Although shower curtains are a very practical decorative element and a protective element for your shower, over time and with use they become worn, stained, and sometimes develop an unpleasant odor. Therefore, knowing the proper way of how to clean the shower curtain will keep them clean and shiny for longer.
Sometimes, mold and yellowing stains are unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean you need to replace the curtain too soon. You just need to learn how to wash the shower curtain the right way to extend its lifespan. Wondering exactly how do you wash a shower curtain? Yorleny’s Cleaning Services, the home cleaning specialists, explains how.
Why Shower Curtains Get Dirty and Smelly
The bathroom is one of the rooms in the house where the most moisture and heat are generated, making it the ideal breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. Shower curtains and liners are constantly exposed to water, soap, hair, and more, so knowing how to clean the shower curtain regularly is essential.
Common Issues: Soap Scum, Mildew, and Hard Water Stains
Shower curtains become dirty and smelly primarily due to the buildup of soap scum, mold, and hard water stains. The constant humidity encourages bacteria and mildew, which can result in health risks and stubborn stains. Learning how to clean shower curtain liner properly is key to avoiding these issues.
Fabric vs. Plastic Curtains: What Gets Dirty Faster?
Fabric curtains often get dirtier faster than plastic ones because they absorb moisture and grime more easily. Still, both types require consistent care. Whether you’re figuring out how to clean the shower curtain, choosing the right method makes a difference.
Plastic shower curtains are popular because they are water-resistant and easy to clean. However, if not properly cared for, they can become moldy.
What You’ll Need to Clean a Shower Curtain or Liner
There are multiple ways to clean shower curtain materials, depending on whether they’re plastic or fabric. Whether you use a washing machine or prefer hand washing, having the right supplies on hand is essential.
Natural Options: Vinegar, Baking Soda, Lemon Juice
Depending on the size and type of stain, one product or another will be more suitable. What do I need to wash shower curtains? These natural options are excellent for those looking to learn how to clean the shower curtain without harsh chemicals.
- Baking soda.
- Lemon.
- White vinegar.
- Soap.
- Bleach.
- Salt.
Recommended Products for Fabric and Plastic Materials
A washing machine with laundry detergent or a vinegar-water solution can be used to clean fabric shower curtains. For plastic or vinyl curtains, use a light detergent with a soft brush or sponge, or a solution of white vinegar and water. Baking soda paste or bleach solutions can be used to remove stubborn stains, mold, or mildew, but make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.
These methods work for both how to wash shower liner and how to sanitize fabric curtains.
Can You Wash a Shower Curtain in the Washing Machine?
Yes, you can wash most shower curtains in the washing machine, especially if they’re made of fabric or heavy-duty vinyl. However, it’s important to follow some recommendations to ensure they’re cleaned properly and without damage.
Ideal Cycle Settings and Detergents
Before putting the curtain in the washing machine, be sure to remove the rings or clips that hold it to the shower rail. This is one of the first steps in learning how to clean the shower curtain properly.
Use a gentle or delicate wash cycle to avoid damage. Try to wash the curtain in warm or cold water, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use a mild detergent, and if there are stains, you can add a little baking soda to the wash. Knowing how to clean the shower curtain includes using the right products to eliminate buildup without harming the material. Do not spin the curtain, as this could damage it.
Once washed, lay the curtain out to air dry, preferably in the shade.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Fabric or Plastic Shower Curtain
Step 1: Soak the Curtain
Before you wash it, start by soaking the curtain in warm water and mild detergent. This helps loosen dirt and prepare it for a deeper clean. If you’re wondering how to clean the shower curtain thoroughly, this step is crucial—especially for mold-prone areas.
Soak them as long as possible. Ideally, leave them overnight to loosen dirt. To remove mildew and general dirt that forms in the seams or edges, you can use an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush.
Step 2: Choose Washing Method (Machine or Hand Wash)
After the soaking time is over, you have two options: wash it by hand or put it in the washing machine. If you wash it by hand, rub the fabric gently and rinse with plenty of water until the soap is completely removed.
If the curtain is machine-washable, add a couple of towels to the wash; their thickness and abrasive texture help cushion the wash and remove dirt. As always, before washing, read the instructions carefully. This step is effective whether you’re figuring out how to clean the shower curtain fabric or a plastic liner.
Step 3: Rinse, Dry, and Reinstall
Whether it’s fabric or plastic, it’s best to avoid the dryer. To dry them, the best option is to hang them outdoors.
If you want to eliminate odors or disinfect the curtain, add a little vinegar during the wash or final rinse (this applies to both hand washing and machine washing).
How to Clean a Plastic or Clear Shower Liner Without Damage
To clean a plastic or clear shower liner without damaging it, use a mild solution of mild soap and water and a soft sponge. Avoid abrasive products, such as harsh bathroom cleaners, which can scratch the surface.
Gentle Scrubbing for Vinyl or PVC Materials
To avoid damaging vinyl or plastic curtains, clean them gently. Scrub the curtain with a fine-bristled brush to work on any stubborn stains. This is the best way on how to clean the shower curtain made of vinyl and plastic.
How to Remove Mold, Mildew, and Odors
And how do you clean shower curtains to get rid of mold? There are several effective options when learning how to clean the shower curtain:
Treating Tough Stains with Natural or Store-Bought Products
Natural Products
If you’re wondering how to clean the shower curtain using eco-friendly methods, natural products like white vinegar, baking soda, borax, or lemon can effectively remove mold, mildew, and odors, depending on the curtain material and the desired level of cleanliness..
Baking soda:
Mix this product with hot water and put it in the washing machine drawer. Use your regular wash cycle and put your shower curtains in. If your towels are plastic, scrub the mixture into the curtain with a brush. This is a simple, natural method for how to clean the shower curtain and eliminate mold and unpleasant odors.
White vinegar.
Put this product in the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine and use your regular wash cycle. You can also spray it directly on the curtain to prolong the clean feeling and prevent the growth of bacteria and rust.
Lemon.
Juice lemons and hot water in a container and put the curtain inside. Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes and wash the curtain, either by hand or machine. If the stain is large, scrub with a brush.
Store-Bought Products
Another option for how to clean the shower curtain is to use store-bought cleaners specifically designed to tackle tough stains. These products can address mold, mildew, hard water stains, and soap scum with ease.
To effectively clean shower curtains with store-bought products, consider using a bleach-based cleaner for mildew and mold, a hard water stain remover for calcium and lime deposits, or a general-purpose bathroom cleaner for soap scum and dirt. For fabric curtains, laundry detergent and stain removers can be used.
Specific Product Recommendations:
- Bleach-Based Cleaners: Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover with Bleach, CLR Mold & Mildew Clear Stain Remover.
- Hard Water Stain Removers: CLR’s Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover.
- General-Purpose Bathroom Cleaners: Clorox Bathroom Ultra Foamer, Stardrops The Pink Stuff Miracle Bathroom Foam Cleaner.
- Laundry Detergents and Stain Removers: OxiClean stain removers can be used to remove spots on fabric curtains.
- For Plastic Liners: Liquid dish soap, baking soda, and bleach can be used to clean plastic liners.
How Often Should You Wash or Replace Your Shower Curtain?
In general, it’s recommended to wash your shower curtain at least once a month and consider replacing it every six months or when you notice wear. If the curtain becomes dirty or moldy more quickly, you might want to wash it more frequently. Keeping a regular schedule is an essential part of knowing how to clean the shower curtain and maintain a mold-free bathroom.
Monthly Maintenance Tips
- Wipe the shower curtain with a damp cloth after each shower to prevent residue buildup.
- Remove the curtain from the shower rod and wash it regularly to keep it clean and fresh.
- If the shower curtain has a plastic lining, it can also be machine-washed.
- For persistent mold, use antimicrobial products specifically designed for bathrooms or consider a mold-resistant shower curtain.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Curtain or Liner
Shower curtains and liners can deteriorate over time, showing signs that it’s time to replace them. These signs include mold or soap buildup, unpleasant odors, tears, changes in texture or color, and persistent leaks or drips.
When to Hire a Professional Cleaning Service in Florida
Stubborn Mold or Odor Issues
If you’ve tried every method on how to clean the shower curtain but mold, mildew, or unpleasant odors keep coming back, it may be time to call in the professionals. Persistent stains and smells could be a sign of deeper moisture issues or buildup that DIY methods can’t fully resolve. A thorough cleaning from experienced professionals can restore freshness to your bathroom and give you peace of mind.
Why Yorleny’s Cleaning Service Is a Trusted Local Option
At Yorleny’s Cleaning Service, we specialize in more than just surface-level solutions. We offer deep, detailed home cleaning services across Florida—perfect for tackling those hard-to-clean spaces like shower curtains, liners, and bathrooms prone to mold. Our team uses safe, effective techniques to eliminate odors and grime, leaving your space spotless and sanitized.
Still unsure how to clean the shower curtain properly—or just don’t have the time? Let us help! Contact Yorleny’s Cleaning Service today for a free estimate and see why so many homeowners in Florida trust us to keep their homes fresh and healthy.
FAQ: Shower Curtain and Liner Cleaning
How do I clean a clear plastic shower curtain?
If you’re wondering how to clean the shower curtain when it’s made of clear plastic, you can do it either by hand or in the washing machine. When washing in the washer, use a moderate cycle, mild detergent, and a couple of towels to help scrub away grime. To hand wash, soak the curtain in warm water with detergent, then gently scrub with a soft brush or sponge. You can also substitute vinegar or baking soda for detergent for a more natural approach.
Can I wash the liner and curtain together?
Yes, when learning how to clean the shower curtain, you’ll be glad to know that you can usually wash a fabric shower curtain and a plastic or vinyl shower liner together in the washing machine. Just be cautious and use a gentle cycle to avoid damaging either item.
What’s the safest way to remove mildew?
Part of understanding how to clean the shower curtain is knowing how to safely tackle mildew. A mixture of white vinegar and water is an effective and natural disinfectant that can be used on mildewed surfaces, including shower curtains. Use a brush or cloth to scrub away stubborn spots.
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