get into the cleaning method!

1. Remove and Place

Start by removing the shower curtain from the rail. Take off any metal hooks. Then place it into the washing machine. This works for a top or front loading machine.

2. Add Towels

Add two bath towels into the machine with the curtain. These will protect the shower curtain from getting tangled or torn. They agitate the material to remove dirt, grime and other areas of build-up.

Towels also cling to detergent better than plastic, so the towels will provide a deeper clean. Just make sure you’re using clean towels.

3. Add Detergent

Now it’s time for detergent. We recommend choosing a mild detergent, or distilled white vinegar. If using vinegar, add about one cup of distilled white vinegar to the detergent drawer or straight into the drum.

If using detergent, you should add ½ cup of baking soda along with it. This will help remove dirt, grime and kill bad odors.

4. Start the Cycle

For plastics, select the coldest water temperature, at 90°F maximum. For other materials, check the care label, but around 100°F should be fine if in doubt.

Use a gentle cycle to protect the curtain. If you don’t have a gentle cycle, use the hand-wash, wool or baby care cycle. Just make sure you’re able to select the specific temperature.

5. Hang to Dry

When the cycle is finished, hang the curtain back up to dry. Make sure it’s fully open so it gets good airflow. Tumble dry the towels as normal or wash them again.

Is It Safe to Wash a Plastic Shower Curtain in the Washing Machine?

If the care labels allow it, sure. You just need to take a few precautions. For one, don’t use fabric softener as this can damage the plastic.

Always use a low temperature and don’t tumble dry. Finally, add some towels to the wash for extra friction. Otherwise, the detergent won’t be able to grip onto the plastic curtain.

What Temperature Should I Wash My Shower Curtain?

We recommend washing it at a lower washing temperature. High heat can ruin or melt plastic, so we recommend 90°F maximum. If your curtain is made of a different material, check the care label instructions.

How to Clean Shower Curtains by Hand

If you aren’t able to use a machine, or the care label says hand-wash only, that’s great, too!

1. Dampen a cloth: Dampen a clean cloth in water.
2. Add baking soda: Then sprinkle some baking soda over the cloth. Baking soda is a good natural cleaner. It’s abrasive too, so it can remove dirt and grime.
3. Scrub: Use the cloth to scrub down the entire shower curtain. Do not focus on set in stains right now; just tackle the surface-level dirt.
4. Rinse: With a separate cloth, dampen it with warm water. Wash down the shower curtain to remove the baking soda solution. Add more water where necessary to remove all baking soda.
5. Repeat: Repeat the first three steps again, this time focusing on set-in stains. With the removal of surface-level dirt, this time around, it will be easier to get rid of tougher stains.
6. Rinse: Repeat step four, rinsing the shower curtain to remove the baking soda residue.
7. Air dry: Fully open the shower curtain and let it air dry. Turn on the extractor fan or open a window to aid this process.

How to Clean Shower Curtain Rings

Now let’s not forget the shower curtain rings — they can get dirty, too! This method works for plastic or metal rings, even if the rings are covered in rust.

1. Fill up a basin or sink with warm water and one cup of distilled white vinegar.
2. Soak the rings in the solution for a couple of hours.
3. Drain the water away and rinse the rings.
4. Use a brush to scrub off loose dirt and rust.
5. Rinse again.
6. Hang them back up.

FAQs

When Should I Replace My Shower Curtain?

If you stay on top of cleaning, and there are no signs of germs, mold and mildew, you can get away with rarely replacing the shower curtain. But if you don’t keep on top of cleaning it, and are noticing signs of mold and mildew, or general wear and tear, you should replace it.

In general, you should look to be replacing your shower curtain every year or so, depending on how grimy it is.

Does Bleach Kill Mold on Shower Curtain?

Sure thing! Bleach can kill mold, but it can also fade fabrics ⁽¹⁾. Check the shower curtain’s care label to see if it can take bleach. And keep in mind that if it’s not white, bleach may fade the fabric.

If using bleach, follow the packaging instructions for washing it. We recommend using a hot gentle cycle. You may need to do two rounds of washing to see results.

How Do You Clean a Shower Curtain Without Taking It Down?

You can follow our tips for hand-washing your shower curtain, as mentioned above. This is a super easy way to clean your shower curtain without taking it down!

Can Mold on Shower Curtains Make You Sick?

If you have allergies or asthma, there is a chance that the mold on your shower curtain is attributing to these reactions ⁽²⁾. But the likelihood, especially in a healthy person, is low ⁽³⁾. You’d have to deeply inhale the mold and mildew to notice any illness.

How Do You Keep a Shower Curtain from Getting Moldy?

We always think that preventing the problem is better, easier and more effective than fixing the problem. Here are our top tips to keep your shower curtain from gathering yucky mold:

• Keep it dry: After every shower, fully open the shower curtain to air dry. Turn on the extractor fan or open a window to help this process. Make sure everyone in the house is on board with this plan.
• Clean it regularly: You should aim to clean your shower curtain every two weeks, whether you’re machine washing it or hand-washing it.
• Spray it: Make a 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and water. Add some essential oils if you like. Spray the shower curtain and wipe it down. This can help prevent and kill mold. You can do this as often as you like — but once a week is a good shout!
• Hang it right: After your shower, open the shower curtain, ensuring that it’s hanging outside of the tub or shower. If not, the wet material will cling to the tub and not fully air dry. That’s why you may notice the bottom of the shower curtain is dirtier than the rest.
• Water-resistant: Make sure you buy a water-resistant shower curtain. Plastic is best, but if you go for cloth, make sure it comes with a shower line. We recommend avoiding silk or satin shower curtains. They’re fancy, but they’re not water-resistant.

Is it Better to Leave a Shower Curtain Open or Closed?

It is better to leave a shower curtain closed because mold and mildew can grow in the folds when you leave it open. It also helps the curtain to dry out.

No Mold

With our tips for cleaning your shower curtain, you don’t have to deal with nasty mold again! Simply wash your shower curtain once a month, whether that’s in the machine or by hand.

Prevent mold from growing by spraying the shower curtain with a distilled white vinegar solution. And last but not least, make sure you buy a water-resistant material, such as plastic.