Most people like a warm shower, almost as much as bacteria and molds like a warm shower curtain. A shower curtain’s warm and humid environment makes it a challenge to keep it clean, but it can be done. Use our tips to get clean shower curtains.
Plastic Shower Curtains
How to Clean:
You can wash plastic curtains in the washing machine! Just remove the curtain from the shower rod and place it in the machine. Use a gentle cycle, your favorite detergent, and a cup of baking soda.
How to Dry:
Do not dry a plastic shower curtain in the dryer. The heat will deform and melt the curtain. Instead, hang the shower curtain up somewhere: a clothesline, drying rack, or even back on the curtain rod. Speed up the drying process by wiping down the curtain with a dry cloth before hanging it up.
Cloth Shower Curtains
How to Clean:
You can also machine wash cloth shower curtains. Use the method described above. You can also use a 1/2 cup of borax instead of the baking soda, if you choose.
How to Dry:
Although it’s cloth, it still isn’t a good idea to dry this curtain in the dryer. The heat might shrink it. Hang it up to dry like you would the plastic curtain. If your shower curtain is wrinkled from being washed, you can iron it. Just use a low setting and only iron the curtain after it has completely dried.
Shower Curtain Liner
How to Clean:
This will be the same process as cleaning the plastic shower curtain. Some liners have magnets on their bottom edge to help them better stick to the tub and prevent water from escaping. If your liner has magnets, it’s still okay to put it in the washer.
How to Dry:
This probably doesn’t come as a surprise: it is not okay to put a shower liner in the dryer. It will melt onto the inside of your dryer. Hang this guy up instead.
Shower Curtain Rings
While you’re cleaning your curtain, you might as well clean the curtain rings, too. Place them in a sink full of soapy water and let them soak. If they have build-up on them, scrub them with a toothbrush. Rinse the curtain rings and replace.
Getting Clean Shower Curtains is Easy!
These are simple ways to clean your shower curtains and remove any mold growth. Check on your shower curtains often and clean them a few times a year or when they’re obviously dirty.