Given all the humidity, shampoo, and conditioner your shower curtain and liner are exposed to day in and day out, it doesn’t take much for mildew, water stains, and soap scum to accumulate on them. Not only is mildew unsightly, it and other molds can cause health problems for those sensitive to the fungi, according to the .
While it might be easier to throw away that old shower liner and curtain and replace them with a new set, a more eco-friendly solution is to clean the curtains and keep them in service.
How to wash a shower curtain and liner can be as simple as cleaning them while they hang on the rod, or removing them and letting your washing machine do the dirty work.
We tapped home cleaning experts Marla Mock, president of international cleaning company , and James King, operations manager at Indianapolis-based , to help us determine which methods and cleaning products work best for cleaning a shower curtain.
King suggests cleaning a shower curtain and liner a few times a month. “Aim to freshen up your shower curtain and liner every 2 to 3 weeks,” he says. “But if there are stains or mold, immediately wash it,” he adds.
Mock stresses the importance of using a bathroom fan during and after showers to keep your shower curtain clean. “It’s essential to keep your bathroom clean, dry, and well ventilated to extend the time between cleanings,” she says.
Cleaning a shower curtain and liner involves mixing cleaning products, which can be potentially dangerous. With this in mind, take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
If you are cleaning by hand, always wear long rubber gloves and eye protection, and make sure the bathroom is well ventilated by turning on the exhaust fan or opening a window.
Mock also cautions against combining and bleach when creating cleaning solutions, as doing so will create a dangerous toxic gas.
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You can perform a quick cleaning while the shower curtain is on the rod or conduct a more thorough laundering by removing the curtain and hand-washing it or throwing it in the washing machine.
If your shower curtain isn’t machine washable, you’ll have to hand-wash it.
King says the easiest way to do that is to wash it right in the tub.
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There are two options for cleaning your shower liner: You can throw a plastic or machine-safe fabric liner into the washing machine or, if you’re short on time, leave it on the rod and clean it by hand.
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Don’t forget the curtain ring or hooks when you’re cleaning curtains since they, too, can be havens for mold and corrosion.
How to clean a shower curtain includes a few tips on what to avoid when cleaning curtains and liners. Never put your shower curtain in the washing machine with the hook rings still attached, as it could damage the curtain. Mock also cautions against putting plastic shower liners in the dryer; the heat will damage them.
