You can safely assume that your shower is a place where hygiene is meant to be of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, the same can’t always be said for the shower curtain. Over time and with frequent use, shower curtains tend to be on the receiving end of grime, mildew and mold buildup. If you leave that curtain unattended, the scenario can quickly become a cause for concern.
You may not notice issues with your shower curtain early on, as mold and mildew tend to begin at the bottom edges. This is where plastic or fabric comes in direct contact with standing water. Over time, the evidence becomes visible on most of the curtain's surface and can lead to health issues with mold or safety concerns as mildew becomes slippery. Instead of letting frustration and grime build, put these six tips for cleaning a dirty shower curtain into action and eliminate the problem where it starts. These simple steps are a quick way to keep your shower curtain at its best in a space meant to uphold high standards of cleanliness.
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1. Tackle mildew with a vinegar spray
Mold and mildew are quick to find places to grow and expand on the surface of your shower curtain. Vinegar is an easy fix to removing these unsightly, unsafe bacteria. Fill a spray bottle half with water and half with distilled white vinegar. Spray the mix generously over the shower curtain and liner before scrubbing the surfaces clean with a soft brush or sponge. For more severe mold and mildew buildup, run the shower afterward to rinse away the solution. After the initial cleaning, give the shower curtain a spray after every use. The next shower will rinse away the mix.
Mold and mildew are quick to find places to grow and expand on the surface of your shower curtain. Vinegar is an easy fix to removing these unsightly, unsafe bacteria. Fill a spray bottle half with water and half with distilled white vinegar. Spray the mix generously over the shower curtain and liner before scrubbing the surfaces clean with a soft brush or sponge. For more severe mold and mildew buildup, run the shower afterward to rinse away the solution. After the initial cleaning, give the shower curtain a spray after every use. The next shower will rinse away the mix.
2. Use a squeegee for streaks and smudging
On many shower curtains, streaks on plastic become noticeable before mold appears. Keep a squeegee hanging from the showerhead as a reminder to do a quick wipe down of the shower curtain after each use. A squeegee efficiently whisks extra moisture away, reducing the chance for mildew and keeping streaks out of sight.
On many shower curtains, streaks on plastic become noticeable before mold appears. Keep a squeegee hanging from the showerhead as a reminder to do a quick wipe down of the shower curtain after each use. A squeegee efficiently whisks extra moisture away, reducing the chance for mildew and keeping streaks out of sight.
3. Let an OxiClean soak do the hard work
OxiClean is a good solution for removing stains from clothes and works just as well on both fabric and plastic shower curtains. Fill a bucket halfway with hot water and add a single scoop of OxiClean. Place your shower curtain and liner together in the bucket and allow them to soak overnight for best results. In the morning, hang the curtain and liner in the shower, stretch them open and allow them to air-dry.
OxiClean is a good solution for removing stains from clothes and works just as well on both fabric and plastic shower curtains. Fill a bucket halfway with hot water and add a single scoop of OxiClean. Place your shower curtain and liner together in the bucket and allow them to soak overnight for best results. In the morning, hang the curtain and liner in the shower, stretch them open and allow them to air-dry.
4. Wipe down the curtain rings
Perhaps even less noticeable than mildew buildup on the shower curtain is growth that can occur on the shower curtain rings. Grime and dirt on these small devices can spread down to the curtain over time. Stopping progress at the source is a smart step toward keeping a shower curtain cleaner for longer. If you have a bit of time to spare, remove the rings and wipe down each one with a traditional cleaning spray and a microfiber cloth. If time is of the essence, spraying a Lysol disinfectant on each ring will also do the trick.
Perhaps even less noticeable than mildew buildup on the shower curtain is growth that can occur on the shower curtain rings. Grime and dirt on these small devices can spread down to the curtain over time. Stopping progress at the source is a smart step toward keeping a shower curtain cleaner for longer. If you have a bit of time to spare, remove the rings and wipe down each one with a traditional cleaning spray and a microfiber cloth. If time is of the essence, spraying a Lysol disinfectant on each ring will also do the trick.
5. When in doubt turn to the washing machine
In the age of modern shower curtains and liners, most products are designed to be machine washable. When daily cleaning isn’t realistic, simply run your shower curtain and liner through a gentle wash cycle once a month along with a collection of dish towels to protect the curtain fabric. There’s no need to dry the curtain or liner once the cycle is complete. Hang them up and allow them to air-dry stretched open for fresh and clean results.
In the age of modern shower curtains and liners, most products are designed to be machine washable. When daily cleaning isn’t realistic, simply run your shower curtain and liner through a gentle wash cycle once a month along with a collection of dish towels to protect the curtain fabric. There’s no need to dry the curtain or liner once the cycle is complete. Hang them up and allow them to air-dry stretched open for fresh and clean results.
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6. Apply a water-repellent coating
Moisture that remains for extended periods of time on a shower curtain is often the primary culprit in the development of mildew, mold and grime. An easy fix is to spray down the shower curtain with a water repellent such as Rain-X once every few months. A thin coat of this repellent is enough to keep water rolling away during and after your shower.
Moisture that remains for extended periods of time on a shower curtain is often the primary culprit in the development of mildew, mold and grime. An easy fix is to spray down the shower curtain with a water repellent such as Rain-X once every few months. A thin coat of this repellent is enough to keep water rolling away during and after your shower.